Top 10 Common Uses of Pipettes in Scientific Laboratories

Pipettes are indispensable in a modern scientific laboratory because they provide unmatched accuracy in handling liquids. Their applications range across a wide cross-section of science disciplines, and they are hence important both for routine laboratory work and complex laboratory procedures. In this post, we touch upon the top 10 pipette uses in scientific labs and some of the innovative pipettes from Borosil Scientific that enhance those applications.

Introduction to Pipettes: Essential Tools in Laboratory Work

In any scientific laboratory, accuracy and precision are very important. Pipettes contribute significantly to achieving precise measurements and reproducibility in experiments. From medical research to chemical testing, the versatility of pipettes is evident in their various forms and functionalities.

Pipettes are primarily used to transport a measured volume of liquid from one container to another. They come in different types, including micropipettes, volumetric pipettes, and electronic pipettes, each tailored for specific needs and accuracy levels. Borosil Scientific’s range, including the C1, C2, and C3 Micropipettes, are designed for tasks where precision is important, providing minimal error and consistent performance.

Exploring the Various Types of Pipettes

Borosil Scientific’s extensive range includes micropipettes, volumetric pipettes, electronic pipettes, and specialised types such as Mohr pipettes and Gerber Milk pipettes, each tailored to fulfil specific laboratory requirements.

• C1 Micropipettes: The C1 series is notable for its strong build, featuring a metal tip base that enhances its durability, making it ideal for handling the rigorous demands of daily lab activities. The precision engineering offers minimal sample contamination and maximised accuracy, important for analytical and quantitative protocols in fields like molecular biology and pharmacology.

• C2 Micropipettes: These pipettes are ergonomically designed to provide comfort during extended use, which is crucial in clinical settings and research environments where repetitive actions are common. The oversized volume indicator simplifies adjustments, enhancing the accuracy of volumetric analyses and reducing the potential for errors during complex experiments.

• C3 Micropipettes: Known for their durability and versatility, the C3 Micropipettes feature a tip cone made from chemically resistant PVDF. This tip cone offers extended usability even when working with aggressive solvents, making them useful for applications in organic chemistry labs and industrial research where chemical resistance is paramount.

• Electronic Micropipettes: The Labquest Electronic Micropipettes stand out for their advanced digital controls and customisable settings, which are essential for tasks requiring consistent repetition and precision. They are beneficial in genomic and proteomic research where precise volume control can significantly influence experimental outcomes.

Additionally, Borosil Scientific offers specialised types of pipettes that cater to more specific needs, such as:

• 2030 – Mohr Pipettes: These are crafted from USP Type 1 , 3.3 low expansion borosilicate glass and are ideal for delivering precise volumes, with clear, permanent amber markings for visibility and durability. Each pipette is calibrated to deliver from the zero mark to the last graduation mark and comes with a NABL certification, providing reliability and traceability to national standards.

• 7100 – Volumetric Pipettes: These pipettes are essential for precise liquid measurement and are widely used in analytical chemistry. Each volumetric pipette is individually calibrated and coded with a unique identification number, providing an extra layer of traceability and assurance in high-precision lab environments.

• 7058 – Gerber Milk Pipettes: Specifically designed for dairy industry applications, these pipettes are used for testing milk via the Gerber Method. They are made from low-expansion borosilicate glass and are calibrated to deliver a precise volume of 10.75 ml, essential for accurate fat content analysis in milk.

How to Use a Pipette and Tips for Choosing the Right One?

Using a pipette correctly involves proper technique to avoid inaccuracies or contamination. Always make sure that the pipette is calibrated, and use tips that fit well to prevent leaks.

When selecting a pipette, consider the volume range you need and the level of precision required for your specific laboratory tasks. For versatile needs, the LabQuest Micropipettes, with their wide volume range and ergonomic design, are an amazing choice.

Common Applications of Pipettes Across Scientific Disciplines

Pipettes are versatile instruments required across various scientific fields for their precision and reliability in liquid handling. Let’s take a look at some of the most common applications of pipettes, showcasing their critical role in diverse laboratory settings:

1. Sample Preparation: Pipettes are used to prepare samples for analysis, making sure that exact volumes are transferred.
2. Serial Dilutions: Essential in microbiology and biochemistry for diluting solutions accurately to achieve desired concentrations.
3. Titration: One of the critical Pipette uses in chemistry, is to add precise amounts of titrant to a solution until the desired chemical reaction is achieved.
4. Molecular Biology: For PCR setups, enzyme assays, and other applications where small, precise volumes are crucial.
5. Cell Culture: Pipettes are used to change media and transfer cells under sterile conditions.
6. Drug Discovery: Accurate pipetting is critical in pharmacokinetics and drug interaction studies.
7. Clinical Tests: Used in diagnostics to measure and transfer blood samples and other body fluids.
8. Environmental Testing: For accurate measurement of chemicals in environmental samples such as water and soil.
9. Food and Beverage Testing: Ensures precise measurements in quality control processes.
10. Educational Purposes: Used in academic labs to teach students the importance of precise volumetric measurements.

Pipetting Best Practices: Dos and Don’ts

Achieving accuracy in pipetting requires not only skill but also adherence to certain best practices. Here, we outline some essential dos and don’ts that help maintain the integrity and accuracy of pipetting results in any lab environment:

• Do: Always use the right tip size and type for your pipettes for accuracy.
• Do: Regularly calibrate your pipette to maintain accuracy.
• Don’t: Never use a pipette for any liquid that it is not chemically compatible with.
• Don’t: Avoid using damaged or worn-out tips, as they can compromise the accuracy of your measurements.

Conclusion

Pipettes are a backbone of laboratory work, essential for numerous applications across various scientific fields. Borosil Scientific provides a range of pipettes that cater to diverse laboratory needs for precision, ease of use, and durability. Each pipette is designed with the user in mind, incorporating features that enhance accuracy and user comfort. Explore our extensive range of pipettes and find the perfect tools to elevate the accuracy and efficiency of your laboratory workflows.