What is a Pipette? Types, Uses and How to Choose the Right One

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Liquid Handling Guide · 7 min read

The pipette is one of the most essential tools in any laboratory. Whether you are working in clinical diagnostics, molecular biology, analytical chemistry or pharmaceutical research, the ability to transfer precise volumes of liquid is fundamental to producing accurate and reproducible results. Yet with so many pipette types available, choosing the right one for your application can be a challenge.

At LabFriend, we supply a comprehensive range of pipettes and liquid handling equipment from trusted global manufacturers. This guide covers everything you need to know about pipettes including what they are, the main types, their uses, and how to select the right one for your lab.

This guide covers

→ What a pipette is and how it works
→ The 7 main types of pipettes and their uses
→ Key factors to consider when choosing a pipette
→ Top pipette brands available at LabFriend Australia

What Is a Pipette?

A pipette (also spelled pipet) is a laboratory instrument used to measure and transfer precise volumes of liquid, typically in the range of microlitres (uL) to millilitres (mL). According to Wikipedia's entry on pipettes, the name derives from the French word for "small pipe," and the tool works by creating a partial vacuum above the liquid chamber that draws fluid up and releases it with controlled precision.

Pipettes are manufactured from borosilicate glass, polypropylene or polystyrene depending on the application, and range from simple glass dropper tubes to sophisticated electronic instruments capable of sub-microlitre accuracy. They are a cornerstone of modern laboratory practice across chemistry, biology, medicine and industry.

Did you know? The first adjustable micropipette was invented by Joseph Lister in 1877. The modern electronic pipette was introduced commercially by Mettler-Toledo Rainin in 1984, transforming liquid handling accuracy and efficiency in laboratories worldwide. (Wikipedia)

Common Uses of Pipettes in the Lab

Pipettes are among the most versatile instruments in laboratory work. Their core function is precise liquid transfer, but that single capability underpins a wide range of scientific procedures.

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Solution Preparation

Preparing standard solutions and dilutions with high accuracy, essential in analytical chemistry and quality control workflows.

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Molecular Biology

PCR setup, DNA/RNA extraction, enzyme assays and gel loading all require the sub-microlitre precision that micropipettes provide.

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Pharmaceutical Research

Drug formulation, assay development and quality control testing all depend on repeatable, traceable liquid handling at small volumes.

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Cell Culture

Serological pipettes are used to transfer and mix cell suspensions gently, ensuring even distribution throughout media without damaging cells.

Types of Pipettes

Choosing the right pipette type depends on the volume range, required accuracy and nature of your application. Here are the main types used in modern laboratories.

1. Volumetric Pipette (Bulb Pipette)

A volumetric pipette has a large central bulb and is calibrated to deliver one specific fixed volume with very high accuracy, up to four significant figures. According to Wikipedia, typical volumes are 20, 50 and 100 mL. They are the most accurate pipette type available for glass instruments.

Best for: Preparing standard solutions, titration setups and any application requiring maximum volumetric precision.

2. Graduated Pipette (Mohr Pipette)

A graduated pipette has volume markings along its length, allowing multiple different volumes to be measured from a single instrument. They are slightly less accurate than volumetric pipettes but far more flexible. Mohr pipettes stop short of the tip, while serological-style graduated pipettes measure to the tip.

Best for: General liquid transfer, titrations and situations where several different volumes are needed during an experiment.

3. Micropipette (Air Displacement Pipette)

Micropipettes are adjustable precision instruments that operate via piston-driven air displacement. They use disposable tips and can accurately measure volumes from 0.1 uL to 1000 uL (1 mL). According to Thermo Fisher Scientific, variable volume single-channel micropipettes are the most used laboratory instruments globally due to their versatility.

Best for: PCR, ELISA, DNA work, enzyme assays and any molecular biology or biochemistry application requiring microlitre precision.

4. Pasteur Pipette (Transfer Pipette)

Named after French scientist Louis Pasteur, these are simple, uncalibrated glass or plastic dropper tubes used for rough liquid transfers. They are not designed for accurate measurement but are widely used in biology labs for moving aqueous solutions between containers quickly. Disposable plastic versions are common in field and teaching labs.

