Pipetti

Pipetti are handheld laboratory instruments used to measure and transfer small, precise volumes of liquid. They are essential in chemical, biological, medical, and environmental laboratories, enabling accurate sampling, reagent preparation, and sample handling. Pipetti range from simple, ungraduated glass or plastic transfer pipettes to sophisticated, adjustable-volume devices designed for micro- to milliliter volumes.

The main types include volumetric glass pipettes, which deliver a single, highly accurate volume; Pasteur pipettes, which are disposable and used for general transfer tasks; and micropipettes, which are precision instruments capable of handling very small volumes and often feature adjustable volume ranges, single- or multi-channel configurations, and disposable tips. Modern micropipettes rely on air displacement or positive displacement to control aspiration and dispensing, and are compatible with sterile, low-retention, and filter tips to minimize contamination. Multichannel versions are common in high-throughput workflows and automation setups.

Usage and technique are critical to accuracy. Operators pre-wet the pipette tip, set the desired volume, aspirate with a smooth plunger action, and dispense slowly at the appropriate location. Proper tip fitting, alignment, and avoidance of air bubbles are important, as is regular calibration and maintenance. Calibration checks, cleaning, tip compatibility, and proper storage help ensure consistent performance over time.

Historically, pipetting devices evolved from simple glass or plastic transfer tools to modern calibrated micropipettes in the mid-20th century, reflecting advances in precision measurement and laboratory automation. Today, pipetti play a central role in experimental protocols, quality control, and educational settings.