The present invention provides an underdrain having an improved spout. The
underdrain has particular utility in the construction of both single-well
and microarray filtration devices. In a principal embodiment, the
underdrain is characterized by its incorporation of a straight-walled,
roughly-textured spout, the spout being provided with microhole(s) at a
terminal end thereof for the discharge of fluid conducted through the
underdrain. An array comprising several of such underdrains can be mated
with a corresponding array of wells, with separation material (e.g.,
membrane material) provided therebetween. The resultant microarray
filtration device can be used for conducting several fluid assays
contemporaneously with, for example, good "pendant drop" control and low
"cross-talk".