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How To Use Pipettes

There are two main types of pipettes: volumetric and serological. Volumetric pipettes can measure and transfer only a single, predetermined volume of liquid accurately, while serological pipettes can be used to measure and transfer variable amounts of liquid in increments. Specifically, this document discusses blow-out and drain-out styles of serological pipettes, which differ in how they are graduated and how liquid is expelled to obtain the desired measurement. It also mentions pipette aids like pipet pumps that should be used instead of mouth pipetting.

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Darwin Cruz
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180 views

How To Use Pipettes

There are two main types of pipettes: volumetric and serological. Volumetric pipettes can measure and transfer only a single, predetermined volume of liquid accurately, while serological pipettes can be used to measure and transfer variable amounts of liquid in increments. Specifically, this document discusses blow-out and drain-out styles of serological pipettes, which differ in how they are graduated and how liquid is expelled to obtain the desired measurement. It also mentions pipette aids like pipet pumps that should be used instead of mouth pipetting.

Uploaded by

Darwin Cruz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How to Use a Pipet! What are the Various Types of Pipettes!

Pipettes are used to measure and transfer liquid accurately. They function something like a
straw; the liquid is sucked into the pipette with a pipette aid (e.g. pipet pump or pipet filler).
There are two types of pipettes, volumetric and serological. Volumetric pipettes are more
accurate than serological pipettes.
Volumetric pipettes are designed to measure and transfer a predetermined volume of liquid.
For example a 5 ml. volumetric pipette has one marking on it. This marking measures exactly 5
ml. of liquid, no more, no less.

Volumetric pipet: just 1 volume

In contrast, serological pipettes can be used to measure and transfer various amounts of liquid.
A 5 ml. serological pipette with one-tenth millimeter graduations can be used to obtain any
desired volume of liquid in one-tenth millimeter increments between 0.1 ml to 5.0 ml. Two kinds
of serological pipettes are commonly employed: blow-out (This is what we will use!) and drainout.
Blow-out serological pipettes are graduated to the tip and have etched or colored rings around
the top. To obtain the desired amount, liquid in the tip of the pipette is "blown out". For
example, to accurately transfer 10 ml. of liquid using a 10-ml. blow-out pipette, liquid drains
from the "0" mark to as far as it will go on its own. The remaining drops of liquid are forced or
"blown-out" and included in the aliquot being measured, resulting in exactly 10 ml.
Serological Pipet
(blow-out style)
this is what we use
in class, mostly
bottom of blow-out pipet

top of blow-out pipet

Drain-out serological pipettes are not graduated to the tip and they lack colored or etched rings
(although they may have a color-coded rectangle or square to indicate the size of the pipette). If
you desire 10 ml. of liquid from a 10-ml. drain-out pipette, you allow the liquid to drain from
the "0" mark to the 10-ml. mark and discard the rest of the liquid.
Serological Pipet
TD (to deliver) style) or drain-out style
We currently do not have any to use.
bottom of TD pipet

top of TD pipet

Pipette aids such as the pipet pump are used because mouth pipetting is risky and
should not be attempted no matter how safe the chemical seems.
pipet pump

Pasteur pipettes are somewhat of a misnomer because they are merely droppers, (plastic or
glass). Exact measures of liquid cannot be taken with a Pasteur pipette, although some are
graduated in .5 to 1mL increments for rough masures.
Pasteur Pipet aka: a dropper in glass or plastic

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