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Simple and efficient, pipettes are a must in laboratories around the world. They are used by scientists of all skill levels, from high school science teachers to researchers working in world-class centers like the MRC Harwell Institute. Pipettes have a variety of different uses in a range of fields, with some of the more common ones described below.
Life sciences
Pipettes have been a mainstay of life science laboratories since the 1940s, when the tool was first invented by French chemist Louis Pasteur. From genetics and biochemistry to immunology and epidemiology, these very useful little tools have been used to aspirate, transport and distribute liquid samples for decades.
Microbiology, chemistry and medical tests
Pipettes are particularly useful in microbiology, medicine, and chemical laboratories, where scientists handle multiple samples on a daily basis. Pipettes allow scientists to easily and accurately transfer samples.
ELISA and DNA amplification
Repetitive strain injury is one of the biggest health risks scientists face, especially those who work in labs loaded with samples. Typically comprising between eight and 12 heads, multichannel micropipettes can dramatically increase productivity up to 64 times. This makes them ideal for use in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) laboratories, as well as centers dealing with molecular screening and DNA amplification.
Food and drinks
From nutritional labeling to quality control, pipettes are commonplace in food laboratories. Accuracy is essential, with scientists relying on pipettes to extract, transport and distribute samples.
Medicines
Pharmaceutical research demands incredible precision and precision, making pipettes an essential tool. In addition to pharmaceutical companies, pipettes are also commonly found in drugstores and drugstores. For example, disposable pipettes are often included when purchasing children’s medicine. Veterinarians can also distribute pre-loaded drug pipettes to pet owners.
Measured values ​​less than 1 ml
When measuring values ​​less than 1 ml, micropipettes provide more accurate results. Designed to measure at the microliter scale, the tools use piston air displacement technology to suck the liquid. They are available in single-channel and multi-channel versions, with different models used for different applications.
From minimizing the risk of repetitive strain injury to choosing the right model for the job and considering factors that affect accuracy and precision, a good understanding of pipetting is essential for laboratory performance. Highlighting the content of the new Pipetting Skills Course developed by the MRC Harwell Institute in Oxfordshire, expert Lee Moir discusses best practice methods and techniques in more detail. “The Art of Pipetting – Top Tipsâ€.
