Pipettors are essential laboratory tools that allow for accurate and precise liquid volume measurements.
They are designed to measure and dispense precise volumes of liquids, ranging from microliters to milliliters.
They are available in several types, each designed for specific applications, and offer an affordable and easy-to-use solution for liquid handling in the lab. Whether you are working in molecular biology, cell culture, or analytical chemistry, there is a pipettor that will meet your needs.
Manual pipettors are handheld devices that allow the user to draw up a specific volume of liquid into a disposable plastic tip, and then dispense the liquid into a receiving container. They are easy to use and affordable, making them a popular choice in many labs.
The use of manual pipettors involves several key steps. First, the appropriate tip size must be selected and attached to the pipettor. The volume to be dispensed is then set on the pipettor by rotating the dial on the top of the device. The pipettor is then used to draw up the liquid to the desired volume by pressing the plunger to the first stop, then inserting the tip into the liquid and releasing the plunger to draw up the liquid. The liquid can then be dispensed into a receiving container by pressing the plunger to the second stop.
- Single channel pipettes, for volumes of 0.1 – 5000µl for routine laboratory wotk: MPC series for standard & MPP series for fully autoclavable models.
- Multi-channel pipettes of 8 or 12 channels for use with microplates & PCR tubes
- PIP Series, Smart electronic Pipette Controllers
- DIS, StepMate Stepper- for accurate dispensing in a volume range of 1μl to 5ml.
- used to measure out or transfer small quantities of liquid
- Pipettes are used in chemistry, biology, food, chemicals, natural sciences and a wide range of other uses
What Are Electronic Pipettes
Electronic pipettes are specially designed instruments to measure and dispense small amounts of liquid. They are commonly used in laboratories for various applications, such as DNA analysis, cell culture, and drug testing. Pipetting must be performed with the highest accuracy and precision to ensure that results are not compromised.
Electronic pipettes offer many advantages over traditional manual pipettes, including greater accuracy and precision and the ability to perform multiple operations without recalibration. I will discuss more electronic pipettes in the next section.
How To Operate An Electronic Pipette?
Using an electronic pipette is relatively straightforward. First, you must calibrate the pipette to ensure accuracy and precision. This is typically done by using a calibration solution that is of known volume and density.
Next, you must place the pipette's tip into the container that holds the liquid to be dispensed. You can then select the volume of liquid dispensed on the digital display. Finally, the start button or joystick is pressed to begin dispensing the liquid.
Once the desired amount of liquid has been dispensed, the stop button is pressed, and the pipette tip is removed from the container. The used pipette tip can then be discarded and a new one attached for the next use.
For manual pipettes, it is important to remember to suck up and release any air bubbles that may be present in the tip before performing a pipetting operation. This helps to ensure accuracy and precision. You need to set everything manually in manual pipettes, which can be time-consuming.
For electronic pipettes, there is typically a button or switch that controls the release of air bubbles, so this is not generally an issue.
What Are The Advantages Of Electronic Pipettes?
There are several advantages of using electronic pipettes over manual or mechanical pipettes. First, electronic pipettes are generally more accurate and precise than their manual counterparts. This is because they are typically calibrated before each use and have a digital display that shows the volume of liquid being dispensed.
Second, electronic pipettes can perform multiple operations without the need for recalibration. This is because they have an auto-sampling feature that automatically draws a sample from a container and dispenses it into another container or onto a microscope slide. It also reduces human error.
Third, electronic pipettes are easier to use than manual pipettes. This is because they usually feature a joystick or buttons for controlling the flow of liquid and a digital display that displays the amount of liquid dispensed. It also saves time and is more efficient.
electronic pipettes are more durable than manual pipettes and can be used for a longer period. This is because they are made with high-quality materials and components that can withstand repeated use.
Applications of Electronic Pipettes
Electronic pipettes are primarily used in laboratories for various applications that require accurate and precise measurement and dispensing of small amounts of liquid. You can use manual or mechanical pipettes for some of these applications; however, they are not as accurate or precise as electronic pipettes and often need to be recalibrated after each use.
Electronic pipettes can save time and improve efficiency when performing pipetting, such as in DNA or drug analysis, cell culture, and other scientific research.
Electronic pipettes are designed with several features that allow for accurate and precise measurement and dispensing of small amounts of liquid. They typically have a digital display that shows the volume of liquid being dispensed, as well as buttons or a joystick that controls the liquid flow.
Some models also have an auto-sampling feature that automatically draws a sample from a container and dispenses it into another container or onto a microscope slide. This is particularly useful for applications such as DNA analysis, where multiple samples need to be processed quickly and accurately.
Types of pipettes
There are several types of manual pipettors, each designed for specific applications. The following are the most common types:
Single Channel Pipettors: These are designed to dispense a single volume of liquid at a time. They come in a range of volumes, from 0.1 µL to 5 mL, and are suitable for a wide range of applications, including molecular biology, cell culture, and analytical chemistry.
Multi-Channel Pipettors: These are designed to dispense multiple volumes of liquid simultaneously, which can save time and increase throughput in the lab. They are available in 8, 12, or 16 channels, and can dispense volumes ranging from 0.5 µL to 300 µL. Multi-channel pipettors are commonly used in high-throughput screening, ELISA, and other applications where multiple samples need to be processed quickly.
Adjustable Volume Pipettors: These allow the user to adjust the volume of liquid to be dispensed by rotating a dial on the pipettor. They are available in a range of volumes, from 0.1 µL to 5 mL, and are suitable for a wide range of applications.
Fixed Volume Pipettors: These are designed to dispense a fixed volume of liquid, which is pre-set by the manufacturer. They are available in a range of volumes, from 0.1 µL to 10 mL, and are commonly used in applications where a precise, fixed volume of liquid is required.
Electronic Pipettors: These use a motorized mechanism to dispense liquid, which can help to reduce user fatigue and increase accuracy. They are available in single-channel and multi-channel versions, and can dispense volumes ranging from 0.1 µL to 5 mL. Electronic pipettors are commonly used in high-throughput screening and other applications where accuracy and precision are critical.
The accuracy of a pipettor can drift over time due to wear and tear or incorrect use, which can lead to inaccurate results. A calibration check helps to ensure that the pipettor is dispensing the correct volume of liquid, reducing the potential for errors in experimental results. Regular calibration is especially important when working with high-value or sensitive samples, where even small deviations in volume can have significant consequences.