Best for: Rough transfers, biology teaching labs and situations where measurement accuracy is not required.

5. Serological Pipette

Serological pipettes are long, graduated, single-use plastic tubes used with a motorised pipette controller to transfer volumes from 1 mL up to 100 mL. They are sterile, disposable and commonly made from polystyrene. They allow cells to spread evenly throughout a solution, making them essential in cell culture work.

Best for: Cell and tissue culture, reagent mixing, transferring larger liquid volumes in biology and clinical labs.

6. Electronic Pipette

Electronic pipettes use a motorised mechanism instead of manual thumb pressure, greatly reducing the risk of repetitive strain injury and human error. They can be programmed for multi-dispensing, mixing and aspirating at controlled speeds. Many laboratories are transitioning from manual to electronic models to improve consistency and throughput.

Best for: High-volume repetitive pipetting, pharmaceutical labs, any workflow where accuracy and operator comfort are priorities.

7. Multichannel Pipette

Multichannel pipettes dispense liquid into 8 or 12 wells simultaneously, making them ideal for 96-well microplate applications. According to Thermo Fisher Scientific, using a multichannel pipette can reduce microplate filling time from several minutes to under a minute.

Best for: ELISA, PCR plate setup, high-throughput screening and any assay using 96-well or 384-well microplates.

By the Numbers

Pipettes are among the most frequently used instruments in the world's laboratories. The scale of the market reflects just how central liquid handling is to modern science.

0.1 uL

Smallest Measurable Volume

The minimum volume measurable by an electronic micropipette

Source: Microbe Notes

4 sig. fig.

Volumetric Pipette Accuracy

The world's most accurate glass pipette type for a fixed volume

Source: Labmate Online

<1 min

Microplate Fill Time

Time to fill a 96-well plate using an electronic multichannel pipette

Source: Thermo Fisher

1877

First Adjustable Micropipette

Invented by Joseph Lister, over 145 years of pipetting history

Source: Wikipedia

64x

Productivity Increase

Possible throughput gain using a 64-channel multichannel pipette vs single channel

Source: Pipette.com

How to Choose the Right Pipette

The right pipette depends on your specific application. Consider these key factors before purchasing.

Volume Range

Micropipettes cover 0.1 uL to 1 mL. Graduated and serological pipettes handle 1 mL to 100 mL. Choose a type whose range closely matches your working volumes for best accuracy.

Required Accuracy

For the highest precision, use a Class A volumetric pipette calibrated to ISO 648. For general work, graduated or micropipettes are sufficient. Always check the tolerance specification before purchasing.

Liquid Properties

Viscous, volatile or aggressive liquids require positive displacement pipettes rather than standard air displacement models, which can introduce errors with non-aqueous samples.

Throughput and Ergonomics

For high-volume repetitive work, electronic or multichannel pipettes reduce fatigue and error. Manual pipettes remain cost-effective for occasional or low-volume use.

Sterility Requirements

Cell culture and clinical work often require individually wrapped, sterile, single-use pipettes. Ensure the product specifies sterility certification if this is a requirement. Browse our range of sterile pipette tips at LabFriend.

Material Compatibility

Glass pipettes are chemically inert and ideal for solvents and aggressive reagents. Polypropylene tips and plastic bodies suit general aqueous work and are more economical for disposable use.

Top Pipette Brands Available at LabFriend

LabFriend stocks pipettes from globally trusted manufacturers that meet international standards for accuracy, calibration and build quality. These are brands relied upon in research, pharmaceutical and clinical labs across Australia.

Eppendorf^®

Eppendorf AG · Germany

Eppendorf is one of the most recognised names in micropipettes globally, known for premium ergonomic design and exceptional accuracy. Their Research Plus and Xplorer series are widely used in molecular biology, pharmaceutical and clinical labs. Eppendorf pipettes are engineered to reduce pipetting fatigue during high-volume workflows while maintaining rigorous calibration standards.

✓ Premium ergonomic micropipette design
✓ Manual and electronic models available
✓ Trusted in research and pharma labs worldwide

Research Plus G 100-1000 uL Pipette Xplorer Plus 15-300 uL Electronic Pipette

BRAND^®

BRAND GmbH · Germany

A German precision instruments manufacturer with decades of experience in volumetric glassware and liquid handling. Their Transferpette S range covers 0.5 uL to 5000 uL and is manufactured to ISO 8655 standards. BRAND also produces electronic multichannel pipettes such as the Transferpette-12, making them a strong choice for both classical and high-throughput lab workflows.

