How to Connect a Syringe to HPLC Tubing

The need to connect a syringe to your LC pump to pull mobile phase through for priming (among other applications) is fairly common. We’ve seen some creative ways that people in the laboratory have connected their syringes into the system to accomplish this. Thankfully, we have several standard products specifically designed to connect syringes to tubing so you don’t need to spend time “MacGyvering” your connection. Luer lock fittings and adapters are some of the simplest fittings we offer, and we have options in various materials such as stainless steel and polymeric versions.

"We have several standard products specifically designed to connect syringes to tubing so you don’t need to spend time “MacGyvering” your connection"

Connecting a Syringe to your Pump

If priming a pump using a male luer syringe (which you can most likely find already in your lab), we offer a female luer adapter that connects directly into a high-pressure 10-32 port.

For ease of use, some customers prefer a plastic version. Our most popular polymeric female luer adapter works just like the adapter shown above, going from a luer connection to a 10-32 port.

What About Connecting to Tubing?

Some labs connect their syringe directly into a high-pressure port, but we also see applications where our customers would prefer to connect a syringe to a piece of flexible tubing. Again, I’ll make the assumption that you have male luer syringes lying around in the lab.

Option one is to connect your syringe to 1/8” tubing by using a female luer adapter with a ¼-28 end. The ¼-28 end can be connected to a union made for 1/8” tubing, which will have ¼-28 ports on each end. The unused port of the union is where you can connect the 1/8” tubing. Below are pictures and part numbers to reference:

If 1/16” tubing is preferred, our solution is similar to the option above, but instead of a union with fittings for 1/8” tubing, use a union that has fittings for 1/16” tubing (simple, right?). See below for part numbers:

What Other Luer Lock Options Do You Offer?

We’ve also come across a few instances where individuals need to connect tubing to something with a female luer. In this case, we have a male luer adapter to a female ¼-28 adapter. This can be used to connect tubing with the fittings shown below:

If you have any questions about luer connections, or any other HPLC fittings and connections, please reach out to our support team at any time. Chrom Tech is happy to work with you find a solution to your chromatography needs.