Filter Pipette Tip

What is the Filter Pipette Tip?

A filter pipette tip contains a hydrophobic barrier that blocks aerosol and liquid from reaching the pipette. It protects the instrument and reduces cross contamination between samples. It is supplied sterile and nuclease-free.

Overview

The tip is fitted with a porous hydrophobic filter, usually made of polyethylene or PTFE, positioned above the liquid column. The filter allows air to pass but blocks aerosols and liquid, so the pipette shaft stays clean even when the tip is over-aspirated. This protects the instrument from contamination and reduces sample-to-sample carry-over, which is essential in PCR and molecular work, and in handling infectious or hazardous samples. Filter tips are supplied sterile and certified DNase and RNase free in molecular grades, and are available from 10 µL to 1000 µL. The filter slightly increases tip resistance, so aspiration speed can be affected, and volumes should be verified with the pipette. They cost more than plain tips and are used where their benefit justifies the price.

How does it work?

A pipette tip works as the sample container and the seal in an air displacement system. The tip pushes onto the pipette shaft or cone, forming an airtight fit, so when the piston draws up an air column the liquid is pulled into the tip by the resulting pressure difference. The volume delivered depends on the seal, the tip geometry, the liquid properties and the technique, so tips are matched to the pipette model and tested with it under ISO 8655. Filter tips contain a hydrophobic barrier that stops aerosol and liquid from reaching the pipette shaft, protecting the instrument and reducing cross contamination between samples. Low-retention tips have a treated surface so less liquid stays on the wall. Wide-bore tips have a larger opening for viscous or fragile liquids, and robotic tips are held and positioned by automated platforms, with dimensional tolerances that allow reliable pick-up.

What are the key features?

• Hydrophobic PE or PTFE filter
• Blocks aerosol and liquid carry-over
• Protects the pipette shaft
• Sterile, DNase and RNase free grades
• Volumes 10–1000 µL
• Slight increase in aspiration resistance

What are the technical specifications?

A typical filter pipette tip configuration offers material of Polypropylene with PE or PTFE filter, filter of Hydrophobic, volume range of 10–1000 µL, sterility of Sterile, nuclease of DNase and RNase free and aerosol barrier of Yes. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Filter Pipette Tip is used in PCR and qPCR setup, molecular biology, infectious sample handling and cell culture media. Across the wider Pipette Tips class, laboratories also deploy it for PCR and molecular biology, cell culture and microbiology and clinical sample handling.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include ISO 8655 (piston-operated volumetric apparatus), ISO 13485 (medical device quality management), ISO 10993 (biological evaluation of medical devices), USP <88> (biological reactivity tests) and EN ISO 11607 (packaging for terminally sterilized devices). Certification candidates for this model are CE and ISO 9001 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Verify tip fit and volume accuracy at the working volumes with your pipette, since tip manufacturing tolerances vary. Keep racks sealed until use if tips are sterile or certified nuclease-free, and do not touch the tip body, because skin oils and dust affect wetting and volumes. Change tips between samples to prevent carry-over, and use filter tips as an additional barrier rather than as a substitute for changing tips. Do not autoclave non-sterile tips unless the supplier states they are autoclavable, because heat can deform the cone and destroy the seal. Store tips away from heat, sunlight and solvent vapour, and check that tip height in the rack is uniform. Control static, which makes tips stick to each other and to powders, with an ioniser where needed.

How do I select the right Filter Pipette Tip?

Choose filter tips for PCR, molecular and infectious work where aerosol must not reach the pipette. Confirm sterility and nuclease certification. RFQ: volumes, pipette models, sterility, certification and rack format. Provide volumes, pipette models and certification.

How does it compare with other Pipette Tips variants?

Match the tip to the pipette model and volume first, since a poor fit causes leaks and volume errors. Choose filter tips when contamination control matters, for PCR, molecular and infectious work, and where the pipette shaft must stay clean. Choose low-retention tips for viscous, foaming, surfactant-containing or precious samples, especially at small volumes. Choose wide-bore tips for cell suspensions, genomic DNA and other viscous or shear-sensitive liquids that would clog or be damaged in a narrow tip. For automated platforms, use the tip specified by the instrument supplier, since rack dimensions, tip height and fit are critical. Confirm that tips are certified free of DNase, RNase, DNA and pyrogens where molecular or cell work requires it, and check sterility if needed. Finally, buy in a quality grade consistent with the method, and verify volume performance with your pipette.