A pipette is a laboratory tool that is used to transfer very small amounts of liquid from one container to another. It is commonly used in chemical and biological laboratories to accurately measure and dispense small quantities of liquids. There are several different types of pipettes, including micropipettes, which are used to measure and dispense very small volumes of liquids, and volumetric pipettes, which are used to measure and dispense specific volumes of liquids. Some pipettes are manual and require the user to draw the liquid up into the pipette using a plunger, while others are electronic and can be programmed to dispense specific volumes of liquid. Find out what makes a good pipette and how to choose one with this article.
What Are Pipettes Used For?
Pipettes are used to measure liquid volumes accurately. You'll need them when making solutions, dissolving powders, mixing chemicals, and more.
The Different Types Of Pipettes Available
There are two main types of pipettes available: disposable and reusable. Disposables are inexpensive and easy to use, but they're not suitable for high volume measurements. They also tend to break easily. Reusable pipettes are more expensive, but they last longer and are better suited for large quantities of liquids.
Using A Pipette
To use a pipette, first fill the pipette with water. Then place the tip into the container containing the liquid you wish to measure. Hold the pipette firmly against the side of the container so that the tip stays inside the container. Slowly pull up on the plunger until the desired volume of liquid is dispensed.
Cleaning A Pipette
If you need to clean a pipette, simply rinse it under running tap water. Do not immerse the pipette in water as this will damage the rubber seal. Allow the pipette to dry completely before using again.
Step by step guide to using a pipette
With an air-removal pipette, the accompanying advances improve the probability of precisely and more than once estimating a particular volume:
- Set the volume on the pipette.
- Push down the plunger
- Drench the tip to the right profundity, which can differ by the pipette and tip, and easily let the plunger go to its resting position.
- Trust that the fluid will stream into the tip.
- Put the pipette — held at 10-45 degrees — against the mass of the getting chamber, and easily push down the plunger to the main stop.
- Stand by one second and afterward push down the plunger to the subsequent stop.
- Slide the tip up the vessel wall to eliminate the pipette.
- Permit the plunger to get back to its rest position.
Some of these procedures are automated by an electronic pipette. Electronic pipettes typically have a motorized piston for aspiration and dispensing together with a digital display for volume adjustment. Additionally, they include helpful pre-programmed modes and bespoke modes, where a researcher can quickly program their own protocols and procedures.
What are the do's and don’ts in pipetting?
(1) While sucking the fluid, make certain to deliver the thumb gradually and easily. Never let it out of nowhere slacken, in the event that the arrangement is sucked excessively quick and flush into the fluid extractor to consume the plunger and cause air spillage.
(2) In request to get higher accuracy, the tip should be sucked before the example arrangement and afterward formally pipetted. Since the serum protein arrangement or natural arrangement is taken up, a "fluid layer" will stay on the internal mass of the tip, bringing about blunders because of the modest quantity of release.
(3) For fluids with high focus and thickness, a blunder will be created. It tends not entirely set in stone by try for how much remuneration to wipe out the mistake. By changing the perusing of the perusing window with the change handle, the pay sum can be set.
(4) Don't utilize a pipette to mix the fluid.
(5) Don't utilize a large scale pipette to eliminate a little volume of fluid to try not to influence precision. Likewise, in the event that you really want to eliminate a bigger measure of fluid over the volume, utilize a pull pipette.
Buying A Pipette
If you need to measure small amounts of liquid, then a disposable pipette will work well. However, if you need to measure larger volumes, then a reusable pipette will be much easier to use. You should consider the following when choosing a pipette:
- Size - Choose a pipette with an appropriate size tip. This means that the tip should fit snugly into the opening of the container.
- Volume capacity - Make sure that the pipette has enough room to hold the required amount of liquid.
- Durability - Look at the material used to make the pipette. Plastic pipettes are usually cheaper than metal ones, but plastic can crack or chip easily. Metal pipettes are stronger and less likely to break.
Where to Purchase a Pipette?
Laboratory pipettes can measure and dispense liquids with accuracy, helping you avoid sample wastage. Pipettes come in a variety of designs, shapes, and capacities, helping you get the precision you desire. Lab Pro can provide you with the best pipettes and accessories. They have Electronic Pipettes, iFlow & iTrite Accessories, Mechanical Pipettes, Multichannel Pipettes, Pasteur Pipettes, Pipette Accessories, Pipette Bulbs, and more. Lab Pro also offers next-day service in California and same-day service for will-calls.
About Lab Pro
For over 40 years, Lab Pro Inc. has been committed to delivering the highest quality critical cleaners, hand tools, chemicals, lab equipment, distance learning kits, lab supplies, and cleanroom PPE apparel to medical device companies and laboratories worldwide. To learn more, visit the biggest Lab Supply showroom in California, or contact us online or at 888-452-2776.