PASTURE PEPITTE

Pasteur pipettes are also called teat pipettes, droppers, eye droppers and chemical droppers. The Pasteur pipettes are commonly used in laboratories to dispense small amounts of liquid medicines. They are tapered to a narrow opening point at the lower end and fitted with a plastic or rubber bulb at the upper end. The liquid is transferred with the help of a rubber bulb which is fitted on the top of the pipette.

Plastic Pasteur pipettes (or transfer pipettes) have their stems and bulbs in the form of a single piece made of plastic.

It is not recommended to use Pasteur pipettes for work involving accuracy since Pasteur pipettes are not designed to measure specific volume; however, it can be used to add drops of reagents.

To increase accuracy, the pipette is to be rinsed with the reagent.

Generally, Pasteur pipettes are cheap enough to be disposable, however, so long as the glass point is not chipped, the Pasteur pipette may be washed and reused indefinitely.

To use the Pasteur pipette, squeeze the bulb to expel air out of the pipette and submerge the tip of the pipette to the solution. Gently relax the bulb to draw the solution up making sure that the solution does go into the bulb, contaminating it.

Advance Information*

Introduction to Pasteur Pipettes (Pepitte)

Pasteur pipettes, often referred to as teat pipettes, droppers, eye droppers, or chemical droppers, are indispensable tools in biological and chemical laboratories. They are primarily used for transferring small quantities of liquid solutions and are especially helpful in dispensing drops of reagents. Named after the famous scientist Louis Pasteur, these pipettes have become a staple in various laboratory settings due to their simplicity and practical utility.

Types of Pasteur Pipettes

There are two main types of Pasteur pipettes available:

1. Glass Pasteur Pipettes
2. Plastic Pasteur Pipettes (Transfer Pipettes)

Glass Pasteur Pipettes

Glass Pasteur pipettes are traditional laboratory instruments made from fine glass tubes tapered to a narrow point at one end and fitted with a rubber bulb at the other end. These pipettes are widely used due to their precision and durability. Although they are more fragile than their plastic counterparts, glass Pasteur pipettes can be reused indefinitely as long as the glass point remains unchipped.

Plastic Pasteur Pipettes (Transfer Pipettes)

Plastic Pasteur pipettes, also known as transfer pipettes, have integrated stems and bulbs made from a single piece of plastic. These pipettes are particularly valued for their disposability, making them a practical choice for applications where sterility and contamination prevention are crucial. Plastic pipettes are suitable for most general laboratory applications that do not require the utmost precision.

Sterility Options

Pasteur pipettes are available in both sterile and non-sterile variants to meet diverse laboratory needs.

• Sterile Pasteur Pipettes
  These pipettes are individually wrapped and typically come in a pack of 100 pieces per polybag. Sterilized pipettes are essential for sensitive applications that demand contamination-free and aseptic operations.

• Non-Sterile Pasteur Pipettes
  These are provided in bulk packaging with 250 pieces per polybag, offering a cost-effective option for general laboratory use where sterility is not a dire requirement.

Specifications and Capacity

Pasteur pipettes are designed in various capacities to accommodate a wide range of laboratory tasks. The common capacities available include:

• 1 ml
• 3 ml
• 5 ml

These different capacities allow users to select the appropriate pipette volume for their specific requirements.

Usage of Pasteur Pipettes

Utilizing Pasteur pipettes correctly is crucial to ensure precise handling of liquids and prevent contamination. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively use these pipettes:

1. Preparation
   If accuracy is a concern, rinse the pipette with the reagent before use.

2. Drawing Liquid into the Pipette

3. Squeeze the rubber bulb to expel the air from the pipette.
4. Submerge the narrow tip of the pipette into the liquid solution.

5. Gradually relax the bulb to draw the solution into the pipette. Ensure that the solution does not enter the bulb portion to avoid contamination.

6. Dispensing Liquid

7. Position the tip of the pipette against the side of the target container at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees.
8. Gently squeeze the bulb to dispense the solution. Control the flow to dispense drop by drop or in a continuous stream as required by the experiment.

Applications of Pasteur Pipettes

Pasteur pipettes are versatile tools widely used in various laboratory activities, including:

• Dispensing Reagents
  Ideal for adding precise drops of reagents to chemical reactions.

• Transferring Liquids
  Convenient for moving small volumes of liquids from one container to another without significant loss or spillage.

• Culturing Biological Samples
  Useful for handling small quantities of biological cultures, including bacteria and cell samples, under sterile conditions.

• Medicine Applications
  Suitable for administering small amounts of liquid medications in medical and research labs.

Advantages of Using Pasteur Pipettes

Pasteur pipettes offer several benefits that make them an essential tool in laboratory environments:

1. Simplicity
2. Easy to use with minimal training required.
3. Cost-Effective
4. Generally inexpensive, especially the disposable plastic variants.
5. Versatility
6. Suitable for a wide range of applications in various scientific fields.
7. Sterility Options
8. Availability in sterile conditions ensures suitability for contamination-sensitive operations.

Handling and Storage

Proper handling and storage of Pasteur pipettes can prolong their usability and ensure their effectiveness:

1. Sterile Pipettes
2. Store individually wrapped sterile pipettes in their original packaging until use to maintain sterility.
3. Non-Sterile Pipettes
4. Store in a clean, dry place. Ensure the bulk packaging remains sealed to prevent contamination.

Considerations When Using