Are You Using the Proper Pipette?

While the concept is simple—pipettes transfer fluid samples from one container to another—the options are many. Two primary categories of pipettes are air displacement and positive displacement. Air displacement pipettes transfer aqueous solutions while positive displacement pipettes work best with very viscous and volatile liquids.

For a variety of applications, single channel variable volume air displacement pipettes are most often used. For PCR, cell culture, and similar applications, multichannel pipettes are typically chosen. Manual versions can be effective for small scale projects. For larger volume transfers, electronic pipettes save time and reduce effort.

Fixed volume pipettes ensure consistent volume dispensing and reduce the incidence of accidently resetting the volume. They also tend to be more economical.

Serological pipettes (made of glass or polystyrene) are often the optimal choice when transferring more than one ml volumes in general dosages or in cell and tissue culture applications. Serological pipettes are available presterilized in single or bulk packs. When sterility is critical, plastic, disposable pipettes are also effective.

Pipetting Accessories

Pipetting aids can help to aspirate and dispense fluids accurately and precisely. Pipette controllers make filling and dispensing easier and faster. Many offer an ergonomic shape to fit better in hands. They may also have an adjustable speed limiter thumbwheel to help prevent over-aspiration or excessively powered discharge.

Safely fill pipettes with bulb pipette fillers, in pump, single bulb, or three-valve formats.

Additionally, pipette brushes and washers, pipette storage racks, and calibration software all help to maintain and store pipettes.

View our selection of pipettes and accessories.