Pipettes-Types, principle, working and uses

Written By Adeel Abbas

Pipettes are essential tools in a laboratory setting that are used to measure and transfer small volumes of liquids. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of pipettes, their chemistry, accuracy, important parts, and various uses.

Pipette Definition

A pipette is a laboratory tool that is used to measure and transfer small volumes of liquids accurately. It is a cylindrical glass or plastic tube that has a narrow end for transferring liquids, and a bulb or other mechanism for drawing up the liquid.

Types of Pipettes

1. Gilson Pipette: These are used for high precision measurements and are available in both single and multichannel formats.
2. Micropipette: These are used to measure very small volumes of liquid, typically in the range of microliters or even nanoliters.
3. Eppendorf Pipette: These are similar to micropipettes and are commonly used in molecular biology and biochemistry labs.
4. Pasteur Pipette: These are used to transfer small volumes of liquid from one container to another.
5. Volumetric Pipette: These are used to accurately measure a specific volume of liquid.
6. Serological Pipette: These are used in the medical industry to measure and transfer small volumes of liquid for medical testing.
7. Graduated Pipette: These are used to measure and transfer different volumes of liquid, and have markings on the side to indicate the volume of liquid being measured.
8. Positive Displacement Pipette: These are used to measure and transfer highly viscous or volatile liquids.

Pipette Chemistry

Pipettes are typically made of glass or plastic, and are designed to be chemically resistant to the liquids they are used to transfer. They can be made from borosilicate glass or plastic materials that can withstand changes in temperature and exposure to different chemicals.

Pipette Accuracy

The accuracy of a pipette depends on the type and model of the pipette being used. Some pipettes are designed for high precision measurements, while others are less accurate. The accuracy can also be affected by factors such as the temperature and viscosity of the liquid being transferred.

Important Parts of Pipette:

1. Pipette Tips: The tips of a pipette are disposable and come in various sizes and materials. They are designed to fit onto the narrow end of the pipette and allow for accurate transfer of liquids.
2. Pipette Bulb: The bulb or other mechanism is used to draw up the liquid into the pipette.
3. Pipette Diagram: A pipette has a narrow end for transferring liquids and a bulb or other mechanism for drawing up the liquid.
4. Pipette Dropper: The dropper is the narrow end of the pipette that is used to transfer the liquid.

Pipette Filler

A pipette filler is a tool that is used to draw up liquid into a pipette without the need for a pipette bulb. It is a handheld device that is attached to the top of the pipette, and can be used to control the amount of liquid being transferred.

Pipette Pump

A pipette pump is a tool that is used to draw up liquid into a pipette without the need for a pipette bulb. It is a handheld device that is attached to the top of the pipette, and can be used to control the amount of liquid being transferred.

Pipette Sucker

A pipette sucker is a tool that is used to draw up liquid into a pipette without the need for a pipette bulb. It is a handheld device that is attached to the top of the pipette, and can be used to control the amount of liquid being transferred.

Uses of pipette

1. Chemical Analysis: Pipettes are commonly used for chemical analysis, such as titrations and sample preparation for spectroscopic analysis.
2. Preparing Solutions: In chemistry, solutions with specific concentrations are required, and pipettes are used to prepare these solutions. Volumetric pipettes are commonly used for preparing solutions of a specific volume and concentration.
3. Sample Handling: Pipettes are used to transfer small volumes of liquids, such as samples or reagents, for further processing or analysis.
4. Dilution: Pipettes are used for diluting a solution, which is the process of reducing the concentration of a solution by adding more solvent.
5. Addition of Reagents: In many chemical reactions, reagents need to be added in specific amounts and in a controlled manner. Pipettes allow for the precise addition of reagents to a reaction mixture.
6. Quality Control: In manufacturing processes, pipettes are used for quality control purposes, such as ensuring that products are made to specific standards.
7. pH Measurements: Pipettes are used in pH measurements, where the addition of an acidic or basic solution is required to adjust the pH of the sample.
8. Cell Culture: Pipettes are used in cell culture techniques for adding or removing small volumes of culture medium, which contains essential nutrients for the growth of cells.

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