Purchasing Guide: Pipettes

Pipettes are an essential liquid handling tool in any lab. From serological pipettes to electronic micropipettes, there are a variety of types and volume ranges available to fit your exact needs. Advancements in technology have helped improve the accuracy and reproducibility of pipetting instruments. However, proper use and maintenance are still vital to getting the most out of your pipettes and controllers. For a list of pipette manufacturers, see our online directory: LabManager.com/pipette-manufacturers

6 Questions to Ask When Buying a Pipette:

1. Is the pipette or controller ergonomic and comfortable to use?
2. How easy is it to change the volume, and is there a lock to prevent you from changing it accidentally?
3. What volumes will you need for your application?
4. What is your sample throughput, and would a multi-channel pipette or automated liquid handler improve your efficiency?
5. How complex are your protocols, and would an electronic pipette help tracking steps?
6. What maintenance and calibration options are available from the manufacturer?

Manual vs Electronic Pipettes

There are several factors to consider when deciding between manual and electronic pipettes involving workflow and application needs, length of pipetting sessions, and cost. What kind of pipette best suits your needs? Learn more about making the decision between manual and electronic pipettes at LabManager.com/types-of-pipettes

Establishing a Calibration Schedule

You should not wait to calibrate pipettes until they are noticeably faulty. The key to consistent pipettes, and more consistent experimentation, is to calibrate pipettes often and regularly. Learn more about establishing an effective pipette calibration schedule at LabManager.com/pipette-calibration