Molly Ayala
Pipettes are a type of laboratory tool used in chemistry and biology to transfer a measured volume of liquid. They come in various designs, including single-piece glass pipettes and more complex adjustable or electronic pipettes. Electronic pipettes are a digitally optimised version of a handheld pipette, allowing users to automate a sequence of volumes, save protocols, and password-protect settings. They are also known to improve ergonomics, precision, accuracy, reliability, economy, and versatility.
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What You'll Learn
Manual vs. electronic pipettes
Manual and electronic pipettes are both used to transfer specific volumes of fluids. However, they differ in several ways.
Manual pipettes are the classical design and are the most cost-effective option. They require the movement of the thumb (up to 3 cm) to operate. However, they are more subject to human error and can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) due to their heavy weight and stiff plungers.
On the other hand, electronic pipettes were developed to improve ergonomics and reduce the necessary force. They are operated with a main button and are designed to be lightweight and comfortable to hold, reducing the risk of RSIs. Electronic pipettes also offer increased accuracy and precision, eliminating the need for breaks and potential discomfort. They possess more robust seals and O-rings that resist wear and tear, and their calibration processes are more straightforward, reducing maintenance time and costs. Additionally, they can perform the tasks of multiple other instruments in the lab.
Both types of pipettes have their advantages and disadvantages, and the decision between the two should be based on factors such as precision, comfort, time, and budget. If cost is a concern, manual pipettes may be more suitable, but if accuracy and precision are priorities, electronic pipettes could be the better choice.
Overall, electronic pipettes offer improved ergonomics, accuracy, and durability compared to manual pipettes, but they come at a higher financial cost.
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Single vs. multichannel pipettes
Single and multichannel pipettes differ in the number of pistons they contain, with single-channel pipettes allowing users to transfer a single aliquot at a time, and multichannel pipettes utilising multiple tips for measuring and dispensing equal amounts of liquid simultaneously. Single-channel pipettes are ideal for experimental work involving individual tubes or a single cross-match to perform a blood transfusion. They are commonly used in laboratories with a low throughput of samples, such as those involved in research and development.
On the other hand, multichannel pipettes are perfect for quickly filling 96-, 384-, or 1,536-well microtiter plates, which may contain samples for applications like DNA amplification, ELISA (diagnostic test), kinetic studies, and molecular screening. They are the preferred choice for manual high-throughput lab applications, as they significantly reduce the number of pipetting steps and increase productivity. The volume transferrable per head is generally lower in multichannel pipettes than in single-channel pipettes, with the former typically ranging from 0.2 to 1200ul and the latter from 0.1ul to 10,000ul.
Both single and multichannel pipettes are available in manual and electronic formats. Manual pipettes require thumb movement, while electronic pipettes are battery-powered and operated by a main button. Electronic pipettes offer improved ergonomics, accuracy, and precision but are more expensive.
Some notable multichannel pipettes include the Eppendorf® Research Plus, Biohit® mLINE, and Brandtech, while single-channel options include the Eppendorf®, Sartorius Biohit®, Gilson®, Rainin®, Labnet®, AccuPet®, and Capp®.
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Fixed vs. adjustable volume pipettes
Pipettes are common lab equipment used to transfer specific volumes of fluids. They come in a range of shapes and sizes and are used in various fields, including biology, chemistry, and molecular biology.
Fixed-volume pipettes have a pre-set, non-adjustable volume and deliver a specific volume with each use. They are ideal for beginners and perfect for use with dense or viscous liquids. The volume of a fixed-volume pipette cannot be changed, allowing users to work faster without adjusting the volume setting. They are also more durable, simpler to repair and re-calibrate, and less prone to errors. Fixed-volume pipettes are typically 35-50% less expensive than digital pipettes.
On the other hand, adjustable-volume pipettes are the most common type and can be set to a specified volume within their operational range, generally 10-100µl. They are more versatile than fixed-volume pipettes, as users can set and change the desired volume. However, exceeding the pipette's limits may result in damage.
Both fixed and adjustable-volume pipettes are available in manual and electronic formats. Manual pipettes are the most cost-effective, while electronic pipettes offer increased ergonomics, accuracy, and precision. Electronic pipettes are also more efficient and reduce the manual effort required.
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Volumetric pipettes
In terms of precision, volumetric pipettes offer very accurate volume measurements, comparable to fixed volume pipettes. They are classified as Class A or Class B, with Class A providing higher accuracy and tolerance. Class A pipettes have a tolerance of ±0.006 mL for a 0.5-mL pipette and ±0.05 mL for a 50-mL pipette. Class B pipettes have double the tolerance of Class A.
While volumetric pipettes are essential in laboratory settings, electronic pipettes have also gained popularity due to their accuracy, precision, ergonomics, and efficiency. Electronic pipettes have revolutionised liquid handling in various laboratories, from academic to pharmaceutical settings. They improve ergonomics by reducing the force required and offer increased accuracy and precision compared to manual pipettes.
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Repeater pipettes
One of the key advantages of repeater pipettes is their ergonomic design. They are lightweight and can be operated with a single hand, reducing the risk of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) for users. The electronic versions further enhance ergonomics by reducing the force required for pipetting, making them a comfortable and user-friendly option.
The volume ranges of repeater pipettes are impressive. They can handle small increments of 1 µL with precision and accuracy, as well as larger repeatable volumes of up to 50 mL. This adaptability makes them suitable for a wide range of applications. Additionally, the use of positive displacement syringe tips ensures accuracy and repeatability, even with challenging liquids, and helps prevent bubble formation and foaming in detergent-containing liquids.
Overall, repeater pipettes are a valuable asset in any laboratory setting. Their accuracy, speed, and ergonomic design contribute to a more productive and comfortable working environment, making them a preferred choice for precise and repetitive liquid handling tasks.
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Frequently asked questions
Large electric pipettes are called electronic pipettes. They are a digitally optimized version of a handheld pipette that allows you to automate a sequence of volumes, save protocols, and password-protect settings and modes.
Electronic pipettes offer improved ergonomics, minimizing the risk of repetitive strain injuries as there is no plunger to press down on to move the piston. They also offer better precision and accuracy as they are less operator-dependent.
Examples of electronic pipettes include the E4 XLS+ single-channel electronic pipette and the Rainin E4 XLS+ electronic single-channel pipette.
