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Guide to Choosing the Right Pipette for Your Application
Author: Dr. Emilia Varhimo | Read Time: 10 minutes | Last Updated: November 2022
Laboratory work is pertinent to an exceptionally broad scope of principles and professions. But for all the different research fields, there is a unifying factor – most rely on pipettes to safely and accurately transfer liquid samples and conduct repeatable experiments. Most – if not all – basic laboratory guides feature sections about pipettes and pipetting techniques. Indeed, pipetting is one of the most common tasks performed in lab settings and one of the most important. It is important to remember that pipetting is not a one-size-fits-all process. Everything from liquids to workflow can directly influence the pipettes, accessories and pipetting techniques that should be used. Because pipetting occurs so frequently in lab settings, it stands to reason a user would want to ensure proper equipment and techniques are always used.
But what constitutes proper equipment and technique?
There are several factors to consider regarding pipettes and pipetting but making these choices does not have to be a daunting task. Sartorius offers an all-inclusive buyers guide for selecting pipettes and pipetting accessories and a robust library of resources, so there is never a missed step when it comes to technique, maintenance, etc.
Deciding your laboratory requires pipettes is the easy part. The breakdown of needs and variables will ultimately determine which pipette and accessory choices will make the most sense.
Quick Tip: A good rule of thumb is to remember the highest accuracy levels are achieved by choosing the smallest volume pipettes capable of handling your volumes. Pipettes are most accurate at nominal volume.
Before you purchase your next pipette, consider the following:
Those in the market for manual pipettes that are accurate, ergonomic and easy to use should consider the Sartorius line of mechanical pipettes as a safe bet. Whether the choice is Tacta®, Mline®, Proline® or Proline® Plus, Sartorius offers reliable mechanical pipettes, popular liquid-handling devices in research institutes, pharmaceutical laboratories, industrial labs and universities. Need help? Learn How to Select a Mechanical Pipette.
When the name of the game is precision – and you want to leave the variables of manual pipetting behind with the simple push of a button – it might be time to explore electronic pipettes. Sartorius Picus® 2 family pipettes are ideal for your daily liquid-handling lab requirements.
With fully electronic control, you can be sure of consistent, user-independent results. And with multiple settings, you can expedite your workflow, handling larger tasks faster than with mechanical pipettes.
Discover how much faster an electronic multichannel pipette can fill a multiwell plate using multidispensing than a mechanical pipette.
Each of these user benefits are available with Sartorius‘ Picus® 2 family pipettes. They take pipetting to the next level with a sophisticated and ergonomic design, allowing users to work with minimal effort for maximum levels of accuracy and reliability. By connecting Picus® 2 to your mobile device, you can use the Sartorius Pipetting mobile app to smoothly run sample preparation workflows and adjust the pipette setting automatically, taking your productivity to the next level. The app also lets you update the pipettes to the latest software.
Understanding the specific needs of your application can help you select the right pipette and improve your results. There is a strong correlation between lab applications and the type of pipetting equipment to get the job done in the best possible way. Everything from sample medium to sterility requirements plays a role in the types of pipettes and accessories used. Knowing which pipettes and accessories most effectively mesh with various applications can keep pipetting tasks safe, accurate and repeatable - regardless of your field.
Additionally, when selecting pipette tips, the user must evaluate pipette tip compatibility with the pipette, the quality and purity of the tips, and how good the tip packaging is.
It is recommended that pipettes be stored securely in an upright position to avoid contamination from work surfaces, etc. Whether using mechanical or electronic, single or multichannel, Sartorius has a selection of stands to suit your workspace needs. Enjoy space-saving, multi-unit storage with a carousel stand, or multitask and keep electronic units ready-to-use with charging stands. Regardless of need, there is a variety of choices to keep an orderly space and protect pipetting equipment.
With the repetitive arm and hand movements associated with pipetting, there can be concern for comfort and health-related issues. The Elbow Pad is designed to provide comfort and relieve pain and contact stress. These durable pads conform to user size requirements and ensure better ergonomics while pipetting.
Our ultimate pipette protectors are made from polyethylene (PE) and designed to keep harmful substances (liquid vapors, contaminants, etc.) from reaching the internal components of your pipette when pipetting using standard pipette tips. This additional line of protection lessens the risk of pipette damage, prolongs the unit’s lifetime and reduces maintenance intervals.
You’ve found the perfect pipette for your workplace needs. You have accessorized your equipment with pipette tips, filters, stands and everything else you need to create a fully functional pipetting workspace.
