A disposable integral filter unit 10--suitable for the primary and/or secondary clarification of pharmaceutical fluids--is disclosed. The disposable integral filter unit has an inlet 40 and an outlet 60, and comprises a plurality of filter plates 20n interposed between a pair of end plates 24, 26. Each said filter plate 20n comprises a polymeric framework 28 with a deep gradient filter packet 35 embedded therein. The filter plates and end plates form in the aggregate a substantially fixed integral stack, wherein fluid entering the disposable integral filter unit 10 through said inlet 40 passes the deep gradient filter packet 35 of each filter plate 20n substantially contemporaneously (i.e., in "parallel") prior to exiting said unit 10 through said outlet 60.