Not always.
While many pipettes are "universal," tip fit matters for accuracy and ergonomics.

• Use the same brand tips when possible for best fit (Eppendorf pipettes with Eppendorf tips, etc.).

• If using third-party tips, make sure they're low-retention and tight-fitting but don't require too much force to load or eject.

Some manufacturers offer pipettes with systems that allow height adjustment of the ejector shaft to accommodate various tip brands for optimal sealing.

• Filtered tips prevent aerosols and contamination, ideal for sensitive samples.
• Non-filtered tips are cost-effective for less critical applications.

Not always. While many tips are marketed as universal, compatibility can vary. It's crucial to check the manufacturer specifications to ensure proper fitting and optimal performance.

Keep tips in a clean, sealed container to maintain sterility and prevent dust contamination.

LTS (LiteTouch System) tips are pipette tips specifically designed for use with Rainin LTS pipettes. These are part of a system developed by Rainin (a Mettler Toledo brand) to:

• Allow minimal friction during loading and ejecting.

• Minimize strain and the risk of repetitive stress injuries.

• Ensure a perfect seal with minimal effort.

LTS pipettes have an ejector collar that ensures smooth tip ejection without excessive force.

The difference between Rack, Reload, and Bulk packaging for pipette tips primarily lies in how the tips are organized and accessed during pipetting, as well as considerations for convenience, waste reduction, and sterility.

Rack packaging provides pipette tips pre-arranged in a sturdy, plastic rack with a protective lid. It offers maximum convenience and sterility, making it ideal for applications where contamination control is crucial. The organized layout allows for quick access and compatibility with multichannel pipettes, although it generates more plastic waste and is slightly more expensive.

Reload packaging includes pipette tips in refillable trays designed to fit into reusable racks. This format significantly reduces plastic waste while maintaining organization and sterility. It is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for labs that want to balance convenience with sustainability.

Bulk packaging supplies pipette tips loosely in a large bag or box, offering the most cost-effective and minimal waste solution. However, it requires manual handling, which increases the risk of contamination and is less suitable for sterile or high-precision applications. This option is ideal for high-throughput environments where cost savings are prioritized.

Extra long pipette tips are designed for applications that require extended reach and precision. They are ideal for accessing samples in deep vessels, such as tall tubes, narrow flasks, and deep-well plates, without tilting or contaminating the pipette shaft. These tips also minimize cross-contamination by keeping the pipette barrel farther from the sample. Additionally, they are perfect for layering liquids in density gradients or buffer layering, as well as achieving high accuracy in small-volume pipetting.

Their unique design makes them an essential tool for precise, contamination-free pipetting in hard-to-reach areas.

Low Retention Tips are specially designed pipette tips that minimize the amount of liquid that sticks to the inner walls of the tip during pipetting. They are manufactured using advanced hydrophobic polymers or are treated with a super-hydrophobic coating to create an ultra-smooth surface.

A pipette stand is an essential accessory for organizing, protecting, and extending the life of your pipettes. It serves multiple important purposes in the lab environment:

1. Organization and Accessibility:

• Keeps your pipettes neatly arranged and easy to access.

• Prevents clutter on lab benches, especially when using multiple pipettes.

2. Prevents Contamination:

• Properly stored pipettes are less likely to come into contact with contaminated surfaces.

• Minimizes the risk of cross-contamination between samples.

3. Prevents Damage:

• Laying pipettes on their side can cause liquid residue to enter the internal mechanisms, leading to damage and inaccurate measurements.

• A stand holds them vertically, ensuring no liquid seeps back into the body of the pipette.

4. Extends Lifespan:

• Storing pipettes correctly reduces wear and tear, protecting internal components.

• Prevents mechanical issues that can arise from improper handling.

5. Efficient Lab Workflow:

• Easy to grab and replace pipettes during quick operations.

• Keeps your workspace tidy and organized for better efficiency.

Standard recommendation:

• Every 6 months for regular lab use.

• Every 3 months for high-precision work (clinical, pharmaceutical labs).
  Frequent pipetting of viscous or volatile liquids? Calibrate more often.

Inconsistent volumes, leakage, or sticking plungers are key signs your pipette may need calibration.

Yes, but it’s recommended to follow manufacturer guidelines or use professional calibration services for best accuracy.

We offer fast turnaround—typically 3–5 business days, depending on batch size—with free shipping both ways. This minimizes downtime and keeps your lab running smoothly.

Absolutely! Sending pipettes in smaller batches helps keep your lab productive. Just include a copy of your quote and order form with each batch. Once your current batch is returned, you're welcome to send the next. It’s simple, efficient, and cost-effective.

Our specialists will help you choose the best fit:

• Calibration
• Calibration Plus
• Accredited
• Verification (ideal for quick performance checks between full calibrations)

Each option is designed to support your lab’s specific quality and compliance needs.

