Comparison of Single-channel and Multi-channel Pipettes

Among the many pipettes, single-channel pipettes and multi-channel pipettes are the two most commonly used types. Single-channel pipettes perform well in low-throughput experiments with their high accuracy and adaptability, while multi-channel pipettes show high efficiency when handling high-throughput samples. In this paper, the characteristics, application scenarios and advantages and disadvantages of these two pipettes will be discussed in depth to help laboratory personnel make the best choice according to the actual needs.

Single-channel Pipette

A single-channel pipette is one of the most common laboratory tools, and its primary function is to precisely transfer a single liquid sample. It is usually equipped with a pipette tip that allows the user to process one sample per operation. This type of pipette performs well in laboratories with low sample throughput, especially those focused on research and development, such as in the fields of analytical chemistry, cell culture, genetics, and immunology.

Application and Advantages

Single-channel pipettes are ideal for handling single tubes or performing individual sample operations, such as cross-matching tests in blood transfusions. It provides high precision liquid transfer for a variety of application scenarios. Single-channel pipettes perform well when handling liquids from 0.1µl to 10,000µl in volume and meet the needs of precise pipetting.

Multi-channel Pipette

Multi-channel pipettes significantly increase efficiency by using multiple suction heads at the same time to transfer fluid. Common configurations include 8-channel and 12-channel versions, but there are also 4, 6, 16, and 48-channel versions, and even 96-channel desktop versions. This tool is particularly suitable for high-throughput laboratory operations, such as experiments on microtitration plates with 96, 384 or 1,536 Wells.

Application and Advantages

The design of the multi-channel pipette enables it to process large numbers of samples quickly and efficiently, reducing the number of pipetting steps required. For example, when processing six reagents on a 96-well microtitration plate, 576 pipettes are required using a single-channel pipette, compared to 72 pipettes using an 8-channel pipette and 48 pipettes using a 12-channel pipette. This reduced number of steps not only increases efficiency, but also reduces the possibility of human error, ensuring data reliability and repeatability.

Comparison and Consideration

Efficiency

Single-channel pipettes are very efficient when dealing with a single sample, but their efficiency decreases significantly when faced with multiple samples. Multi-channel pipettes can greatly reduce operation time by processing multiple samples at the same time, especially in high-throughput experiments.

Volume transfer capacity

Single-channel pipettes have a wide range of volume transfers, typically ranging from 0.1µl to 10,000µl. Multichannel pipettes typically have a smaller volume transfer range, typically from 0.2µl to 1,200µl. This is because the design of the multi-channel pipette makes the capacity of each suction head less limited.

User Friendliness and Sample Addition

Multichannel pipettes have been criticized in the past for being complex to use and difficult to load samples. However, with the advancement of technology, modern multi-channel pipettes have greatly improved user friendliness and reduced the problem of loading difficulties. Although there may be some variability in the liquid load of multi-channel pipettes, their overall accuracy is generally superior to that of single-channel pipettes, primarily due to reduced error due to operator fatigue.

Human Error and Calibration

With fewer pipetting steps, multi-channel pipettes are better at reducing human error. Regular calibration is key to ensuring pipette accuracy, however, the pipette calibration process with more channels is more cumbersome. For example, a standard calibration for a 12-channel pipette can take more than 1.5 hours, while the UKAS calibration required in the UK can require 360 weight weighings, which may become impractical in some laboratories.

Repair and Maintenance

When purchasing a multi-channel pipette, be aware that some models of channels may not be able to be repaired individually. This means that if one channel fails, the entire pipette may need to be replaced. It is recommended to confirm the repairability of the pipette with the manufacturer prior to purchase to ensure that necessary maintenance can be performed if needed.

Sum up

Multi-channel pipettes are an indispensable tool in high-throughput laboratories, enabling significantly improved operational efficiency and reduced human error. While the use of multi-channel pipettes may add some complexity, its advantages in reducing the number of pipetting steps often lead to greater user comfort and data accuracy. For laboratories with extremely large sample fluxes, multi-channel pipettes have few obvious disadvantages, while single-channel pipettes still play an important role when dealing with individual samples.