Filtered Universal Pipette Tips

Filtered pipette tips are a practical choice when you want extra protection against cross-contamination and aerosol carryover. The built-in barrier helps keep samples cleaner and helps protect the pipette during everyday use. At Pipette.com, you can compare filtered pipette tips between different manufacturers and place an online order based on compatibility, volume range, sterility and packaging.

Are Filtered Pipette Tips the Right Choice For You?

Filtered pipette tips can be a smart upgrade when contamination risk is high or when you want extra protection for your pipettes or samples. A key advantage is the barrier inside the tip, which is intended to reduce the chance that aerosols, droplets or splashes travel into the pipette body. That can help lower the risk of cross-contamination between samples and reduce the need for repeat work. Filtered tips are not a substitute for good technique, but they can add a reliable layer of protection in workflows where cleanliness and consistency matter most. If you are stocking for high-volume use, filtered tips are often offered in bulk packages or reloading stacks packaging formats, which can reduce packaging waste and make restocking easier while supporting a consistent workflow.

Filtered Pipette Tips vs Non-Filtered Pipette Tips

The main difference between filtered pipette tips and non-filtered pipette tips is that filtered pipette tips include a built-in barrier, while non-filtered pipette tips do not. That barrier is positioned inside the tip (near the top) and is intended to help reduce the chance that aerosols or droplets travel into the pipette body. 

Filtered tips are commonly used for contamination-sensitive steps such as PCR/qPCR setup, DNA/RNA workflows, cell culture and other applications where carryover can compromise results and force rework. Non-filtered tips are typically the practical choice for routine liquid transfers where aerosol carryover is less of a concern. Many labs prefer them for general buffer or media transfers and standard sample prep because they are often more cost-efficient and fully suitable for everyday pipetting. When you purchase tips for mixed workflows, make sure to keep both types available and choose based on the sensitivity of each step.

One important note: filtered tips can help reduce contamination risk, but they do not guarantee sterility and they do not replace good technique. Clean handling, timely tip changes and proper workflow separation still matter for reliable results.

What to Consider Before Buying Filtered Pipette Tips

Before you buy pipette tips, consider a few key factors. Start with compatibility - tips are not always universal, so confirm they match your pipette model and volume range. Next, think about your workflow - do you need sterile tips for your protocols or is non-sterile sufficient under your SOPs? Packaging also matters for daily handling. Racked tips can reduce touch points and keep bench organization simple, while bulk tips can be a good fit for higher-throughput use if you have a clean method for refilling. Finally, think about your liquids and applications. If you work with viscous samples or need better sample recovery, low-retention options can be useful. If you are planning to purchase in larger quantities, it can also help to standardize one compatible format across benches to simplify training and restocking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the filter in filtered pipette tips for?

The filter acts as a barrier to help reduce aerosol and droplet carryover into the pipette body, which can help protect the pipette and lower cross-contamination risk in sensitive workflows.

Are filtered pipette tips sterile by default?

Not always. Filtered tips can be sterile or non-sterile depending on the product. If sterility matters for your protocol, check the product labeling and your SOP requirements.

Do filtered pipette tips prevent all contamination?

They help reduce the risk of aerosols entering the pipette and can lower cross-contamination risk, but good technique and clean workflows still matter.

Will filtered pipette tips fit any pipette?

Compatibility matters. Always match the tips to your pipette model and volume range to ensure proper fit and a reliable seal before placing an online order.

Should I choose filtered low-retention tips?

If you work with viscous liquids or need maximum sample recovery, low-retention can help. If contamination control is also important, filtered and low-retention tips can be a good combination - choose based on your sample type and protocol.