Pipetinkärkiä

Pipetinkärkiä is a Finnish term that translates to "pipette tips" in English. It refers to the disposable plastic cones that are attached to the end of a micropipette. These tips are crucial for accurate and precise liquid handling in laboratory settings. They are designed to fit securely onto the pipette's shaft, ensuring a tight seal to prevent leaks and contamination.

Pipette tips come in a wide variety of types, differing in volume capacity, material, and features. Common volume ranges include tips for very small volumes (e.g., 0.1 to 10 microliters) up to larger volumes (e.g., 1000 microliters or more). They are typically made from polypropylene, a durable and chemically resistant plastic. Some tips are sterile, while others are not, depending on the application. Filtered pipette tips are also available, which contain a hydrophobic filter to prevent aerosols and liquids from entering the pipette shaft, thus protecting both the sample and the instrument.

The primary function of a pipette tip is to contain the liquid being transferred. Each tip is designed for single use to prevent cross-contamination between samples, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of experiments. After aspirating a liquid, the tip is carefully placed into the receiving vessel, and the liquid is dispensed. The used tip is then ejected into a designated waste container. The selection of the appropriate pipette tip is critical for achieving accurate pipetting results.