Liquids are dispensed in laboratory settings using both standard and low-retention pipette tips; however, their capacity to reduce liquid retention varies.

Polypropylene is a common, reasonably priced, and long-lasting plastic used to make standard pipette tips. However, polypropylene can attract and hold onto some liquids, particularly sticky or viscous ones, due to its slight hydrophobicity. The accuracy of pipetting may be impacted by this liquid retention, particularly when working with small volumes.

The purpose of low-retention pipette tips is to reduce liquid retention. Usually composed of a distinct variety of polypropylene, they are covered in a silicone lubricant. Due to these changes, the tip's surface is now more hydrophilic—that is, liquids are repelled from the tip and are kept from adhering to its interior. This leads to more precise and reliable pipetting, particularly when handling expensive or delicate reagents.

Low-retention pipette tips are generally advised for situations requiring precision, like handling tiny amounts or delicate chemicals. For general laboratory use, where liquid retention is not a major concern, standard pipette tips are a good choice.