Pipette tips: which tips suit different pipetting methods and sample types?

Acting as the direct interface between your pipette and the sample, the pipette tip has a decisive impact on the accuracy, cleanliness and repeatability of every transfer. Whether it’s unfiltered tips for routine work, filter tips, gel-loading tips to load your wells, capillary-piston assemblies for difficult liquids, dispenser tips for series dosing, or robotic tips for automated platforms, each geometry and material serves a precise purpose. Packaging in racks, reloads and empty racks helps optimise hygiene, throughput and plastic footprint.

What are the different types of pipette tips, and how do you choose the right one?

Manufactured from polypropylene, tips come in formats to cover every pipetting scenario. Low-retention versions minimise adsorption of proteins, nucleic acids and other biomolecules.
• Non-filtered tips : versatile and economical, often autoclavable, ideal for routine work in chemistry, microbiology or QC analysis.
• Filter tips : aerosol-barrier protection for the pipette and the sample; recommended for PCR, molecular biology, DNA/RNA work.
• Gel-loading tip : fine/elongated nozzle for clean, turbulence-free gel loading of agarose or SDS-PAGE; comb/rake tips load multiple wells simultaneously.
• Capillary–piston assembly (positive displacement) : disposable integrated piston for viscous liquids (glycerol, syrups), volatile or toxic liquids (acetone, solvents), eliminating evaporation and bubbles.
• Dispenser tip : for repeaters/dispensers, delivers
successive aliquots with high accuracy and comfortable use in long series.
• Robotic tip : dedicated to automation platforms (Tecan, Hamilton…). Conductive variants for level sensing, sterile and/or filtered, tight tolerances for perfect 96/384-well alignment.

Selection criteria: cone compatibility (universal or dedicated), volume ranges (10, 200, 1000 µL, macro 5–10 mL), geometry (standard, wide-bore for cells), sterility SAL 10?6, RNase/DNase-free certificates, endotoxins, low binding, ejection force, packaging (rack, refills, empty racks to reduce waste).

Quick comparison :

Type	Principle	Applications
Non-filtered	Standard PP tip	Routine, chemistry, microbiology
Filtered	Aerosol barrier	PCR, DNA/RNA, low contamination
Capillary–piston	For positive-displacement pipettes	Viscous, volatile, toxic
Gel-loading / comb	Fine nozzle / multi-well comb	Gel loading
Dispenser	Repetitive aliquots	Series, titrations, 96-well plates
Robotic	Tight tolerances, for automation	HTS, 96/384-well automation

In which application areas are pipette tips used?

Pipette tips are ubiquitous in labs where microlitre-level reliability makes all the difference.
• Life sciences: nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, ELISA, cell culture (wide-bore tips to preserve viability).
• Pharma/biotech: sample preparation for HPLC/LC-MS, assays, 96/384-well plates (robotic tips and filtered).
• Agri-food: allergen, mycotoxin and additive testing; repetitive runs with dispenser tips.
• Environmental: trace metals, PFAS, water microbiology; keep cross-contamination in check with filter tips.
• Chemistry/cosmetics: viscous formulations, volatile solvents (prefer capillary-piston [positive-displacement]), robust sampling.
• Automated R&D: high-throughput screening (robotic tips conductive/filtered) for maximum productivity and traceability.
• Teaching/QA: racks, refills and empty racks to control costs and waste without sacrificing ergonomics.

Available types of pipette tips

Frequently asked questions about pipette tips

What’s the difference between filter and non-filter tips?
The filter blocks aerosols and protects the pipette/sample. Ideal for PCR. Non-filter tips are fine for routine work when the contamination risk is low.

How do I check compatibility with my pipette?
Refer to the manufacturer’s chart: universal-fit or dedicated cone. Check sealing, multichannel alignment and ejection force to confirm the fit.

When should I choose a “low-retention” tip?
For proteins, DNA/RNA or viscous matrices: the surface treatment minimises adhesion and improves accuracy, especially at low volumes.

Can I autoclave my tips?
Many non-filter tips and racks withstand 121 °C/20 min. Avoid autoclaving filters. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.

What are capillary-piston (positive-displacement) tips for?
For pipetting difficult liquids (viscous, volatile, foaming). The disposable piston limits evaporation and improves accuracy.

How can I reduce plastic impact?
Opt for refills and empty racks, reuse the holders, segregate PP where possible and adjust volumes to limit waste. Dutscher offers a free rack-recycling service with selected partners.

Common pipetting errors to avoid?
Tip not fully seated, immersion too deep, irregular speeds. Pre-wet the tip and keep an angle of about 20° for better accuracy.