What Is The Difference Between Pipette Tips And Filter Tips?
Dec 29, 2023
What is the difference between pipette tips and filter tips?
If you''re a scientist or researcher who works regularly with liquid materials, you''re probably familiar with pipettes. These are slender glass or plastic tubes that are designed to accurately measure and transfer small volumes of liquid from one container to another. In order to use pipettes effectively, you need to attach a small disposable tip to the end of the pipette. These tips come in various shapes and sizes, but there are two main types: pipette tips and filter tips.
Pipette tips are basic, unfiltered tips that are designed solely to transfer liquid from one container to another. Most pipette tips are made of plastic, although glass tips are available for certain applications. These tips are disposable and are typically used only once before being thrown away.
**Pipette tips are simple to use and are ideal for most applications. They are also very affordable, making them a popular choice for laboratories and research facilities. However, they do come with some limitations. For example, because they are unfiltered, they can''t protect against contamination from particles or bacteria in the liquid being transferred.**
Filter tips, on the other hand, are designed to filter out contaminants when transferring liquid. These tips are typically made of plastic and contain a built-in filter that traps any particles or bacteria that could be present in the liquid. Filter tips are also disposable and are typically used only once before being thrown away.
**Filter tips are ideal for applications where contamination is a concern. They are commonly used in experiments that involve DNA or other biological samples that need to be protected against contamination. Additionally, they are often used in cell culture applications where the purity of the culture is paramount. However, filter tips are more expensive than basic pipette tips and require more care when handling to avoid damaging the filter.**
Overall, the biggest difference between pipette tips and filter tips is their level of filtration. Pipette tips are basic, unfiltered tips that are ideal for most applications but offer no protection against contamination. Filter tips, on the other hand, are designed to filter out contaminants and are ideal for applications where purity is a concern. While filter tips are more expensive than basic pipette tips, they are an essential tool for many laboratory and research applications.