FAQ's

Q. How often should pipettes be serviced and calibrated?
A. It depends on how often the pipettes are being used and how critical accuracy is.  Pipettes are a mechanical instrument and will change over time due to wear from daily use.  Different solutions emit more aerosols then others.  These aerosols can collect inside the shaft and on the piston.  Aerosol Resistant Tips (ART) or Barrier Tips can eliminate/slowdown this from happening.  Many of our accounts have their pipettes serviced and calibrated every 6 months, and some choose to have them serviced yearly.

Q. Who makes the best pipette?
A. 1. In my experience, without a doubt, the Gilson Pipetman from France.  They are very durable, they have the least amount of moving parts (the more moving parts the more things can break or get out of calibration) and they are constantly accurate.  But, they should be opened up and serviced and calibrated at least once a year.
    2. The Eppendorf, research model, from Germany.  The "research" model is their third generation pipette and much improved from their earlier models.
    3. Rainin "L" series is an excellent pipette.They now offer the "SL" model that will take a standard tip.

Q. What should I do if I accidentally suck some solution up into the shaft?
A. DO NOT lay the pipette on it's side. Dispense the solution that is still in the tip. Eject the tip.  Place a kimwipe tissue under the tip of the shaft and pump the plunger until all of the solution has been blown out.  ALWAYS store your pipettes in an upright position when not in use. Again, barrier tips will prevent solution from "jumping" up into the shaft.

Q. Can I use a pipette beyond the manufacture's recommended parameters?
A. You should always use the correct size pipette for the volume needed.