What is A Fixed Volume Pipette

A fixed volume pipette, also known as a fixed-volume micropipette, is a laboratory instrument used for precise and accurate measurement and transfer of liquid volumes. It is commonly used in various scientific disciplines such as biology, chemistry, and molecular biology.

Unlike adjustable or variable volume pipettes, which allow users to set and change the desired volume, fixed volume pipettes have a pre-set, non-adjustable volume. These pipettes are designed to deliver a specific and consistent volume with each use.

Fixed volume pipettes are available in a range of volume capacities, typically ranging from microliters (μL) to milliliters (mL). They are designed with a piston mechanism and a disposable tip that can be attached and detached for each use, ensuring accurate and contamination-free transfers.

Fixed volume pipettes are widely used in research laboratories, diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical industries, and other scientific settings where precise and repetitive liquid handling is required.

A fixed volume pipette and an automatic pipette differ in several key aspects:

  1. Volume Adjustability: One of the primary differences is in the volume adjustability. A fixed volume pipette has a pre-set, non-adjustable volume. It can deliver only a specific volume with each use, and the volume cannot be changed. On the other hand, an automatic pipette offers adjustable volume settings. Users can set and change the desired volume within the pipette’s range.
  2. Mechanism: Fixed volume pipettes typically have a manual operating mechanism. They are manually operated by the user, who aspirates and dispenses the liquid by applying pressure on the plunger. In contrast, automatic pipettes have an electronic mechanism. They feature a motorized system that aspirates and dispenses the liquid with the push of a button, reducing the manual effort required.
  3. Automation and Features: Automatic pipettes offer additional automation features not found in fixed volume pipettes. These features may include programmable functions such as multiple dispensing, mixing, and serial dilutions. Automatic pipettes can also have advanced functions like sequential dispensing, reverse pipetting, and customizable pipetting protocols. These automated features enhance efficiency, accuracy, and reproducibility in liquid handling tasks.
  4. Display and Controls: Fixed volume pipettes usually have a basic design with minimal controls. They may have a simple scale or indicator to show the fixed volume. In contrast, automatic pipettes typically have a digital display and control panel. The digital display allows users to see the set volume and other relevant information, while the control panel enables users to adjust the volume, select functions, and navigate through menu options.
  5. User Experience: Fixed volume pipettes require the user to manually control and perform all pipetting actions, including aspirating, dispensing, and discarding tips. Automatic pipettes, with their electronic mechanism, simplify the pipetting process. They offer features like automatic tip ejection, minimizing the need for manual tip handling. This can enhance user experience and reduce repetitive strain during prolonged pipetting sessions.

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What Is An Automatic Pipette

An automatic pipette, also known as an electronic pipette or motorized pipette, is a laboratory instrument used for precise and convenient liquid handling. It is an advanced version of a manual pipette that incorporates electronic controls to automate various pipetting tasks.

Automatic pipettes are designed to simplify and streamline the process of liquid transfer, minimizing human error and increasing efficiency. They typically feature a digital display and control panel, allowing users to set and adjust the desired volume with ease. The electronic mechanism of an automatic pipette enables it to aspirate and dispense liquid accurately and consistently.

Key features and advantages of automatic pipettes include:

  1. Adjustable volume: Unlike fixed volume pipettes, automatic pipettes offer a wide range of adjustable volume settings. Users can select the desired volume from the pipette’s range, typically spanning from microliters (μL) to milliliters (mL).
  2. Precise and accurate dispensing: Automatic pipettes are known for their high accuracy and precision, ensuring reliable and consistent liquid transfers. The electronic controls and motorized mechanisms help minimize human variability and errors associated with manual pipetting.
  3. Programmable functions: Many automatic pipettes offer programmable features such as multiple dispensing, mixing, and serial dilutions. These functions allow users to perform complex pipetting tasks with ease and reproducibility.
  4. Ergonomic design: Automatic pipettes are designed with user comfort in mind. They often feature ergonomic handles, lightweight construction, and reduced pipetting forces, enabling users to perform repetitive pipetting tasks with less strain and fatigue.
  5. Time-saving and efficiency: The automation provided by automatic pipettes significantly speeds up pipetting tasks, leading to improved efficiency and productivity in the laboratory.

Automatic pipettes are commonly used in various scientific disciplines, including molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical research, clinical diagnostics, and other areas that require precise liquid handling.

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What is a Serological Pipette

A serological pipette is a long, graduated glass or plastic tube used in laboratories for measuring and transferring relatively large volumes of liquids. It typically has a wide top opening, a tapered tip, and volume markings along its length. Serological pipettes are commonly used in various scientific and medical applications, such as cell culture, sample preparation, and biochemical assays.