Yes! Pipette.com offers flexible onsite calibration for labs with 50–100 pipettes or more.

Our certified technicians come directly to your facility—eliminating shipping logistics and reducing downtime. Request quotes for both onsite and in-lab services to see what works best for you.

No problem. If we identify repairs during calibration, we’ll notify you before proceeding. Just check the "Notify me if repairs exceed" box on the order form—we’ll reach out so you can decide how to move forward.

Issues can arise from user technique, worn-out seals, or incorrect calibration. Regular maintenance and proper handling reduce these errors.

Pre-wet the tip, use proper pipetting angles, and operate the plunger smoothly. Avoiding excessive speed also helps.

The main difference between a centrifuge and a microcentrifuge lies in their size, capacity, and specific applications.

A centrifuge is generally larger than a microcentrifuge and can handle sample volumes ranging from a few milliliters to several liters. Centrifuges are commonly used in clinical labs for blood separation, large-scale purification of cells, and industrial applications. They come with various rotor types like swing-bucket and fixed-angle rotors and typically operate at speeds between 1,000 and 15,000 RPM.

A microcentrifuge is a smaller version specifically designed for spinning small liquid samples, usually between 0.2 mL and 2.0 mL per tube. It is mainly used in molecular biology, biochemistry, and small-scale research for tasks such as DNA and RNA extraction, protein isolation, and quick spin-downs of small liquid volumes. Microcentrifuges generally use fixed-angle rotors and operate at higher speeds, ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 RPM.

In summary, use a centrifuge for larger samples and clinical applications, while a microcentrifuge is ideal for small-scale DNA, RNA, and protein work.

1. Even Number of Tubes: Always use an even number of tubes, placed directly opposite each other in the rotor.

2. Equal Volumes: Ensure that the tubes opposite each other have the exact same volume and weight. Differences can lead to imbalance and potential damage.

3. Symmetrical Positioning: If you have more than two tubes, distribute them symmetrically around the rotor (e.g., 3 tubes at 120° apart, 4 tubes at 90° apart).

4. Balance with Water if Needed: If you have an odd number of samples, use a "balance tube" filled with water or a similar liquid to match the weight.

5. Check the Rotor Lock: Before starting, ensure that the rotor is locked in place securely.

6. Gradual Speed Increase: Start at a lower speed and gradually increase if needed, observing for any vibrations.

7. Stop if Unstable: If you hear noise or feel vibrations, stop the centrifuge immediately and rebalance.

Proper balancing prevents equipment damage, reduces noise, and ensures accurate separation of samples.

The main difference between refrigerated and non-refrigerated centrifuges lies in their ability to control temperature during centrifugation:

Refrigerated Centrifuges

• Equipped with cooling mechanisms to maintain low temperatures (typically between -20°C and 40°C).

• Ideal for temperature-sensitive samples like proteins, nucleic acids, and live cells.

• Prevents sample degradation caused by heat generated during high-speed spinning.

• Commonly used in molecular biology, biochemistry, and clinical labs.

Non-Refrigerated Centrifuges

• Operate at room temperature, without cooling capabilities.

• Suitable for samples that are not sensitive to heat, such as basic separations or non-biological samples.

• More compact and typically less expensive than refrigerated models.

• Commonly used for routine sample separation in chemistry and basic biology labs.

Choose a refrigerated centrifuge for sensitive biological samples that require cooling and a non-refrigerated centrifuge for standard lab work where temperature control is not critical.

To choose the right rotor for your centrifuge:

• Use a fixed-angle rotor for pelleting (cells, organelles).

• Use a swing-bucket rotor for gradient separations (blood, viruses).

• Match the rotor to your tube size, speed (RPM), and temperature needs.

• Ensure material compatibility with your samples and chemicals.

To properly clean and maintain laboratory glassware, follow these steps:

1. Initial Rinse: Rinse glassware immediately after use with warm water to prevent residue buildup.

2. Washing: Use a non-abrasive lab detergent and a soft brush to clean thoroughly.

3. Thorough Rinsing: Rinse with tap water, then follow up with deionized or distilled water.

4. Specialized Cleaning: Use acid, alkaline, or organic solvent rinses for stubborn residues, as needed.

5. Drying: Air-dry inverted on a rack or use a low-temperature oven.

6. Storage: Store in a clean, dust-free environment, avoiding stacking fragile items.

7. Regular Maintenance: Inspect for cracks and calibration accuracy regularly.

8. Safety: Always wear PPE and handle chemicals safely, preferably in a fume hood.

This routine ensures your glassware is clean, safe, and ready for accurate lab work.

