13 Nov How do you choose a pipette?
The pipette is the humble workhorse of every laboratory. In our previous post, we discussed how it is manufactured at Socorex and what contributes to a price tag of a new instrument. Now, let's take a closer look at a few specific features that could make or break your choice next time you need a new pipette.
To make the right pipette choice, ask yourself a few questions:
- Are your assays qualitative or quantitative?
- Are the reagents you transfer very expensive?
- Is after-sales support important for you?
- Do you work in a regulated, certified environment with stringent QA requirements?
- Do you want to be able to easily disassemble the pipette for cleaning and maintenance?
- Is the possibility to autoclave the pipette important to you?
- Do you want to maximise the freedom to choose your tips?
Did you nod along to more than a couple? Then Acura® manual might be just the right (and wisest) choice.
The features you'll only find in Acura® manual
Justip™ — the universal tip fitting solution. If your tips are ordered centrally and they are subject to change every now and then, this one is a game-changer. In a fraction of a second you can adjust the ejector height, so the tip always fits. Frustration-free operation guaranteed.
Five pieces, no tools, disassembled in 30 seconds. We've all done it: aspirated a bit too eagerly or released the plunger too abruptly and now the liquid got inside. Acura® comes apart in five pieces with nothing but your hands. You can clean the lower section, autoclave the whole pipette in one piece if you need to, and get back to work.
Easy and reliable volume setting. Micrometric volume setting is performed smoothly and precisely by turning plunger button. Finely machined click-stops and free rotating cap prevent any unwanted volume alteration without needing a separate locking mechanism. No accidental drift mid-session!
Smarties — don't touch my stuff. This is something for the organisational purists (a common species in the laboratory). Every colleague has their colour and marks their gear accordingly. Smarties lets you pick from 14 shades to personalise your pipettes or flag a set for a specific job: RNA-only, laminar-flow-only... you name it!
The Lego principle. The philosophy behind the manufacturing process of Acura® pipettes is one of simplicity, modularity and interchangeability to maximise lifespan and application of the instrument. How does it manifest? For example, if you are working with butyl acetate, ethyl chloride or other chemicals reacting with polypropylene, you can adapt Acura® manual macro pipettes to use glass Pasteur pipette instead of classic PP tip.
Feels right in hand. Acura® manual is not too light, not too heavy, working exceptionally smooth while fitting the hand comfortably. Users tell us the pipetting and ejection have a satisfying feel, and that the reliability over years is superb.
The only thing left is to try Acura® for yourself
You shouldn't take our word for it: find your nearest distributor or follow us on social media to stay posted on where to catch us at a trade show near you. A pipette might not be as flashy or as major an investment as a pipetting robot, but it will remain omnipresent and indispensable in labs for the years to come. Taking your time to test and choose a pipette that serves you reliably is something you will not regret in the long run.
Related reading: Why is a Swiss-made pipette worth the investment?
By Anna Anchimiuk, PhD
Product Manager for small liquid handling devices and a scientist at heart. With profound background in microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, Anna leverages her global lab experience to help users fully understand and utilize their laboratory instruments for optimal results.
