Pandemic related demand for testing supplies and vaccine R&D have created unprecedented increases in usage of a several plastic product categories including pipette tips. Additionally, federal government orders in support of Operation Warp Speed have impacted manufacturers ability to fulfill orders at a consistent level. In response to this demand surge, Thermo Fisher (UAB’s preferred vendor of scientific supplies and equipment) has expanded manufacturing capacity, adding 2-3 times capacity across multiple product lines (including pipette tips) while making significant investments in infrastructure to support increased demand. Additionally, external branded plastics suppliers within the Thermo Fisher portfolio announced their own capacity expansion plans. These recovery actions will continue to improve availability throughout 2021 and into 2022. Typically these investments are product-specific, sometimes SKU specific, meaning relief will not come all at once, but it will continue to improve throughout the year.
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1. Why are pipette tips difficult to get right now?
Pandemic related demand for testing supplies and vaccine R&D have created unprecedented increases in usage of a several plastic product categories including pipette tips. Additionally, federal government orders in support of Operation Warp Speed have impacted manufacturers ability to fulfill orders at a consistent level.
In response to this demand surge, Thermo Fisher (UAB’s preferred vendor of scientific supplies and equipment) has expanded manufacturing capacity, adding 2-3 times capacity across multiple product lines (including pipette tips) while making significant investments in infrastructure to support increased demand. Additionally, external branded plastics suppliers within the Thermo Fisher portfolio announced their own capacity expansion plans. These recovery actions will continue to improve availability throughout 2021 and into 2022. Typically these investments are product-specific, sometimes SKU specific, meaning relief will not come all at once, but it will continue to improve throughout the year. -
2. How should I proceed with ordering tips?
Fisher’s recommendation is to place orders immediately for a 4 to 6 month’s supply of the preferred brand/size/type of pipet tip in order to get in the manufacturing queue. If the preferred tips are not available for immediate shipment, Fisher can work with you to find a substitute until the preferred tip becomes available.
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3. What about my existing orders? When can I expect those?
Existing backorders could take several weeks or longer to ship depending on brand and type of tip.
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4. Can Fisher help me find substitutes?
Yes, to date the Fisher team has been able to locate in-stock substitutes for most researchers. However, flexibility is a must. Willingness to use alternative brands and sizes and autoclavable non-sterile tips is key. Fisher distributes tips for over 20 different manufacturers and can also source products from third party vendors. For assistance with locating substitutes, please contact the UAB Fisher team:
- Hollie Montgomery:
hollie.montgomery@thermofisher.com - Brooke Jenkins:
brooke.jenkins@thermofisher.com - Stephen Ruiz:
stephen.ruiz@thermofisher.com
- Hollie Montgomery:
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5. Are Universal Tips available through Fisher?
Yes, currently Fisher has stock available of the 4 most common sizes as quoted in the attached document.
For further assistance, please contact University Purchasing @ FA-Purchasing