By Grainger Editorial Staff 2/5/20
Micropipettes are one type of pipette, and many manufacturers refer to them simply as “pipettes.” There are also simpler, nonmechanical pipettes used for different purposes in the lab, such as serological pipettes and transfer pipettes. The term “pipetter” is sometimes used for the mechanical tools as a way around this ambiguity.
The storage tips below are suitable for pipettes, micropipettes or pipetters that use air displacement driven by an internal piston.
Here are some of the ways that poor storage practices can affect a pipette, as described by manufacturers and industry experts:
There are several types of pipette storage, including pipette racks and stands, that can help you follow the storage recommendations above:
What is a micropipette? Micropipettes are lab tools designed to handle very small volumes of liquid with very high levels of precision and accuracy, leading to reliable, repeatable results. What is the volume that micropipettes can dispense? In general, micropipettes transfers liquids down to volumes of 0.1 microliters (µL).
How does a micropipette work? A micropipette uses the air displacement created by an internal piston to fill its tip with liquid and then dispense the liquid when the operator depresses its plunger, according to Pathways over Time, a microbiology resource hosted by Boston College. What fields and industries are micropipettes used in? Micropipettes are commonly used in chemistry, biology, forensics, pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals and drug discovery.
As delicate precision instruments, micropipettes should be stored carefully, following manufacturer recommendations and best practices.
The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney.