2013 Pipette Survey Results
Pipettes can be found in almost every laboratory and, if you’re looking to buy one, there are many options— manual or electronic, single or multi-channel. Luckily, a few main considerations can help in deciding whether or not to buy the latest pipette technology.
Pipettes can be found in almost every laboratory and, if you’re looking to buy one, there are many options— manual or electronic, single or multi-channel. Luckily, a few main considerations can help in deciding whether or not to buy the latest pipette technology.
Best practices dictate that pipettes undergo preventive maintenance and calibration at least once per year. Calibration involves dispensing set volumes of a liquid, usually water, into the weighing pan of a calibrated balance. Service personnel correct for temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, and then compare the expected weight to the actual weight.
5 Questions to Ask When Buying a Pipette
 | What differentiates the pipette from others offered in terms of performance and ergonomics? |
 | Is the product compatible with other manufacturers’ consumables (tips)? |
 | What types of services are offered for this product? Calibration? Repair? |
 | Does the company offer application support and technical phone support before and after product purchase? |
 | What is the product life expectation? What is the product’s warranty period? If the company discontinues the product, for how many years do they provide accessories and parts for the instrument? |
Types of pipettes currently used by survey respondents:
| Manual: Single channel | 30% |
| Manual: Multi channel | 16% |
| Manual: Fixed volume | 12% |
| Electronic: Single channel | 11% |
| Electronic: Multi channel | 7% |
| Electronic: Fixed volume | 3% |
| Repeater | 11% |
Top 5 pipette errors as reported by survey respondents:
| Human errors | 27% |
| Liquids stick to tip | 19% |
| Viscosity reduces accuracy | 16% |
| Immersed tips carry over liquid | 12% |
| Surface tension reduces accuracy | 10% |
Nearly 35% of respondents plan on purchasing a new or additional pipette in the next year. The budget amounts for these purchases are:
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Top 10 Features/Factors respondents look for when purchasing a pipette
Completed Surveys: 1042
For more information on pipettes, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit http://www.labmanager.com/pipettes