Rainin Pipettes

Pipettes

Precision Laboratory Pipettes for Life Science Research

A pipette is a measuring tool designed to aspirate and dispense specific volumes of liquids. Lab pipettes are used globally in top academic, biotechnology and pharmaceutical life science research laboratories. Rainin offers a wide range of ergonomic pipettes including single-channel, multichannel and specialty pipettes.

Call for Quote
high throughput pipetting
repeater pipettes
  • Factory Trained/SAC-SINGLAS Certified Technicians
  • State-of-the-Art Laboratory
  • Network of Global Metrology Experts to Solve Any Issue
  • 3 - 5 Days Turnaround Time
  • Consumables Replacement
Or just give us a call
Toll Free 1800 22 8884
Call Service

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.

Uptime. Support & Repair

Performance. Maintenance & Optimization

Compliance. Calibration & Quality

Expertise. Training & Consulting

FAQs

What is a pipette?

Pipettes (micropipettes) are handheld instruments commonly used in academic, biotech, pharmaceutical, and other laboratories to transfer precise amounts of liquid from one container to another.

Pipettes range from very basic graduated glass tubes to sophisticated precision instruments that, along with pipette tips, can aspirate and dispense liquid in increments as small as a fraction of a microliter.

The single-channel air displacement pipette is the most common in life science laboratories worldwide. Rainin pipettes are available in manual and electronic models and are available as single-channel, multichannel, and multichannel adjustable spacer pipettes.

Pipettes
What is a pipette?

How does a pipette work?

There are two types of pipettes: Positive displacement and air pipettes. 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 majority of laboratory applications.

Modern pipettes, also known as micropipettes, work with a piston-stroke principle – liquid is measured using the 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 pipette tip and thus draws liquid up inside the tip; which is called aspiration.

Since the piston in a pipette 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 has a tip full of liquid expels the liquid out from the tip; this is called 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.

Pipettes
How does a pipette work?

What is pipetting accuracy and precision?

Pipetting 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 depends on the interplay of the elements in the system.

Pipetting precision is the ability of a pipette to consistently deliver same-sized volumes of liquid over multiple aliquots. 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.

The pipette, the pipette tip, and the person operating the pipette form a 3-part system. The pipette operator, the person using the pipette to conduct research, has a high degree of influence on the accuracy of results. As such, it is important that operators are trained to use a pipette. Some powerful yet simple techniques can greatly improve pipetting accuracy. The Rainin Pipetting Technique Poster offers a good summary. Additionally, Rainin offers the Good Pipetting Practice Online Seminar to assist in learning the proper way to pipette.

Where can I buy a pipette?

Rainin offers a wide range of manual and electronic single channel, multichannel, or high throughput pipetting instruments and calibration services to ensure your results remain accurate. Rainin pipettes are available globally for purchase. Interested in purchasing a pipette? Request a quote at the top of this page.

Pipettes
Where can I buy a pipette?

What is the price of a pipette?

How much a pipette costs depends on the type of pipette: single or multichannel, manual or electronic. Pipette price varies based on precision (accuracy specifications), materials, and craftsmanship. 

What is a pipette used for in science?

Pipettes are used in laboratories worldwide, including labs involved in life science research experimentation, chemical testing, petroleum, and food manufacturing. They are used in any industry that has biological testing as a requirement.

Which pipette should I use?

To choose the suitable pipette for the task, consider a few factors: liquid type, number of replicates, time sensitivity, and pipetting volume.

First, what type of liquid are you pipetting?

  • An air-displacement pipette will work well if the liquid is aqueous or near aqueous.
  • If the liquid is viscous or volatile, a positive-displacement pipette will deliver better results than an air-displacement pipette.
  • Air-displacement pipettes have air inside that can be stretched or compressed when working with viscous liquids or expanded by the rapid evaporation of a volatile liquid into the pipette’s interior chamber.
  • Positive-displacement pipettes have a piston extending to the syringe-like tip’s opening. This preserves pipetting accuracy by removing air from the system. 

 

The type of vessels involved in your application and the number of replicates are also critical factors in selecting a pipette.

  • A manual single-channel pipette works well for a small number of dispenses into most tubes and plates. But if you’re pipetting into many wells or tubes, multichannel pipettes and electronic pipettes can ease the burden on the pipetting hand.
  • Multichannel pipettes fill plate rows efficiently, and adjustable-spacer versions give you a convenient way to move between differently-spaced vessels like tubes and plates.
  • Electronic pipettes also offer the added benefit of dispensing multiple aliquots from a single aspiration – even in a sequence of different volumes. And with a cycle counter, electronic pipettes help you track where you are in your protocol.
  • Consider a high-throughput semi-automated pipetting workstation if your intended number of replicates fills multiple plates.

 

If your protocol is time-sensitive, consider multichannel pipettes and high-throughput pipetting platforms to accomplish the most in the least amount of time. Electronic versions of these instruments can deliver the most significant time savings.

What volume are you pipetting?

