Some Tips on Pipette Tips
Find the Perfect Match
The performance of a pipette is related to its tip and we can help you find one that fits perfectly.
Universal pipette tips are specifically engineered to fit a wide range of pipettes from popular brands. These tips are often produced under aseptic conditions, offering various levels of sterility to suit different laboratory needs. Available in multiple formats including racked, racked sterile, bulk pack, and refill versions, they cater to diverse preferences.
Universal pipette tips are renowned for their excellent performance across various applications, making them a reliable choice for general laboratory tasks. They are ideal when specific pipette requirements or specialized needs are not essential. Embracing these tips can streamline pipetting procedures, as they eliminate the necessity for specific tip models and provide a seamless fit on most pipettes. With their versatility and consistent quality, universal pipette tips are a convenient and effective solution for everyday pipetting tasks in the lab.
Sterile filter tips are the perfect solution when aiming to minimize the risk of cross-contamination in the laboratory. Equipped with a small, built-in filter, these tips effectively block aerosols and prevent contamination of the pipette during sensitive assays like PCR or when handling microbiological samples.
The filter acts as a barrier, safeguarding both the pipette and the samples from potential contaminants, ensuring the integrity of results and maintaining the purity of precious biological materials. By using filter tips, researchers can have greater confidence in the accuracy and reliability of their experiments, especially when working with minute quantities of sensitive substances.
For laboratories working with critical applications that demand exceptional contamination control, filter tips offer an essential line of defense against unwanted interference, making them an indispensable tool for maintaining the integrity and reproducibility of experimental data.
Extended length tips are a valuable asset in the laboratory, much like filter tips, as they play a crucial role in minimizing the risk of pipette contamination. With their additional length, these tips enable scientists to reach the bottom of various liquid vessels while maintaining the pipette's cleanliness and preventing accidental contact between the pipette and the vessel's contents.
The extended reach of these tips ensures complete retrieval of liquids from deep containers, avoiding any residual sample left behind that could lead to cross-contamination or inaccurate results. By keeping the pipette shaft protected from contact with the liquid, extended length tips reduce the chances of sample carry-over and maintain the integrity of sensitive experiments.
Scientists and researchers benefit from extended length tips when working with delicate or precious samples, as they provide a reliable safeguard against pipette contamination and contribute to the accuracy and reproducibility of experimental outcomes.
Low retention tips are specifically designed with an extra-hydrophobic construction material, making them highly effective for preventing sample loss during pipetting. The unique surface properties of these tips ensure that liquids do not adhere to the tip's inner walls, minimizing any residual sample retention.
With low retention tips, scientists can work confidently, knowing that precious samples and reagents are not wasted or left behind in the tip after pipetting. The reduced sample loss also improves the accuracy and precision of pipetting, critical for obtaining reliable and consistent experimental results.
These tips are particularly beneficial when working with small volumes or expensive reagents, as they contribute to significant cost savings and conserve limited resources. Overall, the superior liquid-repellent properties of low retention tips make them an essential tool in the laboratory, enhancing pipetting efficiency, and ensuring valuable samples and reagents are optimally utilized.
While many pipettes and tips are interchangeable, some are specifically designed to work together as cohesive pipetting systems. These systems offer several advantages, including optimal performance and enhanced pipette durability.
By using pipetting systems tailored to your pipette, you can ensure the best possible results in your experiments. The compatibility between the pipette and its designated tips maximizes accuracy, precision, and reproducibility during liquid handling tasks.
Moreover, utilizing the right pipetting system protects your pipette from potential damage caused by improper tip usage. It ensures a proper fit and reduces the risk of tip ejection issues, preventing premature wear and tear of essential components.
The Fisher Scientific channel offers a range of pipetting systems, available as complete kits or individual components. Whether you are looking for a comprehensive solution or specific parts, these systems offer an efficient and reliable approach to optimizing your pipetting processes.
Are pipette tips universal?
Pipette tips are not universally compatible with all pipettes. While many pipette tips are designed to fit a wide range of pipette brands and models, they are not truly "universal" in the sense that they can fit every pipette available on the market.
The compatibility of pipette tips with specific pipette models depends on factors such as tip size, tip type (filtered, low retention etc.), and the design of the pipette's tip cone. Some pipette manufacturers have their proprietary tip designs that may not be compatible with tips from other brands.
