Mikropipetti

Mikropipetti are precision laboratory instruments designed to measure and transfer small volumes of liquid with high accuracy and repeatability. They operate primarily on air displacement, using a piston and cylinder to create a controlled volume that draws liquid into a disposable tip and releases it on command. The volume is set with a dial and plunger, and users typically pre-wet the tip to improve accuracy.

Most mikropipetti are adjustable and come in several range families, covering volumes from fractions of a microliter to several hundred microliters. Common variants include single-channel models for general use and multi-channel models (often eight channels) for rapid handling of microplates. Tips are disposable and often made to fit specific pipette brands; aerosol-barrier or filter tips may be used to protect both sample integrity and the instrument.

Two main operating modes exist: air-displacement micropipettes, which are the most common, and positive-displacement models, used for viscous or volatile liquids where a direct liquid contact with the piston is undesirable. Maintenance emphasizes cleanliness, tip compatibility, and regular calibration. Calibration and performance verification are guided by standards such as ISO 8655, and routine checks assess accuracy, precision, and carryover.

Applications span across molecular biology, biochemistry, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical research. They are essential for tasks like preparing standard curves, setting up PCR reactions, and dispensing reagents where precise, repeatable small-volume transfers are required. Proper technique, including consistent speed and correct tip seating, is crucial for reliable results.