Mastering Pipette Fillers: Tips for Accuracy and Safety

In any lab setting, a pipette filler is one of the unsung heroes. Whether you're working in molecular biology, biochemistry, or analytical chemistry, the right pipette filler can make a big difference in how accurately, efficiently, and safely you handle your liquids. In this post, we’ll explore practical tips to maximize accuracy and safety — and highlight why the Microlit range of pipette fillers is worth a look.

Why Accuracy and Safety Matter in Pipetting

Pipetting errors might seem small, but they can cascade into major issues:

• Inaccurate volumes can compromise experimental reproducibility.

• Contamination can ruin samples, especially when handling sensitive biochemicals.

• Safety risks increase if you’re dealing with hazardous or volatile liquids.

Using a reliable pipette filler helps control all three: it ensures precise aspiration and dispensing, minimizes contamination, and reduces manual strain.

Choosing the Right Pipette Filler

Here are some key factors to consider when picking a pipette filler for your lab:

1. Type: Manual (rubber bulb or valve-based) vs. electronic.

2. Compatibility: Can it hold your pipettes securely? (e.g., 1 mL to 100 mL)

3. Contamination control: Does it provide filters or safeguards?

4. Ergonomics: Is it comfortable to use over long experiments?

5. Maintenance: Is it autoclavable? How often do you need to service it?

This is where Microlit’s pipette filler range shines. Their product lineup  offers several advanced features designed for precision and safety.

Top Tips for Using Pipette Fillers Accurately and Safely

Here are some hands-on tips to master using a pipette filler effectively:

1. Maintain a Firm, Stable Grip

• Use a Silicon Collet / Adapter: Microlit pipette fillers come equipped with a universal silicon adapter that securely holds both glass and plastic pipettes (from 1 mL up to 100 mL) during liquid handling. 

• Ensure the pipette is vertically aligned when aspirating and dispensing to minimize shear or air-bubble formation.

2. Control the Speed of Aspiration and Dispensing

• With Microlit’s EasyFill, you can adjust pump speed continuously during operation. 

• Use different modes: For example, in Gravity Mode, you can dispense dropwise (low speed), while “Blow-out” mode allows for fast dispensing (higher speed) when required. 

• For delicate or viscous samples, slower speeds help improve accuracy and prevent splashing or aerosol formation.

3. Prevent Cross-Contamination

• Microlit pipette fillers include a hydrophobic in-line membrane filter (0.2 microns) that helps prevent aerosol contamination and accidental liquid backflow. 

• Regularly inspect and replace filters as needed, especially when working with hazardous or easily contaminable reagents.

4. Keep Track of Battery & Operability (for Electronic Fillers)

• The Microlit EasyFill has LED indicators for low battery (red) and charging (green). 

• A fully charged battery can support up to 8 hours of continuous use, making it reliable for long lab sessions. 

• Make sure to recharge before experiments to avoid a sudden shutdown that could disrupt critical liquid handling.

5. Autoclave Safely for Sterility

• Key components of Microlit’s pipette fillers, such as the collet assembly and in-line filters, are autoclavable at 121 °C, 15 psi, for 10–15 minutes. 

• Make sure to detach autoclavable parts before sterilization, and reassemble carefully post-autoclaving.

6. Practice Good Technique

• Pre-wet your pipette tip by aspirating and dispensing a small volume of the working solution. This helps reduce errors due to surface tension. 

• Avoid using excessive force: Microlit’s force-touch electronic model (EASYAID) is designed to respond to gentle pressure using Hall sensors, which gives precise speed control without risky “jerks.” 

• Monitor for temperature effects: Handling pipettes with warm hands can expand the air inside, affecting accuracy. Some lab users have noted that warming up or cooling down pipettes before use minimizes such drift. 

Why Choose Microlit Pipette Fillers

Here are some of the standout advantages of Microlit’s pipette fillers:

• High precision and reliability: Devices like Microlit EasyFill and EASYAID are built to deliver consistent performance with customizable dispensing modes. 

• Safety-first design: Features like in-line filters and secure adapters reduce contamination risk. 

• User-friendly and ergonomic: Lightweight devices (~238 g for EASYAID) with intuitive controls make prolonged pipetting less fatiguing. 

• Long battery life: Up to 8 hours of continuous use, plus a clear battery status indicator. 

• Autoclavable parts: Maintain sterility without compromising the instrument’s longevity. 

If you're looking for a trusted pipette filler, check out Microlit’s full range here: 

Recommended Alternatives to Consider

Here are a few other pipette fillers (manual and electronic) to consider, depending on your lab’s needs:

• Rubber‑Valve Pipette Filler — Traditional and simple, ideal for basic volumetric or Mohr pipetting.

• Silicone Pipette Bulb — Flexible and lightweight for small-volume pipetting or when using delicate pipettes.

• Heathrow Electronic Pipette Filler — A motorised option for faster, controlled aspiration and dispensing.

• Sigma‑Aldrich Aldrich Pipette Fillers — Industrial-grade filler with compatibility for a variety of pipette sizes.

Final Thoughts

A pipette filler might not be the most glamorous piece of equipment in your lab, but its role is critical. Getting one that combines accuracy, safety, and ergonomics can dramatically improve your workflow — and reduce the risk of contamination or pipetting errors.

If you want a modern, reliable option, Microlit’s pipette fillers are a standout, thanks to their advanced design, performance features, and quality build. Do explore their pipette filler range on their website to pick the one that’s right for your lab.