Pipettes come in many, many forms. For a quick tour, look at Biocompare’s Pipettes/Pipettors page. From all sorts of pipette tips to single- and multi-channel pipettors through sophisticated pipette controllers, scientists face many decisions in shopping for a new device. Here, several experts provide guidelines that help scientists make the best choice in tools for pipetting.
Fit for the job
No pipette fits all jobs. Still, a scientist can narrow down the options. Across a variety of liquid handling systems—air-cushion versus positive displacement, manual, electronic, automation—seven factors determine the most suitable liquid handling systems, according to Casey Ganshirt, regional marketing manager for manual liquid handling instruments, tips, and calibration at Eppendorf Americas.
Her seven factors are:
- volume
- vessel type
- liquid type
- throughput
- complexity of task
- tip quality
- tip availability
More than one expert pointed out the need to ensure an adequate supply of tips. As Ganshirt notes, “The importance of tip availability has been highlighted throughout the pandemic.” Plus, Akbar Anwari, marketing manager at BrandTech Scientific, says: “A question that’s on everybody’s minds these days is: ‘Am I locked into a single tip source, and can I do my job if those tips are backordered?’” The tip concern can be addressed in one way with a universal system that can use tips from many different manufacturers, rather than being locked into a single source.
In this section on “fit,” one more thing must be mentioned: “All hand tools should fit the hand,” explains Paulus Artimo, product manager for pipetting and dispensing at Sartorius. “With a pipette, the finger hook should allow the pipette to rest in your hand without the need to squeeze it.”
To keep a pipettor working at its best, scientists need to take care of the device. For an overview, see Preserving Pipette Performance. As noted in that article: “One thing applies to all pipettes: They need attention.”
Selection tips
In shopping for a new pipette, lots of performance features can be considered. Some of the top ones include:
- accuracy
- precision
- reliability
- durability
John Viero, director of lab essentials at Cole-Parmer, encourages a scientist to decide “whether you want a single or multi-channel pipettor, or pipette controller.” After that, he suggests finding a device with these features:
- easy to operate with an ergonomic, lightweight design
- aspirate and dispense pipetting modes
- adjustable volume
- trusted brand and quality
- autoclavable
Viero adds, “Look for durable, UV-resistant plastic housing if the pipettor will be used in a cleanroom or fume hood.”
The type of work performed in a lab can also influence the need for other features. As an example, Ganshirt points out that some scientists should look for “features reducing contamination risks—for example, positive displacement.”
High-end ergonomics
As mentioned above, ergonomics makes up a crucial part of any buying decision. “The key determinant for any type of handheld instrument—provided it can do the job you need it to do—is ergonomics,” says Anwari. In addition to being comfortable to hold and not taking much force to operate, Anwari says that a pipette must meet all human factors. As an example, he suggests that scientists ask: Can I intuitively operate this pipette, and are the buttons appropriately sized and shaped so that I can press the ones I want, and not the ones I don’t? “An instrument that is cumbersome to operate just makes work more tedious and fatiguing, physically or mentally,” Anwari says.
Image: The technology and technique determine the best pipette solutions for a lab. Image courtesy of BrandTech Scientific.
In addition to the features already mentioned, there’s one more: “It is important to have as light as possible or preferably electronic tip ejection as it the single most force-requiring step in pipetting and is repeated hundreds of times a day,” Artimo says.
To get the best ergonomic experience from any pipette, Anwari says, “make sure you are operating the pipette as the manufacturer intended.” Plus, scientists should take breaks when possible. “Set the pipette down if you’re not actively using it, and as you’re pipetting, if you’re feeling tired, take a break at the first opportunity, and do something different with your hands,” Anwari suggests.
For applications or labs that require high levels of pipetting, the type of device makes a big difference. Viero says, “Consider using an electronic pipettor or a pipette controller to reduce the risk of repetition.”
When considering ergonomics, though, more than the pipettor matters. “Scientists should be trained in proper working postures to reduce and eliminate unnecessary stress,” Artimo explains. “Plus, using an elbow pad reduces contact stress when leaning on a table.”
The overall perspective
As this articles shows, there’s a lot to consider. Even after going over the things at the top of most pipette lists, things will be missed. One that’s not mentioned here yet was Ganshirt’s point about personalization opportunities on pipettes, such as flat areas for name tags, RFID tags, etcetera. As she says, “Given today’s current COVID climate, personalizing/designating pipettes for a specific use may be needed.” For example, scientists can have pipettes dedicated to RNA applications related to COVID-19. In fact, all kinds of applications could benefit from ways to keep track of pipettes—from academic to industrial labs, as well as clinics.
Getting the right pipette for specific uses improves many things, from accuracy to ergonomics. Getting the most from any pipetting application, though, depends on technology and use. So, in addition to researching pipettes, lab managers should make sure that lab personnel keep up their skills. For a refresher, see Improve Your Pipetting with These 15 Tips. Combining sophisticated technique and technology leads to better pipetting in any lab.
Reaping the benefits of a holistic approach
It is widely acknowledged that the pipetting journey in any laboratory starts with the selection of the appropriate pipette to meet the liquid dispensing needs of a given application. But, does it end there? “Selecting the appropriate pipette that can dispense the required volumes and liquids with the needed accuracy and precision is only one aspect of many that needs to be considered,” says Tommy Bui, senior business development manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Taking a holistic approach to pipetting—one that takes into account the complete pipette ownership experience is critical to selecting a solution that ensures laboratories achieve the pipetting performance needed over time. This ownership experience involves combining from both the pipette and manufacturer the right blend of features, ergonomics, training, support, and service."
Notably, a pipette is only as good as its tip. However, this is often overlooked at the expense of accuracy, precision, and productivity. Using tips precisely manufactured to work together with the chosen pipette can greatly improve the quality and reproducibility of results, save time, and reduce the potential for contamination. Another key element with an immediate impact on pipetting performance is the associated technique, which should always be chosen with the specific application needs in mind. “A one-size-fits-all approach could have a detrimental effect on the final results,” explains Bui.
Ergonomics, training, and support are also part of the good laboratory pipetting practices mix, and it is crucial that laboratories take those dimensions into account when selecting a pipette. “Making sure the laboratory environment fits pipette operators comfortably and minimizes the risk of injury is of great importance,” says Bui. “As is expert-level training, calibration, preventive maintenance, and repair services aimed at maintaining consistent, dependable levels of pipette operation while supporting all laboratories, including those requiring GLP/GMP compliance.” Breaking from the practices of the past and viewing pipetting as an end-to-end workstream is the way forward for laboratories looking to improve efficiencies, consistency and productivity, and ultimately the quality of their research.