By Susan Taplinger
Read time: 3 mins.
Welcome back to Features & Fundamentals — the series that examines essential healthcare products and the design details that influence real-world performance.
Today’s focus: electronic pipettes and their role in precise, efficient liquid handling.
Overview
Researchers and laboratory professionals routinely need to measure and transfer extremely small amounts of liquid from one container to another, sometimes just a few microliters (a microliter is one-millionth of a liter).
Pipettes (also known as pipettors) are designed to make these small-volume transfers accurately and consistently. While manual pipettes rely on hand-operated controls, electronic pipettes use motorized controls to automate key parts of the process.
These instruments are used across clinical, research, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food-safety, and other laboratory environments.
What It Is
An electronic pipette is a handheld laboratory instrument with digital settings for controlling liquid volume and operation.
Electronic pipettes are available in single channel models, which transfer one sample at a time, and multichannel models, which transfer multiple samples simultaneously, commonly into multiwell plates.
How It Works
How It’s Used
To operate the pipette, the user attaches a disposable plastic tip, selects the desired volume and operating mode, and places the tip into the liquid.
The pipette then:
- Aspirates the programmed amount of liquid into the tip
- Holds the liquid for transfer
- Dispenses the liquid into the receiving tube, vial, well, or other laboratory container
What It Does
Depending on the model, electronic pipettes can perform a range of liquid-handling functions, including:
- Standard pipetting: aspirates and dispenses a selected volume
- Repeat dispensing: divides a larger volume into multiple smaller transfers
- Mixing: repeatedly aspirates and dispenses liquid to combine sample components
- Speed control: adjusts aspiration and dispensing rates
- Multistep operation: programs a sequence of liquid-handling actions
Why It Matters
Accuracy and consistency are critical when laboratory procedures depend on precise amounts of samples, reagents, or other liquids. Small variations in transferred volume can affect concentrations, reactions, and test results.
Electronic control helps standardize pipetting movements across repeated transfers. This can reduce variability associated with manual technique and support more consistent laboratory workflows.
Electronic operation can also reduce repetitive thumb and hand movements during high-volume pipetting, helping to reduce physical strain during extended periods of pipetting.
What to Consider
Key features and settings can help tailor performance to specific laboratory needs.
- Pipetting Modes: Options can include standard pipetting, repeat dispensing, reverse pipetting, mixing, multiple aspiration, and multistep operation.
- Speed Settings: Adjustable aspiration and dispensing speeds provide greater control for specific liquids and procedures.
- Programming and Memory: Controls range from basic volume and mode selection to programmable sequences and saved settings for repeated procedures.
- Multichannel Options: Common configurations include 8-, 12-, and 16-channel models. Fixed-spacing designs support standard well-plate formats, while adjustable-spacing systems can accommodate various plates, tubes, and other labware.
- Ergonomics: Lighter weight, balanced design, comfortable grips, accessible controls, and low operating force can help reduce hand fatigue during repetitive pipetting.
- Tip Ejection: Models may use manual or electronic tip ejection, with electronic systems reducing the hand force required during repetitive use.
- Battery and Charging: Options can include rechargeable batteries, charging stands, and operation while connected to a power source.
- Connectivity: Some systems offer USB, Bluetooth, or software connectivity for functions such as data transfer and instrument management.
How It’s Trending
Laboratory liquid handling continues to move toward greater automation and standardization. Current designs increasingly emphasize intuitive digital controls, expanded programming capabilities, ergonomic operation, and efficient multichannel handling.
Stay tuned for more product insights in the Features & Fundamentals series.