Many people tend to use pipettes and pipettors interchangeably. Since they sound almost the same, many people also assume they serve the same purpose. Understandably, those who don’t work in a laboratory or clinic will find it difficult to distinguish one from the other.
When it comes to handling liquid samples, pipettes are just as important as pipettors. Sometimes, pipettors are also referred to as pipette-aids or pipette controllers. Simply put, pipettors are suction devices that are used to suck liquids so they can be transferred into a pipette.
Different Types of Pipettors
Below are some of the different types of pipettors:
- Electronic pipettors – Allows precise control when it comes to liquid handling and transfer.
- Triple-valve pipettors – Triple-valve pipettors come with three buttons. One button will displace the air from the valve, another will draw the fluid from the pipette, and another one will expel the liquid.
- Pipette pumps – This type is used to expel siphon and liquid.
Benefits of Pipettors
Pipettors are designed to ensure better control when handling small volumes of liquid before they are transferred to the pipette. In some cases, it can be difficult to remove the contents of the pipette and accurately move them to another container. Doing it manually may also cause trace amounts to be left behind.
A pipettor can help minimize the risk of contamination. This is because fluids are handled separately and securely. Using a pipettor also helps minimize hand fatigue thanks to their great features like ergonomic design and electronic controls. Pipettors can also help speed up the process of transferring liquid samples.