single channel pipette

Single Channel Pipettes

Exceptionally Precise with Superior Ergonomics

A single channel pipette is a handheld mechanical instrument used in many life science laboratories. Single channel pipettes accurately transfer small to medium volumes of liquids (typically 1 µL to 20 mL) through individual tips. Rainin single channel pipettes are highly accurate, extremely tough and come with autoclavable liquid ends.

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Datasheets

Rainin Classic Manual Pipette Datasheet
Rainin Classic improves traditional pipetting. Robust and durable, it provides years of reproducible performance with low out-of-tolerance errors.
E4 XLS+ Single Channel Pipette Datasheet
This datasheet provides technical data and specifications for the E4 XLS+ electronic pipette along with an overview of the product's features and bene...
Pipet-Lite XLS+ Single Channels Datasheet
An overview of the single-channel Pipet-Lite XLS+ and why it is one of the most ergonomic accurate and precise pipettes available.
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FAQs

What are the different types of single channel pipettes?

Single channel pipettes are available in manual and electronic models. The volume of liquid transfer, required precision and degree of repetition are factors to consider when choosing between the two. Single channel pipettes are compatible with almost all plasticware and glassware available to life science laboratories (e.g., PCR tubes, well plates, cuvettes and glass bottles).

Single Channel Pipettes
different types of single channel pipettes

Why should I use a single channel pipette?

Single-channel pipettes can be used to transfer liquids for many applications in life science due to their compact size and flexibility to adjust volumes. Single-channel pipettes can transfer any liquid sample from 1 µL to 20 mL from/to any plasticware or glassware including PCR tubes, well plates, microplates, cuvettes, flasks, petri dishes, vials, glass bottles, etc.

Single Channel Pipettes
how to use a single channel pipette

What makes a Rainin single channel pipette unique?

There are many single-channel pipettes offered on the market. But there are two reasons why Rainin single-channel pipettes are unique:

  • They use the revolutionary LiteTouch System (LTS) which greatly reduces tip loading and ejection forces for better ergonomics and maximum comfort.
  • Rainin single-channel pipettes demonstrate consistent and repeatable liquid delivery. With proper technique and recommended pipette tips, Rainin single-channel pipettes deliver samples accurately with minimal liquid loss. 

Single Channel Pipettes
single channel pipette

What is a single channel pipette?

A single channel pipette is an instrument used in laboratories to move a precise amount of liquid from one container to another. “Single channel” distinguishes the pipette’s one singular channel from multichannel pipettes, which may have 6, 8, 12, 24, or even up to 96 and 384 channels. Multichannel pipettes fill columns and rows of well plates – or even entire plates simultaneously. Single channel pipettes aspirate into and dispense from a single tip.

There are manual and electronic single-channel pipettes. Manual pipettes are controlled with the thumb, and electronic pipettes are driven by a precise electronic motor.

What is the volume range of a single channel pipette?

The volume range of a single channel pipette often spans 1x–10x. For example, 0.2–2 µL, 2–20 µL, 20–200 µL etc. A pipette’s nominal volume – how people refer to it – is the largest volume it can dispense (e.g., a 2 uL, 20 uL, or 200 uL pipette for the sizes just listed.)

Volumes as low as 0.2 uL and as high as 20 mL can be aspirated and dispensed from different sizes of single channel pipettes.

Pipetting accuracy is highest at the high end of a pipette’s volume range. Because of this, it’s best to use the lowest-volume pipette that covers the volume you are pipetting. For example, a 0.2–2 µL pipette will have better accuracy specifications for pipetting 2 µL than a 2–20 µL model.

How do I choose the right single channel pipette for my application?

Choosing the right single channel pipette is important. Pipetting is a physical task. It is often repetitive. To reduce or eliminate injury, choose a comfortable, ergonomic pipette with low plunger forces and low tip ejection forces. Identify a reliable pipette that is built for durability, with proven sealing performance year after year from routine preventive maintenance. Using these criteria to choose a single channel pipette will help you maintain accuracy and be able to reproduce conditions – and results.

For the best accuracy, choose the lowest-volume single channel pipette that can accommodate the volume you are pipetting. For example, a 20 µL pipette is an excellent choice for pipetting 18 µL.

Finally, look for a pipette that has excellent accuracy specifications.

What are the features of a good quality single channel pipette?

A good-quality single-channel pipette will feel good in the hand. If manual, it will have low plunger forces and a low force required to eject tips. A good-quality electronic single-channel pipette also feels good in the hand and adds electronic precision and repeatability.

Accuracy specifications are another measure of quality for single channel pipettes. Specifications measure a single channel pipette’s performance at given percentages of a pipette’s nominal volume. Accuracy and precision are best toward the higher end of a pipette’s volume range and become competitive between different pipette brands at the low end of the volume range. Look for the lowest variability at the lowest volume reported. Accuracy is measured by systemic error, and precision is measured by random error. The lowest error rates at the lowest volume are one sign of a quality single channel pipette.

What are the common applications of a single channel pipette?

Single channel pipettes can be used in a majority of applications that involve liquid handling. This is why a single channel pipette is one of the most common instruments in any laboratory. Researchers use single channel pipettes to raise cells, study proteins, run PCR or ELISA experiments, perform next-generation sequencing, CRISPR, drug discovery matrices and many more.

How do I calibrate and maintain my single channel pipette?

While some single channel pipettes are delivered with a tool to self-calibrate, all pipettes should receive regular expert attention from a qualified pipette service provider on a routine basis. A high-quality pipette service provider follows ISO-certified procedures, produces traceable pipette service history records, and uses manufacturer-recommended parts and lubricants in a highly controlled environment.

Where can I buy a reliable single channel pipette at a reasonable price?

Single channel pipettes are available through your laboratory’s lab manager, your organization’s purchasing portal or online. A new single channel pipette should be delivered with a certificate of conformity documenting its performance prior to sale. To purchase a high-quality Rainin single channel pipette, visit mt.com/pipettes or shoprainin.com if you reside in the U.S.

What are the best practices for using a single channel pipette?

These are the best practices for using a single channel pipette:

a. Choose a high-quality single channel pipette and high-quality pipette tips

b. Securely load a fresh pipette tip to ensure airtight accuracy

c. To avoid cross-contamination, use a fresh tip whenever you change liquids

d. Set the volume by dialing the micrometer above the desired volume. Then dial down to it

e. Hold the single channel pipette vertically or close to vertical while you are handling liquid

f. Aspirate and dispense at an even, moderate pace to avoid bubbling or splashing

g. Avoid over-aspirating by maintaining a fairly shallow (10 mm – 2mm) liquid insertion depth

h. Complete each dispense by touching off the pipette tip against the container wall. This makes use of liquid adhesion to pull the full dispense volume into the receiving vessel

How can I troubleshoot issues with my single channel pipette?

The best way to troubleshoot issues with a single channel pipette is through a service visit either at your lab or by mail. Qualified service personnel can quickly and verifiably test performance, test for leaks, refresh lubricants and replace seals, and other parts as needed, using manufacturer-recommended components.

To test whether your single-channel pipette is performing accurately, you can use an analytical balance or Rainin SmartCheck to take gravimetric measurements. Based on liquid type and environmental factors like atmospheric pressure and temperature, you can identify whether a pipette is performing within specifications.