A serological pipette is a type of tube. It is a long, cylindrical, graduated glass or plastic tube with a tapered tip. The tube is typically transparent to allow for easy visual inspection of the liquid volume. Serological pipettes are available in different sizes, ranging from a few milliliters to larger volumes, such as 25 or 50 milliliters. They are commonly used in laboratory settings for measuring and transferring liquids accurately.

Serological pipettes have graduated markings along their length that allow for approximate volume measurements. However, they are not considered as precise as other types of pipettes, such as micropipettes or volumetric pipettes, which are designed for more accurate and precise liquid measurements.

The graduations on serological pipettes typically have increments of 0.1 or 0.2 milliliters, depending on the specific pipette. While these markings provide a rough estimation of the volume being dispensed or transferred, they are not as precise as the measurements obtained with pipettes specifically designed for high precision.

If you require precise and accurate measurements, it is recommended to use pipettes that are designed for such purposes, such as micropipettes with adjustable volume settings or volumetric pipettes that have a single, specific volume measurement.

 

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Enhancing Laboratory Results: The Power of a Pipette Controller

In the realm of scientific research and experimentation, precision and accuracy are paramount. The ability to handle small volumes of liquid with utmost control can make a significant difference in the reliability and reproducibility of laboratory results. This is where the indispensable tool known as a motorized pipette controller comes into play. In this blog, we will explore how a pipette controller aids researchers and scientists in achieving superior outcomes in the lab.

  1. Accurate and Consistent Liquid Handling: One of the primary benefits of a pipette controller is its ability to deliver precise and consistent liquid volumes. With manual pipetting, variations in hand pressure and technique can lead to inconsistent results. Pipette controllers eliminate this variability by providing controlled aspiration and dispensing, ensuring accurate and repeatable liquid transfers. This accuracy is especially crucial when working with sensitive samples or conducting experiments that require precise measurements.
  2. Enhanced Ergonomics and User Comfort: Pipetting is a repetitive task performed by scientists and researchers throughout their workday. Prolonged manual pipetting can lead to hand fatigue and musculoskeletal injuries. Pipette controllers are designed with ergonomic features that minimize strain on the hand and wrist. They offer a comfortable grip, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries and promoting better pipetting technique. By maintaining the well-being of laboratory personnel, pipette controllers contribute to improved focus and attentiveness, ultimately leading to more reliable results.
  3. Increased Efficiency and Workflow Optimization: Time is a valuable resource in the lab, and pipette controllers can significantly enhance workflow efficiency. These instruments typically feature adjustable speed settings, allowing users to perform pipetting tasks at a pace that suits their specific needs. Rapid mode changes and the ability to dispense liquid quickly (blow-out function) streamline the process, reducing the time spent on routine pipetting tasks. Consequently, researchers can allocate more time to complex experimental procedures, data analysis, and critical thinking.
  4. Compatibility with Various Pipette Types and Applications: Pipette controllers are versatile tools that can accommodate a wide range of pipette types and sizes. Whether working with single-channel or multichannel pipettes, users can easily switch between different pipetting instruments without the need for additional adjustments. Pipette controllers also support various liquid handling applications, including PCR setup, cell culture, enzyme assays, and sample preparation. Their flexibility allows researchers to seamlessly transition between different experimental protocols, ensuring consistency and accuracy across diverse research projects.
  5. Minimization of Contamination Risks: Contamination is a constant concern in the laboratory, particularly when working with sensitive samples or conducting experiments with trace amounts of substances. Pipette controllers equipped with disposable tips provide an effective barrier between the pipette and the liquid being handled, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination. By using sterile, single-use tips with each sample, researchers can maintain the integrity of their samples, avoid cross-contamination, and achieve more reliable results.

In the pursuit of scientific advancements, the accuracy, precision, and efficiency of laboratory procedures are vital. A pipette controller serves as an invaluable ally in achieving these goals. By enabling accurate liquid handling, ensuring user comfort, optimizing workflow efficiency, supporting various pipette types and applications, and reducing contamination risks, a pipette controller plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality and reliability of laboratory results. Embracing this innovative tool empowers researchers and scientists to make significant strides in their respective fields, bringing us closer to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.

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What is a Pipette Controller

A pipette controller, also known as a pipette aid or pipettor, is a laboratory instrument used to aspirate and dispense small volumes of liquid with precision. It is commonly used in various scientific and medical applications, including molecular biology, biochemistry, cell culture, and clinical diagnostics.

A pipette controller typically consists of a handheld device that provides a comfortable grip for the user. It has a power button or a trigger mechanism to control the aspiration and dispensing of liquid. The instrument is designed to accommodate different types and sizes of pipettes, which are the slender tubes used to draw and deliver specific volumes of liquid.

