A syringe filter (10, 100) containing a filter membrane (16, 106), comprising: an inlet portion (12, 102) having a first fluid distribution surface (32, 122) having a first perimetric edge (70, 160) and an inlet port (36, 126) in fluid communication with the first fluid distribution surface; a first plurality of distribution pathways (34, 124) formed on the first fluid distribution surface, the first plurality of distribution pathways configured to direct fluid flow from the inlet port toward the first perimetric edge of the first fluid distribution surface; an outlet portion (14, 104) having a second fluid distribution surface (60, 150) having a second perimetric edge (72,162) and an outlet port (52, 142) in fluid communication with the second fluid distribution surface; a second plurality of distribution pathways (62, 152) formed on the second fluid distribution surface (60, 150), the second plurality of distribution pathways (62, 150) configured to direct fluid flow from the second perimetric edge of the second fluid distribution surface (60, 15) to the outlet port (52, 142); wherein the membrane (16, 106) is positioned between and supported by the first and second fluid distribution surfaces, the membrane (16, 106) being configured to remove at least one particulate from a fluid moving from the first fluid distribution surface (32, 122), across the membrane (16, 106), to the second fluid distribution surface (60, 150); a membrane securement ring (48, 138) on at least one of the first and second fluid distribution surfaces, the membrane securement ring configured to engage the membrane when the membrane is positioned between the first and second fluid distribution surfaces and to form a fluid tight seal between the membrane and the first and second fluid distribution surfaces; and a membrane securement groove (46, 136) on the other of the first and second fluid distribution surfaces and aligned with the membrane securement ring, the membrane securement groove configured to receive the membrane securement ring when the membrane securement ring forms the fluid tight seal between the membrane and the first and second fluid distribution surfaces, wherein the first and second fluid distribution surfaces are configured to be positioned adjacent opposing sides of the membrane, and further wherein the outlet port (54, 142) includes a centrally positioned membrane support (59, 149) and at least one fluid communicating pathway (58, 148) extending through the centrally-positioned membrane support. an inlet portion (12, 102) having a first fluid distribution surface (32, 122) having a first perimetric edge (70, 160) and an inlet port (36, 126) in fluid communication with the first fluid distribution surface; a first plurality of distribution pathways (34, 124) formed on the first fluid distribution surface, the first plurality of distribution pathways configured to direct fluid flow from the inlet port toward the first perimetric edge of the first fluid distribution surface; an outlet portion (14, 104) having a second fluid distribution surface (60, 150) having a second perimetric edge (72,162) and an outlet port (52, 142) in fluid communication with the second fluid distribution surface; a second plurality of distribution pathways (62, 152) formed on the second fluid distribution surface (60, 150), the second plurality of distribution pathways (62, 150) configured to direct fluid flow from the second perimetric edge of the second fluid distribution surface (60, 15) to the outlet port (52, 142); wherein the membrane (16, 106) is positioned between and supported by the first and second fluid distribution surfaces, the membrane (16, 106) being configured to remove at least one particulate from a fluid moving from the first fluid distribution surface (32, 122), across the membrane (16, 106), to the second fluid distribution surface (60, 150); a membrane securement ring (48, 138) on at least one of the first and second fluid distribution surfaces, the membrane securement ring configured to engage the membrane when the membrane is positioned between the first and second fluid distribution surfaces and to form a fluid tight seal between the membrane and the first and second fluid distribution surfaces; and a membrane securement groove (46, 136) on the other of the first and second fluid distribution surfaces and aligned with the membrane securement ring, the membrane securement groove configured to receive the membrane securement ring when the membrane securement ring forms the fluid tight seal between the membrane and the first and second fluid distribution surfaces, wherein the first and second fluid distribution surfaces are configured to be positioned adjacent opposing sides of the membrane, and further wherein the outlet port (54, 142) includes a centrally positioned membrane support (59, 149) and at least one fluid communicating pathway (58, 148) extending through the centrally-positioned membrane support.