Why Pipettes Are The Most Important Instrument

The standard basic tools in a laboratory are usually test tubes, beakers, pipettes, Bunsen burners, Petri-dishes, clamps, callipers, thermometers and microscopes. These are a laboratory must-have, regardless of how big the lab maybe. In schools science teachers teach the students to use each instrument effectively for clear-cut and precise experimentation. Without these instruments it is near impossible to find accurate readings for any tests that are being conducted.

One of the smallest of the lab equipment is the pipette, it is a seemingly fiddly and flimsy tool but it plays a very important role when conducting any test. These are commonly used for chemistry and molecular biology, and in medical testing labs. They can be made from glass or a complex flexible fibre, which is good for holding large volumes of solution. The first most important function for all pipettes is its accurate ability to measure units or drops of fluid solutions. These are good for transferring a certain amount of liquid across from one area to the other without spillage or leaking.

These are shaped with a narrow tip and an enlarged belly which holds most of the liquid. At one end of the pipette is a plunger which provides the suction for drawing up and releasing the liquid through the neck and tip. The standard amount for transferring a volumetric measure of liquid ranges between 1 - 100 ml. Large quantities require a different style of pipettes that are measured in a volumetric way.

When using these for experimentation one should take care of handling the solution, by making sure they have gloves and eye goggles on for protection. Simply using a pipette with your bare hands will put you in danger in case of any spillage or accidents. Ensuring that the pipette is in good condition is also a good habit to get into before conducting any tests. As these are delicate and brittle, very often one will find that they are difficult to clean and are not strong enough to take any knocks or tiny scratches. Therefore, it is good to have a rack that will keep these standing upright and separated from each so they do not have contact with each other.

Any tips that have a small crack or damage to it means that the neck path has been compromised, which means you should discard it immediately. When attaching or using the bulb of the pipette, it is important to know how to attach it and detach it. Squeezing the bulb before attaching it onto the tip will help to draw the liquid more easily, will minimal to no air bubbles. When detaching the bulb, one should make sure that there are no liquids present in case of any leakages.

This may seem mundane and somewhat tedious to be putting in a lot of effort in keeping the pipettes in condition, however, as mentioned before these are extremely important for volumetric measuring. This allows for a more precise and accurate form of testing, provided they are calibrated at interval times, to ensure that they stay accurate.

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Anna Stenning knows a lot about how to use pipettes in labs, having had plenty of experience working with these.

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