Types of Serological Pipettes and Their Uses
Serological pipettes are used in the laboratory to transfer liquids. These pipettes have graduations on the side to help measure the liquid (in milliliters or milliliters) to be dispensed or aspirated. They are most recommended because they are very precise in measuring the smallest incremental level.
Serological pipettes are mainly used in the following areas:
mixed suspension;
binding reagents and chemical solutions;
Transfer cells for empirical analysis or expansion;
Layered reagents for creating higher density gradients;
Serological pipettes are designed to be used as blow-off pipettes, these pipettes are graduated near the tip of the tip and a rubber ball attached to the tip is used to blow out excess solution using air or gravity.
Typically, blow-out pipettes are marked with a double ring, and handling requires the use of an attached light bulb that applies air pressure to blow out and capture every drop of liquid in it. On the other hand, single-loop pipettes are "non-blow-out" variants that allow the entire tip to be emptied.
What are the different types of serological pipettes?
Pipettes are usually made of glass or plastic. For safety and hygiene reasons, it is best to use disposable polystyrene plastic serological pipettes.
Serological pipettes are divided into three different types:
1. Open-ended pipettes
Open-ended pipettes with exposed ends are ideal for measuring highly viscous liquids. The pipette's fast fill and release rates make it ideal for handling fluids such as oils, paints, cosmetics and sludge.
The pipette also features a fiber filter plug that helps reduce fluid contamination. Slotted pipettes are pyrogen-free pipettes that are gamma sterilized. They are individually wrapped in thermoformed paper/plastic to prevent damage.
These pipettes are available in 1 ml, 2 ml, 5 ml and 10 ml sizes. They must meet the ASTM E1380 industry standard.
2. Bacterial Pipettes
Bacterial pipettes are specially designed for examining milk and other dairy products. These polystyrene milk pipettes are available in 1.1ml and 2.2ml sizes.
These are non-pyrogenic disposable pipettes sterilized using gamma radiation. They are packaged in thermoformed paper/plastic to avoid damage. These pipettes include a fiber filter to prevent contamination of fluids and liquid samples. Bacterial pipettes must meet ASTM E934 and be calibrated to provide +/-2% (TD).
3. Straws
The pipette is completely transparent and has no graduations. They are specially designed to transfer and mix fluids in different applications such as vacuum or pipette aspiration processes. They are single-use, pyrogen-free, non-clogging polystyrene pipettes.
These pipettes are wrapped in thermoformed plastic to avoid contamination. They are sterilized using gamma radiation and comply with the Sterility Assurance Level (SAL).
How do I read volumes and measurements using a serological pipette?
It is important that those who handle serological pipettes have considerable knowledge about reading volumes and measuring the liquid within them. There are a few factors to keep in mind when doing this:
After loading the pipette, attention should be paid to the bottom of the meniscus. A meniscus forms at the top of the liquid column.
Observe the pipette at eye level for accurate readings.
The pipette should be held exactly at right angles to the floor.
How do I dispense and aspirate liquids with a serological pipette?
The original method of transferring liquids through mouth straws is not recommended because users may accidentally consume harmful liquids.
However, it is safe to use a light bulb or pump. Bulbs are used to deliver less specific amounts of liquid, while pumps help deliver precise amounts of fluid. There are two triggers in the pump; one for dispensing and the other for aspiration.
What are the benefits of using a serological pipette?
Some of the benefits of using a serological pipette include:
They are optically optimized;
They provide improved volume accuracy;
They provide clear ascending and descending scales;
Serological pipettes are single-use and pre-sterilized, they are packaged in quantities of 25 to 50 and are designed to fit electric pipettes and pipette aids.
Serological plastic pipettes are sterile consumables that enable accurate fluid dispensing while reducing the chance of contamination. We hope that the above aspects have given you enough information about the different types and uses of serological pipettes.