What now?
Now is the time to make sure you are getting the most out of your pipette by going back to basics. By employing the best practices when using pipettes and pipetting equipment, not only is the life of the equipment prolonged, but sample/experiment integrity is preserved through elimination of error.
Regardless of experience level, enhancing work quality is a goal for most in the laboratory, and there are always training certifications to maintain. The Sartorius Pipetting Academy offers training modules and in-depth educational content for pipetting beginners as well as seasoned lab professionals. With a robust selection of theory-based content and hands-on sessions, pipette training is attainable for people of all preferred learning styles.Participants will learn:
Sartorius’ ISO 9001 Certified online and custom pipette training program provides high-quality training from certified instructors and guarantees participating lab personnel will have the skills and knowledge necessary to meet quality requirements.
While pipetting is a common laboratory practice, there is always potential for error. In many instances, these errors are easy to prevent through proper equipment selection and the basics of good pipetting practices.
Four common pipetting errors include:
By understanding samples/applications and finding the best pipetting techniques and equipment for the task at hand, the margin of human error can be greatly reduced as a factor for error in experiments and workflows. (Check out the infographic, Learn Six Easy Ways to Prevent Pipetting Errors.
With training in-hand, you are well on the way to a fulfilling working relationship with your carefully selected pipettes and pipetting equipment. There is nothing left but to enjoy years of safe, reliable, and accurate pipetting, right? … almost. While Sartorius strives to produce high-quality pipettes and accessories, proper user maintenance is what keeps the equipment safe, clean, reliable, and compliant – all important assets for frequently used laboratory equipment.
Pipettes are used to transfer a multitude of samples and media, including liquids that can be viscous, hazardous, or potential contaminants. Thorough cleaning is a must to keep equipment in working order and maintain sample integrity.
It is important to always follow the manufacturer's recommendations when it comes to cleaning pipettes and pipette equipment. A good tip to keep in mind when undertaking the following practices:
Service life cycle management is an important thing to consider when purchasing equipment. Whether the field is pharma, food and beverage, university, etc., good practices and preventative maintenance are crucial to increasing the longevity of equipment. And when the going gets tough, it also helps to know your lab equipment is backed by teams of exceptional repair and service professionals. To maintain the level of purity critical in many laboratory applications, adequate cleaning and decontamination of pipettes is necessary.
Within the confines of your testing parameters are a variety of factors which, over time, could affect the performance of your pipettes and pipetting accessories. No matter where you are in the world, we are prepared to serve you – and your pipette – with service contracts and a full spectrum of repair/maintenance options to suit your needs. Let us work with you to develop optimal service solutions for your systems, instruments, and pipetting equipment. With us on your support team, you can be sure of the quality of results through the final step of your manufacturing and testing processes.
In addition to cleaning and performing routine maintenance on your pipettes, the accuracy and precision of these instruments should be checked at regular intervals (keeping in mind intervals can vary according to factors like frequency of use, pipetted materials, etc.).
Whether you prefer to outsource calibration services to our team of professionals or tackle the task in-house, we have everything needed to get the job done – and done well!
Explore how to set up pipetting quality control program for your lab. Now you’re all set! We hope this one-stop guide puts you well on your way to pipette mastery, from equipment to technique to maintenance. We are confident our liquid-handling solutions will leave you wanting for nothing in your testing and manufacturing endeavors. Let us set you up for success in pharmaceutical discovery, bioengineering, quality control – whatever you might need.
Sartorius Instrument Service means less work for you and better performance for your devices. In addition to pipette repair, we offer pipette calibration services to keep your equipment accurate and industry compliant.
Explore Sartorius Instrument Services
Speedcal mobile is a patented and unique pipette calibration system including up to 12 weighing systems for fast and precise calibration of multichannel pipettes (up to 12 channels). Speedcal mobile can also be used to calibrate single channel pipettes. With integrated semimicro balances (readability of 0,01mg), it is possible to calibrate pipettes from 10µl up to 1500 µl. Speedcal mobile is available in 4, 8 and 12-channel versions (later upgrade possible).
Read About Fast Calibration of Multi-Channel Pipettes
Whether you are looking for top-of-the-line calibration software such as Pipetto or accompanying calibration hardware such as suction pumps, liquid reservoirs and climate control towers, Sartorius has the calibration tools to keep your pipetting equipment ready for action, regardless of application.
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