✓ Manufactured to ISO 8655 standards
✓ Manual and electronic multichannel options
✓ 0.5 uL to 5000 uL volume range

Transferpette S Package (5 Pipettes + Rack) Transferpette-12 Electronic Multichannel Pipette

GILSON^®

Gilson Inc. · USA

Gilson invented the modern micropipette in 1974 and remains one of the most trusted names in liquid handling. Their PIPETMAN Classic and PIPETMAN M series are staples in laboratories across the world, known for their durability, easy calibration and consistent accuracy. Gilson pipettes are autoclavable and designed to withstand the demands of high-frequency lab use.

✓ Inventors of the modern micropipette (1974)
✓ Autoclavable, easy in-lab calibration
✓ PIPETMAN range covering 0.2 uL to 10 mL

Pipetman Select 4-Pipette Kit (P2, P20, P200, P1000) Microman M250E Positive Displacement Pipette

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Why Purchase Pipettes From LabFriend?

LabFriend is Australia's fastest growing online laboratory supply store. When you purchase pipettes and liquid handling equipment from us, you benefit from:

✓ Genuine products from Eppendorf, BRAND, GILSON and more
✓ Fast shipping across Australia
✓ Competitive pricing with volume discounts for research and industry
✓ Expert support to help you select the right pipette for your application

Final Thoughts

Pipettes are indispensable in almost every laboratory setting. Whether you need the pinpoint accuracy of a volumetric pipette for analytical chemistry, the flexibility of a graduated pipette for general work, the microlitre precision of a micropipette for molecular biology, or the throughput of an electronic multichannel pipette for plate-based assays, there is a pipette designed for your application.

LabFriend stocks a wide range of pipettes from trusted global manufacturers with fast delivery across Australia. If you are unsure which type is right for your lab, our team is available to help you choose the best solution for your workflow and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most accurate type of pipette?

The volumetric pipette is the most accurate glass pipette, capable of measuring a single fixed volume to four significant figures. For adjustable-volume precision at the microlitre level, a calibrated Class A micropipette is the standard choice in research laboratories.

What is the difference between a micropipette and a regular pipette?

A regular (glass) pipette measures volumes in millilitres and works by suction via a bulb or controller. A micropipette is an adjustable mechanical or electronic instrument that uses piston-driven air displacement to measure volumes in microlitres, with disposable tips. Micropipettes are the standard tool in molecular biology and modern biochemistry.

How often should pipettes be calibrated?

For critical analytical work, micropipettes should be calibrated every 3 to 6 months, or after any drop or damage. Read our guide on 7 ways to improve pipetting accuracy for more best practice tips. Glass volumetric pipettes should be checked against certified standards periodically. Many laboratories align calibration schedules with their quality management system requirements.

Can I use the same pipette tips for different liquids?

No. Pipette tips should be changed between samples to avoid cross-contamination. In critical applications such as PCR or cell culture, filtered (barrier) tips are recommended to prevent aerosol contamination of the pipette barrel itself. Browse BRAND sterile pipette tips at LabFriend.

What pipette should I use for viscous liquids?

Standard air displacement micropipettes can introduce errors with viscous, dense or volatile liquids because the air cushion is affected by the liquid's properties. Positive displacement pipettes use a disposable syringe-type tip that contacts the liquid directly, eliminating these errors. They are the recommended choice for glycerol, DMSO, blood and similar samples.

What does TD mean on a pipette?

TD stands for "To Deliver" (sometimes marked as EX). It means the pipette is calibrated to deliver the stated volume when a small residual remains in the tip. You should not blow out this residual. TC (To Contain) pipettes are calibrated to contain the stated volume, so all liquid must be expelled to deliver the correct amount. Most laboratory glass pipettes are TD type.

Find the Right Pipette for Your Lab

Explore our full range of pipettes and liquid handling equipment with fast delivery across Australia.

Browse Pipettes at LabFriend