3 Reasons Your Multichannels Suck
Sometimes, your multichannels suck. It’s a truth scientist’s never want to admit, but despite denials and protest, the time has come. Your multichannel just plain sucks. Does your multichannel no longer provide reliable aspiration? Does the ejector fall off? Is it just too heavy to hold? It can be tough to hear and even harder to accept. If you can’t quite believe it yet, below are 3 of the dreaded signs of an inferior multichannel.
1.) The Wrong Application
One of the most common reasons that a multichannel pipette can’t carry its weight is actually due to how it is being used. If your multichannel isn’t aspirating accurately, it’s best to first look over the experiment you are performing. While other factors may be at hand, start by looking at the solutions you are pipetting with your multichannel.
Multichannels are air displacement pipettes, making them perfect for aqueous and standard pipetting applications. If you are attempting to aspirate samples that are viscous or corrosive, you run the risk of decreasing the accuracy and precision of your multichannel. The samples you are using also have the ability to permanently damage your multichannel pipette through toxic fumes.
2.) Specialty Tips for your Multichannel
When examining your multichannel its bests to also look at the tips you use. While a robust multichannel is needed for high throughput, the tips being used play a major role in its performance. A good pipette tip is durable and easy to come by. That’s why a multichannel that only takes a specific pipette tip is in need of an upgrade. Many manufactures including Rainin and Calibra, offer this as a feature in their pipettes and while it may have some benefits, it presents the possibility for delayed work. Researcher’s using specialty tips run the risk of having trouble finding the tips they need, especially as newer multichannels are being introduced into the market. If your multichannel requires specialty tips, it may also be pricier than universal tips other multichannels use.
3.) Old Technology 
The last sign on our list examines what technology your multichannel pipette uses. The original multichannels were heavy, bulky, and could slow down your pipetting. Let’s start by looking at the technology of manual multichannel pipettes. Some of the most important features a multichannel can come with are: smooth plunger force, light weight design, and ergonomic functionality. All of these features allow for longer comfortable periods of pipetting. If accuracy is your concern, a volume locking system or double o-rings are the features you need in your multichannel.
If you are looking to increase your pipetting output, then you may want to look into the benefits of an electronic multichannel. These pipettes come with the ability to perform reverse pipette, mixing, multiple dispensing, diluting and much more. Perfect for PCR & Elisa applications, these multichannels come with safe-cone filters to help prevent contamination from your samples. The electronic tip ejector and lightweight designs also reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Upgrade Your Multichannels Here!
If you are ready to throw out that old multichannel and upgrade to a pipette with the features you need to increase your productivity, let Pipette.com help. From light weight designs to electronic multichannels, we have a wide selection of multichannels capable of meeting your needs. To help keep your upgrade as inexpensive as possible, we constantly have Buy One, Get One Free promotions. If you need help determining which multichannel works best for your research, our pipette enthusiasts would be happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.
