Macropipettes

A macropipette is a type of manual pipette used in laboratories for transferring relatively large volumes of liquid, typically from 1 milliliter to 100 milliliters or more. Unlike micro-pipettes which are designed for precise dispensing of microliter volumes, macropipettes are generally used for less precise, larger volume transfers. They are commonly employed in tasks such as preparing solutions, diluting samples, and dispensing reagents where exact measurement is not critical.

There are several types of macropipettes, including volumetric pipettes, graduated pipettes, and serological pipettes. Volumetric pipettes are designed to deliver a single, fixed volume with high accuracy. Graduated pipettes, on the other hand, have markings along their length allowing for dispensing of variable volumes. Serological pipettes are similar to graduated pipettes but are usually made of plastic and are intended for larger volume transfers and less critical measurements.

Macropipettes are operated using a pipette bulb or controller. These devices create suction to draw liquid into the pipette and allow for controlled dispensing. They are often made of glass or plastic, with glass versions generally offering greater chemical resistance and accuracy for repeated use, while plastic versions are disposable, reducing the risk of contamination and the need for cleaning. The choice between glass and plastic, and the specific type of macropipette, depends on the application, the volume of liquid to be transferred, and the required precision.