Pipettes
Don’t compromise on Accuracy & Precision – Quality Pipette Tips are Crucial to Optimal Performance of a Pipetting System - Amanda Cooper
Mar 18 2011
Author: Amanda Cooper on behalf of International Labmate Ltd
The work performed in clinical, research and quality control laboratories can be majorly impacted by a single droplet or sample so small it can hardly be seen. Thus, it is critical to evaluate all of the components comprising the pipetting system, in order to maximise accuracy and reproducibility of volume delivery when using micropipettes. However, even with the highest quality, regularly calibrated pipettes the choice of pipette tip used is also crucial to accuracy and performance.
The ISO 8655-2 standard states: ‘The maximum permissible errors always apply to the total system of piston pipette and tip.’
The accuracy and reproducibility tolerances for pipettes are determined by the manufacturers using quality tips that are designed specifically for their instruments.
In these days of budget pressures some labs try to stock a single tip type for all brands of pipette. Companies that do not manufacture pipettes sell so-called ‘universal’ tips professed as ‘one tip fits all’ for this purpose. Due to the variety of shapes and plastic compositions of tip holders in the pipette population, these economy brands unfortunately often end up being a universal compromise.
Choosing the Right Pipette Tips
Normally manufacturers recommend and produce pipette tips specifically made to the design requirements of their instruments. The delivery of performance is determined by the physical attributes of the tips. The tip fit and complete delivery of the measured sample are the two most important aspects to be considered.
Digital Edition
LMUK 49.7 Nov 2024
November 2024
News - Research & Events News - News & Views Articles - They’re burning the labs... Spotlight Features - Incubators, Freezers & Cooling Equipment - Pumps, Valves & Liquid Hand...
View all digital editions
Events
Nov 11 2024 Dusseldorf, Germany
Nov 12 2024 Cologne, Germany
Nov 12 2024 Tel Aviv, Israel
Nov 18 2024 Shanghai, China
Nov 20 2024 Karachi, Pakistan