Pipettes

Handling liquids in the medical field requires the highest level of precision. For decades, laboratories worldwide have relied on pipettes for accurate measurements and precise mixing. Pipettes are used not only for the safe transfer of various liquids but also for precise dosing.

In our online shop, we offer a wide range of pipettes, including classic pipettes, capillary pipettes, micropipettes, and disposable pipettes. Additionally, we provide compatible accessories, such as pipette tips and suction bulbs for easy and efficient liquid handling.

The History of Pipettes

Pipettes are considered an invention of Louis Pasteur, the French scientist responsible for many breakthroughs in the medical field. Pasteur, recognized as a co-founder of medical microbiology, developed the Pasteur pipette in the mid-19th century, which is regarded as the original version of today's pipettes.

However, pipetting devices saw little use until the mid-20th century. Instead, liquids were often pipetted by mouth, a practice that, from today's perspective, is unimaginable due to the high risk of infection and contamination. Consequently, this method was banned by occupational safety regulations. The breakthrough in pipette technology came in 1957 when Heinrich Schnitger invented the piston-stroke pipette. This innovation revolutionized liquid handling, allowing for the precise transfer and dosing of even the smallest amounts of liquid, significantly improving laboratory work.

How Do Pipettes Work?

The functioning of a pipette is both simple and ingenious. The classic form consists of a glass tube that narrows towards the tip, allowing for particularly slow and precise dosing. The tube is open at both ends, with a thick-walled rubber bulb placed on the upper opening. This bulb, also known as a Peleus ball or pipetting aid, seals the pipette at the back. By squeezing the bulb, air is expelled, which in turn pushes the liquid out of the pipette. When the pressure is released, the bulb refills with air, creating suction that draws liquid into the pipette.

Medical pipettes often include a measurement scale, allowing users to monitor the volume. They are commonly made of glass or plastic, with plastic pipettes typically designed for single-use applications. The size and volume of a pipette depend on the type of liquid and the required amount.

Types of Pipettes

In our online shop, we offer various types of pipettes for use in laboratories and medical practices. Below, we provide an overview of their specific applications, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Microliter Pipettes

Microliter pipettes allow for precise handling of the smallest samples. We offer sizes ranging from 5 µl to 200 µl. Their key advantage is their ease of use, thanks to their compact size.

Capillary Pipettes

Capillary pipettes are used for capillary blood collection. They rely on the capillary effect, which naturally draws blood into the tube without the need for external suction.

Disposable Pipettes

As the name suggests, disposable pipettes are intended for single use. They are typically made of plastic and available in various sizes in our shop. Their primary benefit is hygiene, as they prevent cross-contamination by eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization.

Additional Types of Pipettes

• Graduated Pipette: A pipette with a printed measurement scale to determine the volume of liquid.
• Pasteur Pipette: Features an integrated rubber bulb for convenient liquid transfer.
• Dropper Pipette: Designed for precise drop-by-drop dosing, ensuring accurate liquid distribution.
• Piston-Stroke Pipette: Contains a fixed piston that can be adjusted via a rotary control for precise volume settings.
• Multichannel Pipette: A piston-stroke pipette equipped with multiple channels (8–12), allowing for the simultaneous transfer of multiple liquid samples.

Pipette Accessories

You can also find the right accessories in our online shop. In addition to adapters and pipette stands, we offer bulk packs of 1,000 pipette tips, storage racks, and individual tips. Additional accessories, such as compatible culture media, microscope slides, and other laboratory supplies, are available in our other product categories.