Pipette Filler Bulb: Uses and How to Use It

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Pipette Filler Bulb: Uses and How to Use It

A pipette filler is a rubber bulb with three valves (A, S, E) fitted to the top of a graduated or volumetric pipette to draw up and release liquid safely instead of mouth pipetting. Valve A expels air from the bulb, S draws liquid up and E lets it out.

How to use a pipette fillerPipette Filler Bulb at AMI Scientific
Parts of a pipette filler

What is a pipette filler used for?

  • Drawing solution into a pipette without using the mouth.
  • Holding liquid and lowering it exactly to the mark.
  • Releasing liquid from the pipette in a controlled way.

Parts of a pipette filler

  1. 1Valve A (air) – pressed while squeezing the bulb to expel air
  2. 2Valve S (suction) – pressed to draw liquid up
  3. 3Valve E (empty) – pressed to release liquid
Parts of a pipette filler: 1) Valve A (air), 2) Valve S (suction), 3) Valve E (empty).
Parts of a pipette filler: 1) Valve A (air), 2) Valve S (suction), 3) Valve E (empty).

How to use a pipette filler

Pipette Filler Bulb – Step 1: Press A while squeezing the bulb
Step 1

Press A while squeezing the bulb

Before fitting, press valve A (1) while squeezing the bulb flat, then release A. The bulb stays flat, ready to draw.

Pipette Filler Bulb – Step 2: Fit it onto the pipette top
Step 2

Fit it onto the pipette top

Hold the pipette near its top and push it gently about 1 cm into the bottom opening (1). Do not force it in too far; the pipette can snap.

Pipette Filler Bulb – Step 3: Press S to draw up
Step 3

Press S to draw up

Dip the pipette tip into the solution and press valve S (1). The liquid rises; release S just above the mark. Never let liquid reach the bulb.

Pipette Filler Bulb – Step 4: Press E to lower and release
Step 4

Press E to lower and release

Press valve E gently (1) to bring the liquid down to the mark, then move the pipette to the receiver and press E again to release it.

Common mistakes

  • Pressing S too long so liquid enters the bulb: the valves are damaged and the solution contaminated.
  • Forcing the pipette deep into the filler while holding it in the middle: it snaps and cuts the hand.

Care and safety

  • If liquid gets in, take the valves apart (if possible), rinse with distilled water and dry before reuse.
  • Store away from sunlight and organic solvents so the rubber does not perish.

SOP for using a pipette filler

A summary of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for a pipette filler that your laboratory can adapt. Each step is explained in the how-to section above.

1Protective equipment

  • A buttoned, long-sleeved lab coat.
  • Safety glasses; goggles where corrosive splashes are possible.
  • Nitrile gloves suited to the chemicals handled; heat-resistant gloves for hot items.

2Before use

  • The rubber is not perished or torn; all three valves seal.
  • The opening fits the pipette being used.

4After use

  • Twist it gently off the pipette.
  • Clean and dry it if liquid got in; store somewhere dry and shaded.

5Verification & calibration

  • The filler is not calibrated; verify the pipette gravimetrically instead.

6Emergencies

  • Breakage: never pick up shards by hand. Use a brush and dustpan or tongs and put them in the broken-glass bin.
  • Chemical spill: warn people nearby, secure the area and clean up with a spill kit according to the SDS.
  • Chemical on skin or in eyes: rinse with running water for at least 15 minutes (eyewash or safety shower), then report to the lab supervisor.

A print-ready version with purpose, scope, illustrated procedure, verification and sign-off boxes. Fill in your own document number and effective date.

Download the SOP (PDF, A4)

Types and sizes

The three-valve rubber filler for 1–100 mL pipettes is most common. Alternatives are thumbwheel pipette pumps for 2, 10 or 25 mL pipettes and electric pipette controllers for serological pipettes. Microlitre volumes call for a micropipette.

Pipette Filler Bulb at AMI Scientific

Examples of pipette filler available in our store. Prices exclude VAT.

Filler Pipet Karet Tipe Standar Heinz HerenzFiller Pipet Karet Tipe Standar Heinz HerenzFrom Rp279.000Filler Pipet Pompa Manual Bel-ArtFiller Pipet Pompa Manual Bel-ArtFrom Rp993.000Filler Pipet Elektrik Indikator LED Biologix Levo MeFiller Pipet Elektrik Indikator LED Biologix Levo MeFrom Rp2.676.821Filler Pipet Elektrik Layar LCD Biologix Levo PlusFiller Pipet Elektrik Layar LCD Biologix Levo PlusFrom Rp6.494.832

AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.

See the pipette filler price listRequest a quotation

Frequently asked questions

What do A, S and E mean on a pipette filler?

A = air (expel air from the bulb), S = suction (draw liquid up), E = empty or exhaust (release liquid).

Why is mouth pipetting forbidden?

The solution can be swallowed or its vapour inhaled, and the mouth can contaminate the sample.

Related equipment

Graduated and Volumetric PipettesDropper PipetteVolumetric FlaskAll laboratory equipment and their usesMSDSChemistry calculator

Compiled by the AMI Scientific team from standard laboratory practice. Illustrations: AMI Scientific. Updated: 06-11-2026.

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