Variable-volume automatic pipette 0.5–10 µl

A variable-volume automatic pipette of 0.5–10 µl is a single-channel instrument for measuring out microlitres, with the volume set on a dial and disposable tips. It works in the range where graduated glassware is useless and a dropper gives no control at all. A general-purpose laboratory product from the Laboratory accessories category.

A pipette of this type works on the air-displacement principle: the piston moves a column of air rather than the liquid itself, so the sample touches only the disposable tip. The volume is set on a dial within the stated range, which lets one pipette serve a series of dilutions at different settings. The single-channel version draws one portion at a time, unlike multichannel pipettes intended for plates. The 0.5–10 µl range covers the volumes typical of stock solutions and serial dilutions.

Tips have to match the pipette cone; a poorly fitted tip breaks the seal and changes the volume drawn. The dial is never turned past the ends of the range; doing so is the commonest cause of a mechanism going out of adjustment. Drawing is done with the pipette held vertically and with a constant immersion depth of the tip, otherwise every repeat comes out differently. The pipette is non-sterile and can be autoclaved, but the permissible conditions and the parts cleared for a cycle are stated in the manufacturer’s instructions, which also give the accuracy and precision figures for individual settings.

• Name and variant: variable-volume automatic pipette, single channel
• Working range: 0.5–10 µl
• Sterility: non-sterile, autoclavable as stated in the manufacturer’s instructions
• Manufacturer: VITLAB

What does variable volume mean?

That the researcher sets the volume drawn on a dial, within the pipette’s range. A fixed-volume pipette always draws the same portion, while this one covers the whole span from 0.5 to 10 µl.

Can the pipette be autoclaved?

Yes, it is built for autoclaving, but the temperature, the time and how far it has to be dismantled beforehand are stated in the manufacturer’s instructions. After a cycle, check the pipette before returning it to a series of measurements.

Which tips fit the pipette?

Tips are chosen to match the pipette cone and the volume range. In this range the smallest tip size is used.