
Rainin Pipettes & Pipette Tips for Superior Pipetting PerformanceThrough its Rainin brand, METTLER TOLEDO is a leading provider of advanced liquid handling solutions for life scientists worldwide. We offer a w... |
1. What is a pipette?
Pipettes are handheld instruments commonly used in academic, biotech, pharmaceutical and other labs to transfer precise amounts of liquid from one container to another. Pipettes range from very basic graduated glass tubes to sophisticated precision instruments capable of aspirating and dispensing liquid in increments as small as a fraction of a microliter. The most common pipette used in life science labs around the world is the single-channel air displacement pipette.
2. How does a pipette work?
There are two basic pipette types, positive displacement and air pipettes. Modern pipettes work with a piston-stroke principle – Liquid is measured using a piston-cylinder system in the handle of the pipette. When the piston is depressed and then slowly released, the movement of the piston creates a vacuum in the disposable pipette tip and thus draws liquid up inside the tip; this process is termed aspiration. Since the piston is a long way from the liquid sample, the air cushion between the piston and liquid can have a number of effects on the accuracy of this process, depending on the liquid type. Pressing down on the plunger that had a tip full of liquid expels the liquid out from the tip; this is termed dispensing. Positive displacement pipettes work on a similar principle, however the tip of the positive displacement system contains its own piston and hence there is a minimal air cushion between the piston (that is part of the tip) and the liquid surface. Positive displacement pipettes are commonly used for samples of high viscosity (e.g. glycerol) or high vapor pressure (e.g. volatiles like alcohol), while air-displacement pipettes can be used for a large portion of laboratory applications.
3. What is the LTS LiteTouch System?
The LiteTouch System (LTS) is a design feature in Rainin pipette tips. LTS was invented by Rainin and provides an effort-free way to load pipette tips and reduces tip-ejection force by up to 84%. Tip ejection is the leading pipette-associated cause of repetitive strain injury (RSI). LTS also provides a greater channel-to-channel consistency in multichannel pipettes. The cylindrical pipette-shaft end and matching tip cup produce a reliable, consistent seal without excessive force. LTS tips feature a ring-shaped seal and flat, round shelf that provides a positive "stop." This stop lets the user know when the seal is made and makes it impossible to jam or pound the shaft into the tip – a common problem with conical-shaped tips that are typical with universal (UNV) pipettes.
4. Why do pipette ergonomics matter?
Pipetting is usually a repetitive activity that, when loading and ejecting tips, can involve a high level of force. As with any repetitive activity, over time, the risk of developing musculoskeletal injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis and other repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) increases. While good posture and stretching can provide relief, the key to preventing injury is reducing pipetting forces. The Rainin LiteTouch System (LTS) reduces tip ejection force by up to 85%. Read more about pipetting ergonomics
5. What are pipetting accuracy and precision?
Accuracy is the ability of a pipette to deliver the volume specified on the volume setting. In other words, the trueness of a measurement to the true value. Precision is the ability of a pipette to consistently deliver same-sized volumes of liquid over multiple aliquots. For example: a pipette can be precise with regard to dispensing the same volume time after time, yet inaccurate because it fails to dispense the correct volume. An accurate and precise pipette dispenses volumes at the intended volume with each dispense.
6. How to pipette accurately and correctly?
The pipette, the disposable tip, and the operator form a 3-part system. Accuracy depends on the interplay of the elements in the system. More than with other lab instruments, the pipette operator has a high degree of influence on the accuracy of results. As such, it is important that operators are trained to use a pipette. There are some powerful, yet simple techniques that can greatly improve pipetting accuracy. The Rainin Pipetting Technique poster offers a good summary
7. What is pipette calibration?
Pipette calibration refers to testing a pipette's precision and accuracy and resetting it to the manufacturer's specifications if it is out of range. The most common method of pipette calibration is the gravimetric method, which involves pipetting distilled water onto an analytical balance and weighing it to assess the accuracy of the measurement.
Single Channel Pipette Pipet-Lite XLS
Multichannel Pipette Pipet-Lite XLS
Multichannel Adjustable Spacer Pipet-Lite XLS
Single Channel Electronic Pipette E4 XLS
Electronic Multichannel Pipette E4 XLS
Electronic Adjustable Spacer Multichannel Pipette E4 XLS
Pipette Tips
Pipette Management
High-throughput Pipetting

Pipettes, Tips and Expert Service
Through its Rainin brand, METTLER TOLEDO is a leading provider of advanced liquid handling solutions for life scientists worldwide. We offer a wide selection of ergonomic manual pipettes, electronic pipettes, multichannel pippettes, BioClean-certified LTS and Universal-fit pipette tips and convenient, expert pipette service.

