Volumetric Pipettes
  • Volumetric pipettes available in serialized and unserialized types are certified, calibrated To Deliver, and supplied with certificate of graduation accuracy.
  • Reusable (ASTM E969) volumetric pipettes ideal for general laboratory work.
  • KIMBLE® volumetric pipettes color-coded (ASTM E1273) for ease of sorting and selecting.
  • MBL® volumetric pipettes with permanent amber graduation to provide highest resistance to chemicals.

Volumetric Pipettes FAQs

Volumetric Pipettes

Frequently Asked Questions

A volumetric pipette (also known as a bulb pipette) is used to measure the precise volume of liquid from a transferring vessel. Its long, narrow, and slender design makes it exceptionally accurate, making it ideal for use in quantitative studies.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a volumetric pipette correctly:

  1. Rinse the pipette with distilled water.

    Note: To properly rinse the pipette, tilt it horizontally and rotate it to ensure the liquid comes into contact with the entire inside surface of the pipette. Afterward, dispose of the rinsing liquid into a waste vessel.

  2. Rinse the pipette two or three times with the liquid you want to transfer.

  3. Attach a pipette bulb to the top of the pipette and fully squeeze it to get ready to draw up the liquid slightly above the desired volume.

  4. Place the end of the pipette well below the surface of the liquid to be transferred and gently release the pressure on the bulb to draw the liquid into the volumetric pipette. Allow the liquid to rise slightly above the desired volume inscribed mark on the pipette.

    Note: When drawing up the liquid, ensure the pipette tip remains in the liquid. This prevents air bubbles from being drawn into the pipette. Also, be careful not to overshoot the calibration mark so that no fluid enters the bulb, as it may become contaminated.

  5. Remove the pipette from the vessel with the liquid that was transferred into the pipette and wipe any excess drops from the tip using a paper towel.

  6. Release the pressure on the bulb ever so slightly to allow very little of the solution to slowly drain down to the desired volume inscribed mark on the pipette. Remember to read the final desired volume accurately, considering the meniscus.

  7. Hold the pipette vertically as you continue gently squeezing the bulb. After outflow has ceased, touch the tip of the wall of the receiving vessel to complete emptying.

    Note: It’s normal to have a small amount of liquid at the tip of the pipette. Volumetric pipettes are usually calibrated to account for this tiny amount of fluid that remains after pipetting.

  8. Rinse the pipette several times with water to clean it and allow it to dry.

To decide which pipette to use, you need to be clear on your experimental goals and think about the following:

  • How much volume you need to pipette.

    We recommend you choose the lowest pipette volume capable of handling the quantity of liquid you need to pipette.

  • How accurate you need the pipette volume to be.

    Generally, volumetric pipettes offer unparalleled accuracy compared to other pipettes.

  • Whether the pipette is suited to the liquid you need to transfer and the equipment you have available.

    For example, consider if the liquid you’re using requires you to use a disposable or reusable pipette.

There are two key differences between a volumetric pipette and a micropipette. First, how each pipette is operated. Second, is the amount (or volume) of liquid each pipette can accommodate.

A volumetric pipette is operated manually, and it measures volumes starting at 1 milliliter (mL).

A micropipette is a mechanical device that measures volumes less than 1 mL, usually starting at 1 microliter (µL) to 1000 µL.

The main difference between a volumetric pipette and a measuring pipette is the volume that can be measured.

A volumetric pipette is used to measure and transfer a fixed (usually small) volume of liquid with high accuracy and precision.

A measuring pipette is used to measure and transfer a range of volumes of liquid depending on how much is drawn up and released. The accuracy of a measuring pipette is less high than a volumetric pipette.