Pipette - definition
Pipette - definition
The pipette is a precision laboratory tool for measuring, dispensing and transferring small volumes of liquids under conditions requiring high accuracy and repeatability of operations. Its design is based on the principle of aspiration and expulsion of liquids by means of a pressure differential, which allows the volume of the medium to be manipulated in a controlled manner on the microlitre or millilitre scale, depending on the type of pipette used.
Traditional glass or plastic pipettes operate on the principle of a vacuum created by a pear or mouthpiece, while modern piston pipettes use a spring-loaded mechanism in which the movement of the piston allows a specific volume of liquid to be accurately aspirated or squeezed out. In automatic pipettes, the user can set the desired volume value using a mechanical or electronic adjustment mechanism, which minimises the risk of operational errors and improves ergonomics in the laboratory.
High-end pipettes are calibrated to international standards such as ISO 8655 to ensure minimal deviation from set volumes and to reduce the influence of factors such as temperature, liquid viscosity or atmospheric pressure on the measurement result. The correct choice of pipette tips, often made of polypropylene, is crucial for process cleanliness, elimination of cross-contamination and chemical compatibility with the substances used.
Specialised applications use multi-channel pipettes, which allow simultaneous dispensing of liquids to multiple samples, and electronic pipettes, equipped with advanced volume control systems, programmable memories and automatic pipetting cycle repeat functions. In biotechnology, analytical chemistry and medical diagnostics, the pipette is an indispensable tool in preparing solutions, carrying out enzymatic reactions, working with cell cultures and in accurately dispensing reagents in high throughput procedures .
The pipette's ergonomic design, low piston resistance and a design that minimises hand stress are crucial for long hours of laboratory work, protecting the operator from overload injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Next-generation pipettes integrate pipetting force reduction technologies and automatic systems to compensate for changes in environmental conditions, allowing the pipette to maintain the highest precision even in changing working conditions.
Transfer Multisort Elektronik (TME) is one of the world’s largest global distributors of electronic components, electrotechnical parts, workshop equipment, and industrial automation. The catalog includes over 1,500,000 products from 1,300 leading manufacturers. TME’s modern logistics centers in Łódź and Rzgów (Poland), with a combined area of over 40,000 m², ship nearly 6,000 packages daily to customers in more than 150 countries.
TME also invests in the development of knowledge and skills of young engineers and electronics enthusiasts through the TME Education project, and supports the tech community by organizing the TechMasterEvent series, promoting innovation and experience exchange.