  • Work between 10-100% of a pipette’s nominal volume for accurate results.
  • Volumes near a pipette’s full nominal volume will deliver the highest accuracy.
  • Avoid pipetting 20 µL using a 1,000 µL pipette. Instead, pipette 20 µL using a 20 µL pipette.
  • Pipette sizes range from 1 µL to as large as 20 mL, and even larger volumes can be accurately transferred using serological pipettes.  

Pipettes
Which pipette should I use?

How can I prevent cross-contamination when using a pipette?

Cross-contamination can derail experiments, so adopt a strict tip-changing policy—one tip per sample. Filtered tips block aerosols and regularly wiping the pipette with ethanol removes surface residues. Maintaining a clean, orderly bench and storing pipettes properly reinforce these efforts. Rainin multichannel pipettes, with their secure tip fit and comfortable handling, make it easier to uphold these practices, ensuring each sample transfer is isolated and contamination-free.

Pipettes
preventing cross contamination while pipetting

How can I avoid cross-contamination when pipetting small volumes of different reagents?

At low volumes, even a minute droplet of leftover reagent can skew results. Be meticulous about changing tips between each reagent and consider filtered tips to prevent aerosols from contaminating the body of the pipette. Keep the pipette free of residues by regularly wiping it down with ethanol. Rainin laboratory pipettes, with pipette tips that fit consistently and eject smoothly with minimal force, make it simpler to maintain exacting cleanliness standards for each new reagent you handle.

Pipettes
changing tips between each reagent

How can I avoid cross-contamination when pipetting small volumes of DNA or RNA samples?

Genomic assays require exceptional purity to avoid misleading results. Use DNase/RNase-free sterile tips and change them after each sample. Filtered tips and a quick ethanol wipe of the pipette between runs can further minimize carryover. Rainin multichannel pipettes, in combination with certified DNase/RNase-free BioClean Ultra tips, ensure the integrity of your nucleic acid samples, preserving the fidelity of your downstream applications.

How can I avoid losing small volumes when pipetting very viscous liquids?

With a working range extending as low as 0.5 µL, positive displacement pipettes are an excellent choice to protect against sample loss at small volumes. The syringe-like disposable tip on a positive displacement pipette places the system’s seal in direct contact with the sample, providing unmatched control and protection from sample loss. When pipetting viscous liquids with an air displacement pipette, like a multichannel, samples like glycerol or cell lysates often resist smooth flow, making technique particularly crucial.

To start, pre-wet the tips, then aspirate slowly to allow the liquid to fully enter the tip. To improve consistency, consider using the reverse pipetting technique. If available, use your pipette’s blowout feature to expel any remaining liquid in the tip. Using low-retention tips further minimizes the potential for residual fluid to cling inside. Best-in-class Rainin multichannel pipettes, used with expertly engineered low-retention tips and the option to employ reverse pipetting, will ensure you achieve accurate volume transfers.

How can I avoid cross-contamination when pipetting small volumes of biohazardous materials?

Biohazardous materials demand rigorous safety and contamination control. Use sterile filtered tips, dispose of them immediately after use, and spray the pipette’s exterior with ethanol between samples. Always follow your lab’s biosafety protocols, wear appropriate PPE and work in suitable containment if required. Rainin pipettes, built with a robust tip seal and easy-to-clean surfaces, help you maintain a safe, contamination-free environment when handling risky materials.

How can I improve accuracy when pipetting small volumes of highly volatile substances like chloroform?

Chloroform and similar solvents evaporate rapidly, which can affect volume consistency in air-displacement pipettes. The solution: pre-wet the tip, work quickly and consider using reverse pipetting for higher reproducibility at small volumes. Keep containers sealed and the workspace calm to reduce volatilization. With their precise and reliable aspiration, and tips that seal securely with minimal force, Rainin air-displacement pipettes provide the stability you need to transfer volatile samples with confidence. Alternatively, Rainin positive displacement pipettes are ideal for working with volatile substances because the piston in the syringe-like tip makes direct contact with the sample, eliminating volatility as a source of inaccuracy.

How can I ensure repeatability when pipetting very small volumes for high-precision work?

For high-precision assays, consistency is key. Stabilize your wrist and arm, keep aspiration and dispensing speeds uniform, and immerse the tip to a consistent depth. Reverse pipetting can also help deliver more reproducible results at ultra-low volumes. Rainin pipettes, engineered for minimal variability in plunger force and tip sealing, enable you to achieve repeatable, high-precision results in even the most demanding assays.

How can I improve accuracy when pipetting small volumes of highly viscous reagents?

For thick reagents, slow, steady aspiration and dispensing help avoid air pockets and inconsistent draws. Pre-wet the tip, use low-retention tips and consider reverse pipetting for enhanced volume accuracy. Maintaining your pipette through regular service and calibration will ensure stable performance over time. Rainin multichannel pipettes and BioClean Ultra low-retention tips give you the control and reliability needed to accurately measure even the most stubborn, viscous solutions.