Mar 12, 2018 · Sterile applications, whether liquid or air, usually require a sterile-grade liquid filter rated at 0.2 micron. The market offers filters "rated" much lower, such as 0.01 micron, but 0.2 micron is the most penetrating particle size and the point of lowest efficiency. Be sure to confirm the supplier has had its filters independently tested and qualified as a sterile filtrate, according to ASTM F-838 05.