To ensure proper fit and performance, it is essential to use pipette tips that are specifically designed for the corresponding pipette model. Using the correct tips helps maintain accurate and precise liquid handling, reduces the risk of sample loss or contamination, and ensures the longevity of both the pipette and the tips.
While universal pipette tips with broader compatibility are available, it is crucial to check the compatibility information provided by the tip manufacturer and the pipette manufacturer to confirm that the tips are suitable for your specific pipette model.
How do you sterilize pipette tips?
Sterilizing pipette tips is essential to ensure accurate and contamination-free results in your experiments. There are several methods you can use to sterilize pipette tips, depending on the level of sterility required and the materials of the pipette tips. Here are some common methods:
- Autoclaving: Autoclaving is the most effective method for achieving complete sterilization. Follow these steps:
- Place the pipette tips in an autoclave-safe container, such as an autoclave bag or tray.
- Seal the container securely.
- Run the autoclave according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically at 121°C (250°F) and 15 psi for 15-20 minutes.
- After autoclaving, allow the tips to cool down inside the autoclave before removing them.
- Chemical Sterilization: Some pipette tips, particularly those made of plastic, may not be suitable for autoclaving due to the risk of melting or deformation. In such cases, chemical sterilization can be an alternative method.
- Prepare a suitable sterilizing solution, such as a 70% ethanol solution or another chemical disinfectant.
- Submerge the pipette tips in the sterilizing solution for a sufficient amount of time (e.g., 15-30 minutes).
- Remove the tips from the solution and let them air dry in a sterile environment, such as a laminar flow hood.
- UV Sterilization: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be used to sterilize pipette tips by damaging the DNA of microorganisms. This method is not as reliable as autoclaving but can be suitable for certain applications.
- Place the pipette tips on a UV-transmissive surface in a laminar flow hood or sterile environment.
- Turn on the UV lamp and expose the pipette tips to UV radiation for a sufficient amount of time (e.g., 30 minutes to 1 hour).
Before sterilizing pipette tips, ensure that they are clean and free of any residue or debris. Also, make sure to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and handle the tips carefully to avoid contamination during the process. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for your specific pipette tip material and consult your institution's biosafety protocols for recommended sterilization procedures.
What are three good practices when using pipette tips?
Using pipette tips correctly is crucial to ensure accurate and reproducible results in the laboratory. Here are three good practices to follow when using pipette tips:
- Choose the right pipette tip: Selecting the appropriate pipette tip for your specific application is essential. Consider the volume you need to pipette and the type of liquid you are working with. Different tips have varying properties, such as filter tips for preventing aerosol contamination, low-retention tips for viscous liquids, and conductive tips for electrostatic-sensitive samples. Always use tips that are compatible with your pipette model and volume range.
- Check pipette calibration and fit: Before use, make sure your pipette is calibrated correctly and functioning accurately. Regularly calibrate your pipettes according to the manufacturer's guidelines or as per your lab's standard operating procedures. Additionally, ensure that the pipette tips fit securely onto the pipette without any wobbling or looseness. A proper fit ensures precise and consistent pipetting.
- Avoid cross-contamination: To prevent cross-contamination between samples, follow these practices:
- Use a new, sterile pipette tip for each sample or reagent transfer.
- Change tips when pipetting different substances to avoid carry-over.
- Be cautious when pipetting near the surface of the liquid to minimize aerosols and potential contamination.
- Use filter tips when working with potentially infectious or hazardous materials to prevent contamination of the pipette.
Bonus tip: use correct pipetting technique
Proper pipetting technique is essential for accurate and reproducible results. Follow these steps for correct pipetting:
- Hold the pipette vertically when aspirating liquid to the desired volume.
- Immerse the pipette tip below the liquid surface but avoid touching the vessel bottom.
- Depress the plunger smoothly and steadily to aspirate the liquid.
- Withdraw the pipette vertically from the liquid to avoid dragging liquid with the pipette tip.
- Pause momentarily at the top of the aspiration to allow any residual liquid to drain into the tip.
- Dispense the liquid into the target vessel slowly and steadily to prevent splashing.
By following these good practices, you can ensure the accuracy, precision, and reproducibility of your pipetting, leading to more reliable experimental results.