The main purpose of a pipette controller is to facilitate accurate and efficient liquid handling. It utilizes a motorized system to create a vacuum or positive pressure, allowing the user to control the movement of liquid into and out of the pipette. By controlling the pressure and release, the user can accurately measure and transfer small volumes of liquid, typically ranging from microliters (µL) to milliliters (mL).

Pipette controllers offer several advantages over manual pipetting techniques. They provide better ergonomics and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries associated with pipetting. They also offer improved accuracy and precision, allowing for consistent and reproducible results. Some pipette controllers feature adjustable speed settings, blow-out functions, and multiple modes to accommodate various liquid handling tasks.

It’s worth noting that pipette controllers require compatible disposable or reusable pipette tips, which securely attach to the end of the pipette. These tips come in different sizes and materials to suit specific applications and ensure proper dispensing and aspiration of liquids.

Pipette controllers are essential tools in laboratories and research facilities where precise and reliable liquid handling is required. They enhance workflow efficiency and contribute to the accuracy and reproducibility of experiments and analyses.

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How is pipette calibration important to labs?

Pipette calibration is an essential aspect of laboratory operations as it ensures the accuracy and reliability of measurements taken with pipettes. Pipettes are commonly used in laboratories to measure and dispense small volumes of liquids with high precision, and the accuracy of these measurements is crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable data.

One of the main reasons why pipette calibration is so important is that it helps to ensure the accuracy and consistency of measurements. Pipettes that are not calibrated can produce inaccurate results, which can lead to errors in data and conclusions. By calibrating pipettes on a regular basis, laboratories can ensure that the measurements taken are accurate and consistent, which is critical for obtaining reliable data.

Another important aspect of pipette calibration is compliance. Many industries and regulatory bodies have specific guidelines and standards for the use of pipettes in laboratories, and using calibrated pipettes is often a requirement. By calibrating multichannel pipettes according to these guidelines and standards, laboratories can ensure that they are in compliance with regulatory requirements, which is important for passing audits and avoiding penalties.

Pipette calibration also helps to promote efficiency and productivity. By ensuring that electronic pipettes are accurate and consistent, laboratories can reduce the risk of errors and rework, which can save time and resources. Additionally, calibration management software can streamline the calibration process and help to schedule and track the calibration of pipettes, which can further improve efficiency.

Calibration management software is very important to be used to generate reports, which can be useful for passing audits. Auditors will be looking for evidence that the laboratory is maintaining accurate records of pipette calibration, and that the calibration process is in compliance with industry standards and regulations. Reports generated by the software can provide this evidence and demonstrate the laboratory’s commitment to quality control and good lab practices.

Qualer provides a best-in-class CMMS software solution for progressive commercial calibration companies of any size looking to digitize their processes. From basic checks and preventative maintenance to fully accredited calibrations, Qualer’s Calibration Management Software Cloud infrastructure enables seamless measurement capture and real-time documentation processing from any device with internet access, increasing operational efficiencies and productivity while reducing costs.

Reliable ELISA Equipment & Products

In order to detect and quantify substances such as peptides, proteins, antibodies and hormones, many laboratories use an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, in order to get optimal results, you need to be sure to select the right equipment, including your pipette, plates, and washer. Our experts at Pipette.com outline some of the best ELISA equipment available below to ensure that you can get the results that you need for a very reasonable price.

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A Nichiryo Pipette Makes the Difference

If you need durability, strength, comfort, and stability in your laboratory, Nichiryo Pipettes are guaranteed to impress. Founded in 1944, Nichiryo began as a manufacturer of measuring glassware and has since expanded immensely. For over 25 years they have been making quality Japan-made pipettes and our experts at Pipette.com examine three of their finest pipettes: Nichiryo Pipette EX II, Nichiryo Pipette Premium, and Nichiryo Pipette LT.

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Multichannel Pipettes: 3 Reasons You Should Upgrade

With the variety of pipettes available on the market, you might wonder which features make a multichannel pipette unique. Quality pipettes are going to cost you, but the level of quality that they offer is a big step up from less advanced product lines. Our experts at Pipette.com have compiled the following article as an overview of the reason why premium multichannels are worth the upgrade from basic and standard designs.

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Ergonomic Multichannel Pipettes to Reduce RSI

Although you might look at the more technical features of pipettes when making your purchasing decisions, spending hours in the lab makes ergonomics a very important factor to consider. At Pipette.com, we offer numerous ergonomic multichannel pipettes to give you a comfortable experience that can really benefit the results of your experiments. Lightweight materials, ergonomic shape design, and low tip insertion forces allow for easy pipetting. Ergonomic multichannel pipettes are ideal for those looking for comfort on top of accuracy and precision.

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