Variable volume micropipettes are the ideal precision instrument for the liquid measurement needs of clinical testing and quality control laboratories. A micropipette is a laboratory device used to absorb and transfer small volumes of liquids. High performance variable volume micropipette with a 0.1-2.5uL volume range in 0.01uL increments. Simple design allows for easy adjustment and reading of increments. Variable Volume Micropipettes feature built in tip ejectors and autoclavable tip cones. Offered in nine volume ranges. Each pipette is individually calibrated according to ISO 8655 standards. The volumes that can be captured by these instruments vary according to the model and type of pipette: the most common, called p20, p200 and p1000 micropipette, admit a maximum of 20, 200 and 1000 μl, respectively. It is noteworthy that the use of micropipettes allows the use of different liquids without having to wash the device: for this, disposable plastic tips are used, which are usually sterile.
The handheld micropipette is the most ubiquitous instrument for precision handling of microliter-milliliter liquid volumes, which is an essential capability in biology and chemistry laboratories. The range of one pipette is typically adjustable up to 10-fold its minimum volume, requiring the use and maintenance of multiple pipettes for liquid handling across larger ranges. We propose (b) a universal pipette that incorporates a set of selectable internal elastic diaphragms that de-amplify the piston displacement to scale the range of liquid volumes drawn. The presence of the diaphragms introduces a nonlinear mechanical behavior and a time-dependency due to heat transfer, however, by model and experiment, these are redressed so as to maintain the pipette's accuracy and precision.
Based on our experience with many different makes and models of pipettes, Artel recommends the values in Table 1 as a starting point for developing achievable tolerance limits. These limits are based on a simple guideline: Two percent of full scale at all volume settings.6 For example, the inaccuracy tolerance for a 100µL variable-volume pipette is 2.0µL (2%) at the 100µL setting, and 2.0µL (4%) at the 50µL setting. This type of generalized tolerance limit has been employed successfully in a number of other fields, such as humidity measurement and syringe calibration, where a fixed percentage of full scale reading is the customary means for specifying performance. The ISO 8655-2 standard for pipette conformity testing1 also uses a percentage of full scale approach.
Quick Reference Guide for Ovation Mechanical Pipettes Ergonomic Handling 1. "Shake hands" position to pick up. Allow body to fill your palm. 2. Rotate adjustable hook to rest comfortably on your forefinger. 3. Keep hand posture relaxed. Volume Setting - Good Pipetting Technique When setting the micrometer on a pipette, always "dial down" to the desired volume. By doing do, you ensure better accuracy by reducing the effects of mechanical backlash or slippage within the micrometer's gears.
Treat micropipettes very gently as they are precision instruments. Keep upright when in use to prevent liquids running inside the shaft of the pipette. Do not leave pipettes lying on the workbench where they can be knocked off and damaged. Their accuracy is vital, and there are many things we can adopt as best practices for success. Here are a few tips (no pun intended) gathered from around the Web by Kim Steinhauser of the Promega Metrology Department–the group charged with keeping our pipettes and other lab equipment functional and accurate.
On the body of the micropipette is a small vertical window with three numbers. These numbers, read from the top down, tells the user how much volume the micropipette is currently set at. To change the numbers, grasp the black dial or plunger and gently twist. The numbers will then change.
Set the desired volume by turning the centrally located rings clockwise to increase volume or counterclockwise to decrease volume. P20: Maximum volume 20 μl. Accurate between . 5 μl and 20 μl.
Pipettes are used to deliver small volumes of liquids reliably and repeatedly. There are different types of pipettes. Unmarked pipettes deliver liquids drop-wise and might not have volume markings. Other pipettes are used to measure and deliver precise volumes. Micropipettes, for example, can deliver liquids with microliter accuracy.
The ability to measure very small amounts, microliters (µl), of liquid chemicals or reagents is a fundamental skill needed in the biotechnology or research lab. Scientists use a device called a micropipette to measure these very small volumes with accuracy.
Let's look at a common P200 micropipette. This micropipette will measure between 20 and 200 microliters, abbreviated as μL. Most micropipette types will have its minimum range as 10% of its maximum range.
