Pipettes 101: How to Choose, Maintain, and Save on the Right Pipette for Your Lab

Pipettes are among the most fundamental instruments in any laboratory, and their accuracy directly shapes experimental outcomes. Whether you’re equipping a new lab or improving an existing one, choosing the right pipette, maintaining it properly, and making cost-effective purchasing decisions are key to boosting productivity and protecting data integrity.

This guide teaches you how to choose the ideal pipette for your lab’s needs, maintain it for sustained precision, and leverage savings; especially when considering both new and used pipettes available at LEI Sales.

Why Choosing the Right Pipette Matters

A well-chosen pipette improves overall lab efficiency by:

• Ensuring accurate and precise liquid handling essential for reproducible results
• Enhancing user comfort to reduce repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) common in pipetting-intensive workflows
• Supporting workflow speed and efficiency for high-throughput operations
• Providing cost-effectiveness through smart procurement and maintenance strategies

Selecting pipettes tailored to your volume range and application reduces errors, minimizes downtime, and supports a safer, more ergonomic lab environment.

Types of Laboratory Pipettes: Understanding Your Options

Laboratory pipettes vary widely to suit different applications and volumes. Understanding the types available helps you make an informed choice:

1. Manual Single-Channel Pipettes

• Most widely used for versatile, precise volume transfer
• Adjustable or fixed volume models typically ranging from 0.1 µl to several milliliters
• Ideal for standard liquid handling tasks requiring accuracy

LEI Sales offers Oxford APS AccuPet Pro single-channel micropipettes such as the AP-2.5 (0.1–2.5 µl), AP-100 (10–100 µl), AP-5000 (500–5000 µl and more models available on our website to cover a broad volume range to suit everyday lab applications.

2. Manual Multi-Channel Pipettes

• Designed for simultaneous transfer across multiple wells (e.g., 8 or 12 channels)
• Essential for high-throughput techniques like PCR and ELISA
• Save time while maintaining consistency across samples

For labs running multi-well experiments, LEI Sales provides the Oxford APS AccuPet Pro multi-channel micropipettes, available in 8-channel and 12-channel formats.

3. Electronic Pipettes

• Feature digital volume control and automated aspiration/dispensing
• Reduce user fatigue and variability caused by manual operation
• Suitable for repetitive pipetting tasks and high-volume labs

4. Specialized Pipettes

• Positive displacement pipettes for viscous or volatile liquids
• Repeat pipettes for dispensing the same volume multiple times
• Tailored designs to meet specific experimental requirements

Maintaining Pipettes for Consistent Performance

Proper maintenance extends the pipette lifespan and ensures sustained accuracy:

Routine Calibration: Verify pipette accuracy regularly, typically every 3 to 6 months or as dictated by lab SOPs

Cleaning: Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning both external and internal components

Storage: Always store pipettes vertically on holders to prevent contamination and damage

User Training: Proper pipetting technique reduces wear and improves consistency

Consumable Replacement: Regularly replace tips, seals, and O-rings to maintain a proper seal and prevent leaks

Adhering to maintenance schedules reduces costly repairs and downtime, promoting reliable liquid handling.

Calibration: The Cornerstone of Pipette Accuracy

Calibration adjusts your pipette to dispense volumes within specified tolerances. This is crucial for trustworthy data.

Calibration Frequency: Typically, quarterly or biannually based on usage intensity

Methods: Gravimetric testing is the industry standard; electronic calibrators provide automated options

Professional Services: Outsourcing calibration to certified technicians, ensures compliance and precision

Consistent calibration maintains confidence in experimental outcomes and complies with laboratory quality standards.

Cost-Saving Tips for Pipette Acquisition

Maximize your lab budget with these strategies:

1. Evaluate Application Needs: Purchase pipettes optimized for your specific volume ranges and techniques
2. Consider Quality Used Pipettes: Certified used pipettes can deliver reliable performance at lower prices
3. Bulk Buying and Sets: Bundles often provide discounts and additional calibration support
4. Plan Total Cost of Ownership: Factor in calibration, maintenance, and consumables costs, not just initial purchase price
5. Leverage Expert Consultation: LEI Sales offers expert guidance to align pipette selection with your lab’s workflows

Choosing LEI Sales means your lab can achieve accurate liquid handling without compromise. Selecting, maintaining, and purchasing the right pipette is a foundational step toward improving your lab’s accuracy, efficiency, and cost management. You can maintain the highest standards of performance while maximizing your budget because every drop counts in your research.

Further Reading

• The Ultimate Guide to Designing an Efficient Laboratory Workspace
• Choosing the Right Analytical Instrument for Your Lab: A Complete Comparison Guide
• Top Features to Consider in a Laboratory Balance: Mettler Toledo Models You Can Buy Today
• Choosing the Right SpectraMax Microplate Reader for Your Lab: M2 vs M2e, Plus 384, Gemini XS, and More