LTS LiteTouch System
Because Pipetting Shouldn’t Hurt
The Rainin LTS LiteTouch System protects pipette users by making tips practically effortless to load and reduces the force required to eject the tips by up to 85%.

Good Pipetting Practice
Techniques to Boost Your Performance
Improve your data quality with Good Pipetting Practice™ (GPP™) – METTLER TOLEDO’s comprehensive, systematic approach to maximizing pipetting accuracy and repeatability. GPP covers many topics relevant to life science researchers or anyone using pippettes regularly.

Specialized Liquid Handling
For special applications and difficult liquids, Rainin offers specialized high-quality tools to optimize liquid transfer.
From positive-displacement and repeater pippettes to serological pipet-controllers and large-volume liquid dispense, Rainin has the right tool for your liquid handling application.

Pipette Tip Finder
Rainin tips for all major pipette brands are certified BioClean.
Search by brand, model and volume range to find the perfect tip!
Publications

Good Pipetting Practice Poster
We are proud to present the Good Pipetting Practice Poster. It covers all relevant topics to enhance operators' technique, among others:
- The correct immersion depth and angle
- Pipetting rhythm and speed
- Hand-warming effects and temperature
- And many more

'Stretch' – The Ergonomics Poster
You can order a complimentary copy of the ergonomics 'Stretch' poster: It's full of easy exercises that will take the pain out of your lab work.

Rainin Product Catalog
Superior Products for Peak Performance
The Rainin product catalog contains detailed information on all our pipettes, tips, specialty products, and service offering. Additionally, it features background information on pipetting mechanics, manufacturing and selection.

Good Pipetting Practice
Optimize Your Pipette Performance
Improve your data quality with Good Pipetting Practice™ (GPP™) – METTLER TOLEDO’s comprehensive, systematic approach to maximizing pipetting accuracy and repeatability.

LTS™ LiteTouch™ Tip Ejection System
Low Forces Pipetting
The LTS cylindrical design produces a reliable, consistent seal without excessive force. LTS tips are thin-walled and incorporate a small, well-defined seal area and a positive stop. No need to “jam” or pound the shaft into the tip.
Services
Expert Service – Tailored to Fit Your Pipetting Needs
METTLER TOLEDO supports and services your pipettes through their entire life-cycle, from good pipetting techniques to preventive maintenance and calibration to equipment repair.

Order Pipette Service & Calibration
Good Pipetting Practice
Reduce Risk and Improve Pipetting Ergonomics
DocumentationGPP: Minimize Workflow-related Risks (pdf)
The Ergonomics of Pipetting
GPP Pipetting Calibration and Technique
Get Better Results!
Apply the principles of GPP in your lab and everyone on your team will:
- Understand the array of liquid handling instruments and options available
- Know how to optimize their workflow for each of the liquid handling steps involved
- Gain the range of pipetting skills necessary to produce reliable data
- Appreciate how ergonomics can influence data production and their own well being
- Recognize the risk associated with out-of-calibration pipettes and the role of routine checks vs. professional service.
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Take the GPP Risk Check™
Boost the accuracy and reproducibility of your data by understanding workflow-related risks and how to mitigate them. Take five minutes to run through our GPP Risk Check and see where risks lie in your work and workflow.
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Host a GPP Seminar
METTLER TOLEDO has a comprehensive seminar offering around GPP and risk management in pipetting. Our GPP experts will train you and your team right in your lab. Just fill in the request and we will get back to you to discuss the details.
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GPP eLearning program
If you prefer to learn at your own pace, you can access our GPP seminars in online eLearning sessions. It's a great opportunity to get new users pipetting quickly, or it can be a refresher course for experienced pipette users.