This popular grade offers finer particle retention and higher flow rate than traditional analytical filter papers. Ahlstrom 161 is used in general laboratory applications, cell harvesting, liquid scintillation counting, and in the monitoring of air and water pollution. Ahlstrom 161 is generally recommended for water pollution monitoring techniques for total suspended solids.

Standard glass microfiber filters contain no binders or other additives that may cause interference to sensitive enzymatic or other chemical reactions. The unique characteristics of glass microfiber filters make its use particularly advantageous to laboratory filtration by enabling fast filtration of large volumes and difficult solutions without premature clogging.