Serological Pipettes: Should You Go Disposable or Reusable

Serological pipettes, have you ever heard about this laboratory tool before? Basically, this lab tool from a lab equipment supplier is used to transfer precise volumes of liquids accurately.

With both disposable and reusable options available, selecting the right serological pipette can be challenging. But don’t worry, here’s a blog for you! In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider, guiding you toward the best choice for your lab’s needs.

But before that, let’s briefly understand the serological pipette.

What is a Serological Pipette?

As mentioned, the serological pipette is a type of laboratory equipment that is used to precisely measure and transfer liquid. These pipettes come in both plastic and glass materials and are available in a range of volumes and graduations from a reputable lab glassware supplier.

According to Material

• Glass: These pipettes are the most accurate and durable but are also more fragile, costly, and harder to sterilize than plastic pipettes.
• Plastic: These pipettes are less accurate but are durable, more affordable, and easier to sterilize than glass. They are also less likely to break if dropped.

According to Volume

• Micropipettes: These pipettes are used to measure and transfer small volumes of liquid, ranging from 1 to 1000 microlitres.
• Serological pipettes: These are used to measure and transfer larger volumes of liquid, ranging from 1 to 25 millilitres.

According to Graduation

• Graduated: These types of pipettes have markings on the side that indicate the volume of liquid they contain. 

• Undergraduate: These types of pipettes do not have any markings on the side. They are typically used for dispensing fixed volumes of liquid.
  

Disposable or Reusable

• Disposable: These pipettes are made of plastic and are intended for single use only. They are more cost-effective than reusable pipettes. The only drawback of these pipettes is that they create more waste. 

• Reusable: Reusable pipettes are made of glass or plastic and can be sterilized and reused multiple times. They are usually more expensive than disposable pipettes, but they can also be more environmentally friendly. 

Factors to Choose the Right Serological Pipette?

Volume and Frequency of Use

• Low Volume, infrequent use: If you work with small volumes (less than 250 µL) and don’t require frequent pipetting, disposable micropipettes are likely the best choice. They offer high accuracy and precision, come pre-sterilized, and eliminate the need for cleaning and calibration. 

• High volume, frequent use: For larger volumes, greater than 1 mL and frequent pipetting tasks, reusable glass serological pipettes might be more economical. They provide superb durability and accuracy, can be autoclaved for sterilization, and have a lower long-term cost compared to disposables. 

Cost and Environmental Impact

• Disposable Pipettes: Although convenient, disposable pipettes increase plastic waste and lead to higher long-term costs due to repeated purchases. 

• Reusable Pipettes: While reusables require cleaning and maintenance, they are more eco-friendly and inexpensive over time. 

Accuracy and Precision Requirements

• High Accuracy and Precision: For critical applications demanding the highest levels of accuracy, calibrated glass pipettes paired with certified tips are the gold standard.

• Routine Tasks: For less critical tasks, where accuracy is not as crucial, disposable pipettes can be sufficient, especially if pre-calibrated options are chosen. 

In the end, by considering these tips, you can choose an ideal pipette for your lab from a trusted laboratory equipment supplier.