Pipettimeter

Pipettimeter is a term that refers to a device or tool designed to measure or verify the accuracy of a pipette. Pipettes are essential laboratory instruments used for dispensing precise volumes of liquids. Ensuring the accuracy of these volumes is critical for the reproducibility and reliability of experimental results.

A pipettimeter functions by comparing the dispensed volume of a liquid to a known standard or by directly measuring the volume. This can be achieved through various methods. Some pipettimeters might involve weighing the dispensed liquid, as the density of the liquid is known, allowing for a calculation of the volume. Others may use optical or volumetric chambers to directly assess the dispensed amount.

The use of a pipettimeter is a crucial part of laboratory quality control. Regular calibration and verification of pipettes using such devices help to prevent errors in experiments. This is particularly important in fields like molecular biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical diagnostics, where even small deviations in liquid volume can have significant consequences. Calibration ensures that the pipette consistently delivers the volume indicated on its setting. Different types of pipettimeters may exist, tailored to the specific requirements of various pipette types, such as air displacement or positive displacement pipettes.