Quick Introduction to Single Channel Pipettes

One of the tools that’s considered a staple in research and clinical laboratories is the pipette. Essentially, pipettes are designed and used to transfer volumes of liquid from one vessel to another. Pipettes also function by creating a vacuum that holds the liquid and dispenses it.

Pipettes like single channel pipettes also enable the sterile and accurate handling of liquids. In fields where accuracy is important, pipettes can help warrant precision when testing medical samples such as blood and urine. There are different kinds of pipettes available and one of them is the single channel pipette.

Some of the most typical features of the single channel pipette include:

• Adjustable or fixed volume
• Ability to dispense liquids (range from 0 to 10,000 ul volumes)

Adjustable single channel pipettes have controls that allow the user to change volumes depending on what is required. Adjustable pipettes can range from 0 to 10,000 ul, making it the ideal tool for many laboratory and clinical applications. Fixed single channel pipettes can help ensure the correct volume is dispensed.

How to Choose a Pipette: Top Tips

Choosing the right dispenser or pipette can help boost efficiency and can help ensure you are able to handle different liquids with ease. With so many options available nowadays, choosing the right pipette can be quite tricky. Simplify the process by keeping in mind the following essentials:

• Volume range. Opt for a pipette with nominal volume that’s close to the volume you typically transfer to maximize reproducibility.
• Vessel format. Single channel pipettes are ideal if you typically work with individual tubes. Multi channel pipettes are your tool of choice if you work with microplates.
• Liquid type. Air cushion pipettes are ideal for transferring aqueous solutions. If you are using an electronic pipette, a digital lab assistant that comes with predefined settings for different liquid types can provide more assistance especially when handling challenging liquids.
• Complexity and throughput. Two of the definitive criteria you should consider when choosing a liquid handler are throughput and the complexity of the task. The higher the complexity and the throughput, it makes sense to check out automated pipetting robots or electronic pipettes.