Choosing the right lab equipment starts with understanding your experiment's specific requirements, including the type of analysis, sample size, and the tasks you need to perform (e.g., measuring, heating, mixing). Make sure the equipment you select is compatible with the materials you're working with and suitable for the intended method. Prioritizing accuracy, safety, and efficiency will help ensure successful results.

Pipette.com Team can help you choose the best equipment with all the requirements, just contact us!

Essential Equipment for a Basic Biology/Chemistry Lab:

1. Glassware: Beakers, flasks (Erlenmeyer and volumetric), test tubes, and graduated cylinders for measuring and mixing liquids.

2. Measuring Equipment: Pipettes (manual or electronic), burettes, and analytical balances for precise measurements.

3. Heating Equipment: Bunsen burners, hot plates, and water baths for heating samples.

4. Mixing Equipment: Magnetic stirrers, vortex mixers, and shaker tables for thorough mixing.

5. Safety Gear: Lab coats, goggles, gloves, and fire extinguishers for protection.

6. Storage and Cleaning: Test tube racks, drying racks, and chemical storage cabinets.

7. Microscopy (Biology Labs): Compound microscopes for observing cell structures and small organisms.

8. Centrifuge (Biology Labs): For separating cellular components or proteins.

9. pH Meter (Chemistry Labs): For measuring the acidity or alkalinity of solutions.

10. Fume Hood (Chemistry Labs): For safely working with volatile or hazardous chemicals.

These items form the foundation of most experiments and ensure accurate, safe, and efficient laboratory work. It is also important to consider "green lab" practices when selecting your equipment.

Preventive Maintenance for Lab Equipment

Preventive maintenance is the routine care and servicing of laboratory equipment to prevent unexpected failures and extend its lifespan. This includes:

1. Regular Cleaning: Removing dust, spills, and residues to prevent contamination.

2. Calibration: Ensuring accurate measurements for equipment like pipettes and balances.

3. Inspection: Checking for wear, damage, and proper functioning of parts.

4. Lubrication: Applying appropriate lubricants to moving parts where necessary.

5. Software Updates: Keeping any software-controlled equipment up-to-date.

6. Replacement of Consumables: Changing filters, seals, and gaskets regularly.

7. Documentation: Logging maintenance activities and any issues found.

Preventive maintenance helps maintain accuracy, safety, and efficiency in the lab, minimizing downtime and costly repairs.

To begin the Return Authorization / Exchange process please complete our “Return / Exchange Request”. Your return authorization request will be processed within 5 business days.

Return & Exchange Policy:

• You have 10 business days after delivery to initiate the return / exchange by completing our “Return / Exchange Request”.
• After the return / exchange is approved, you will be sent an RMA form that must be included with your return / exchange. The product should be shipped back within 10 business days.
• Returned / exchanged items must be unopened, and in the original packaging. Manufactured sealed Tips must be returned by pack or case. No opened packs will be accepted.
• Drop shipped items. Products shipped to you directly from the manufacturer is only eligible if the Manufacturer accepts the return / exchange. Please contact us by submitting our “Return / Exchange Request”. 
• Products shipped outside of the U.S. do not qualify for return, refund, or exchange. Warranty is excluded.
• Pre-Paid Calibration coupons do not qualify for refund or exchange.

• Customized Pipette.com branded products are not eligible for returns/exchanges.
• You may return the products only if they are unopened and in the same condition as they were received.
• A 20% restocking fee will apply.
• You will be responsible for paying shipping costs when returning an item.

• If an item arrived damaged or broken, please fill out a Return Form and send clear photos with good lighting of the defect for each affected item to info@pipette.com. Please include pictures of the packaging and the damaged product. We will provide you with a free shipping label to return such items and process a replacement order.
• If the item requiring replacement is not in stock, you may be sent a substitute of equal value.

• If an item is defective within the designated warranty period, you must contact us immediately to receive instructions on how to proceed. Warranty-related issues are typically handled on a case-by-case basis due to various manufacturer warranty guidelines.
• We typically repair warranty items at no additional charge. If the item is not repairable, we will provide an exchange at no additional charge.
• In the event the customer is responsible for the product defect, the product will not be eligible for warranty repair, and we will contact you with a repair estimate. 
  • There may be additional charges for broken parts deemed unrepairable due to excessive force/incorrect usage.
  • Autoclave damage due to higher than tolerated temperatures, pressurized steam, or extended exposure time (per pipette specification) will result in a voided warranty. We are unable to repair this damage. 
  • Autoclave damage is typically non repairable and requires purchase of a replacement product, at customers expense.

• Please contact us immediately via our “Return / Exchange Request” form and we will provide you with a free shipping label to return the incorrect item/s. We will then send you the correct item(s) immediately.
• If you do not return the product, you will be billed for it.