Attention to precision and accuracy is crucial in any scientific laboratory, and it is critical in measurements and liquid transfer. Very high precision is expected of automatic micropipettes, which are the ‘holy’ instruments that researchers use to handle minute volumes of liquid with great precision. Picking up the right micropipette for your lab out of the many options available in the market is quite a challenge.
This blog will walk you through critical considerations so that you can make a well-informed decision that will make lab procedures more efficient and accurate.
Getting Familiar With Automatic Micropipette
Start by understanding what an automatic micropipette is and how it works. A micropipette is an instrument used to measure and transfer tiny volumes of liquid in the laboratory. Typically, the volumes measured are quantified in microliters (µL). The automatic micropipette is usually referred to as an adjustable or digital micropipette, allowing setting the desired volume electronically or mechanically to achieve maximum consistency in measurements. This instrument has wide applications in molecular biology, chemistry, and clinical laboratories.
Types of Micropipettes: Which One Suits Your Needs?
A few varieties of micropipettes are available in the market, all suited for various applications. Knowing what sets them apart will help you make a choice that is right for your laboratory’s needs.
- Single-Channel Micropipettes
Single-channel micropipettes are devices that are used to dispense liquids from only a single tip. They are used in tasks that demand high precision in the transfer of individual samples through the preparation of solutions and serial dilution. Single-channel micropipettes are versatile and, hence, commonly used in most laboratories.
- Multi-Channel Micropipettes
Multichannel micropipettes have tips ranging from 8 to 12, allowing the user to convey liquid simultaneously to several wells or tubes. They are instrumental in applications with either 96-well or 384-well plates, including high-throughput screening, ELISA assays, or PCR setup. A multichannel micropipette can reduce the time and effort needed to do this task.
- Electronic Micropipettes
The electronic micropipettes have an inbuilt motor, which makes aspiration and dispensing of liquids automatic. As compared to manual micropipettes, electronic micropipettes exhibit better accuracy and repeatability and can be used with bulk operations or liquids that are difficult to handle. The advanced features like programmable functions in electronic micropipettes make them more demanding in laboratories where precision is a prime requirement and efficiency counts.
- Positive Displacement Micropipettes
Positive displacement micropipettes are used when air displacement micropipettes cannot pipet viscous, volatile, or dense liquids. The piston directly contacts the liquid and ensures measurement accuracy without an air cushion. These instruments are especially suitable for DNA/RNA extraction, enzyme assays, or hazardous materials.
Key Factors to Consider While Selecting an Automatic Micropipette
With a basic understanding of the different types of micropipettes, let’s look at some of the critical factors that should inform your choice.
- Volume Range
One of the most critical factors to consider in a micropipette is the range in volumes. The micropipettes can be obtained in a wide variety of ranges in volumes, such as 0.1-2 µL, 2-20 µL, 20-200 µL, and 100-1000 µL. The volume range should be determined in relation to the volumes usually worked on in your laboratory.
If you work with a wide range of volumes, it will be worthwhile to use a few micropipettes with overlapping ranges or even a single micropipette that can cover this wider adjustable range.
- Accuracy and Precision
While accuracy is the proximity of the volume dispensed to the volume set, precision refers to the repeatability of measurements. Both are very important with respect to the reliability of your results. If you are purchasing a micropipette, look for a high degree of accuracy and precision in the instrument—usually noted in the product specifications.
It’s also a good idea to check for ISO 8655 certification, which means that the micropipette meets international standards for accuracy and precision.
- Ergonomics and Comfort
Micropipetting can be repetitive, and poor ergonomics may result in discomfort or even RSIs. When selecting a micropipette, consider the weight, handle design, and force required to operate it. Some micropipettes offer unique features, such as soft grips, low plunger force, and adjustable finger rests, to ease hand fatigue.
Trying out the micropipette in one’s hand before buying should help ascertain comfort over an extended period.
- Easy Calibration and Maintenance
Calibration should be performed regularly to ensure that your micropipette is accurate and precise. The ease of calibration and service differs from one micropipette to another. Look for easy user calibration mechanisms or consider micropipettes that notify you when the calibration is due for servicing or when automatic self-calibration has been done.
Other aspects to consider, especially in this respect, are the ease of disassembly and cleaning of the micropipette if one works with corrosive or sticky liquids.
- Tip Compatibility
The micropipette tip is part of the pipetting process, and not all tips will work with every micropipette. Be sure to select a micropipette that is compatible with the tips you have or intend to use. Some micropipettes may be designed to work universally with tips, while others work best only with specific branded tips. Tips, if used correctly, can improve your accuracy and precision in pipetting.
- Durability and Quality of Build
A good micropipette should be built with everyday laboratory wear in mind. Good plastics and corrosion-resistant metals—the reliability of strong and stable constructions ensures fewer breaks or wear-outs in the long run. Furthermore, consider whether the manufacturer offers a warranty since it might hint at durability.
- Advanced Features
Advanced features in some new-generation micropipettes could enhance laboratory work with better efficiency and convenience. For example, programmable functions within an electronic micropipette, memory storage of often-used volumes, or multi-dispensing modes could help save time and reduce possible mistakes caused by repetitive or complex activities. However, these features increase the cost of a micropipette, and it should be scrutinised if and only if the features are geared toward application.
- Price and Budget Considerations
While one wants to select a good micropipette, a realistic constraint exists in most laboratories: budget. The cost of micropipettes varies quite a lot based on type, brand, and features. Balance quality with cost: ensure you have spent enough on a micropipette that will cater to your needs and not spend money on it. Consider long-term cost—what it will be for tips, maintenance, and calibration services.
Conclusion
Use the right automatic micropipette, and you can raise the efficiency and accuracy of your laboratory work manifold. Whether you are performing routine assays or leading-edge research, a reliable micropipette is one essential tool to ensure that experiments go according to plan. By investing some time in assessing your specific needs and then comparing features of different micropipettes, you have taken the appropriate steps toward ensuring a decision that will pay off for your lab in the future.
