A Practical Guide to Gilson Pipettes and Tips
For over 50 years, Gilson has established itself as a trusted name in liquid handling, renowned for reliability and precision that laboratories worldwide depend on. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate their main product lines and choose the right tools for your lab’s specific workflow and budget requirements.
The Workhorse: PIPETMAN L Pipettes
The PIPETMAN L series stands as the go-to solution for general laboratory use, combining Gilson’s legendary PIPETMAN Classic durability with modern ergonomic improvements. These air-displacement pipettes feature a newly designed body that fits naturally in your hand, with an improved hook design that reduces hand tension during prolonged use.
Key features that make PIPETMAN L the preferred choice include exceptional durability through robust construction from PVDF and stainless steel materials, ensuring years of reliable service. The ergonomic design significantly reduces pipetting forces by up to 50% compared to previous models, while the lightweight construction minimizes user fatigue.
The series offers comprehensive volume coverage with eight single-channel models spanning from 0.2 μL to 10 mL, and ten multichannel models covering 0.5 to 1200 μL. This extensive range ensures most laboratory applications are covered with a single pipette family. Additionally, the patented volume locking system prevents accidental volume changes during pipetting cycles by completely disconnecting the operating rod from the counter assembly.
Choosing the Right Tip for the Job
Selecting appropriate tips is crucial, as they can contribute up to 50% of your pipetting system’s performance. Gilson offers two main categories of premium tips, each designed for specific applications.
Diamond Tips represent the premium, universally compatible choice for guaranteed performance in sensitive applications. These tips are manufactured from pure polypropylene with no dyes, offering translucent clarity for better sample visibility. The precision molding process ensures perfectly airtight seals with built-in sealing rings specifically designed to fit Gilson pipettes. Their fine point design and improved flexibility, combined with very small wall thickness and internal diameter, reduce capillary effects and droplet retention on external walls.
Diamond tips are calibrated with each PIPETMAN pipette to ensure optimal performance across the full volume range. They’re manufactured in clean room environments and come with certificates of quality, guaranteeing they’re free of detectable contaminants that could affect experimental results.
Filter Tips serve as the essential solution for preventing aerosol contamination, particularly crucial when working with sensitive samples. These tips feature a high-density polyethylene filter that stops particles down to 1 μm, providing an effective barrier against aerosols. The sterilized versions are gamma irradiated and certified free of DNA, RNA, RNases, DNases, ATP, proteases, and trace metals.
Filter tips are indispensable for PCR applications, molecular biology work, and cell technology where contamination prevention is critical. They protect both the sample and the pipette from cross-contamination while maintaining the accuracy and precision expected from the Gilson system.
When You Need Something Specialized
For specific challenges that standard air-displacement pipettes cannot handle, Gilson offers advanced solutions designed for problem liquids and specialized applications.
Positive Displacement Systems provide the ultimate solution for viscous, volatile, or foamy liquids where traditional air displacement pipettes fail. The MICROMAN E series features ergonomically designed positive-displacement pipettes that, combined with disposable Capillary Pistons (CPs), deliver the highest precision when pipetting non-aqueous liquids such as oils, blood, glycerol, and radioactive samples.
These systems work like syringes, with the capillary piston eliminating the air cushion between sample and disposable piston, providing 100% protection against pipette contamination. The QuickSnap system allows for easy CP fitting in one motion, while the volume-control switch enables easy adjustment and minimizes accidental volume changes.
Microman Pipettes excel in very low-volume microinjection work and applications requiring exceptional precision with problematic samples. Six models cover volumes from 1 μL to 1000 μL, with the disposable Capillary Pistons ensuring optimal performance across the full range. These pipettes are particularly valuable for applications involving viscous, dense, volatile, or temperature-sensitive liquids.
Gilson vs. the Competition: A Quick Perspective
When comparing Gilson to other leading brands like Eppendorf, the choice often comes down to different philosophical approaches to pipette design, each with distinct advantages. Laboratory professionals frequently debate between these excellent ecosystems, where factors like service availability, tip compatibility, and personal preference often determine the final decision.
Gilson pipettes are renowned for their exceptional durability and easy maintenance, earning the reputation as “acid-proof, solvent-proof, bomb-proof and undergrad-proof”. Users consistently praise their robustness and reliability, with many noting that Gilsons can withstand harsh treatment while maintaining accuracy. The brand excels in long-term reliability and has built-in features that minimize downtime.
Eppendorf pipettes are frequently praised for their lightweight design, excellent ergonomics, and smooth operation. Many users find them more comfortable for extended use, particularly appreciating the reduced thumb strain during high-volume pipetting. The precision locking mechanism and intuitive volume adjustment system are often cited as advantages.
The choice between brands typically reflects laboratory priorities: Gilson for durability and long-term reliability, Eppendorf for ergonomics and ease of use. Both manufacturers offer comprehensive service networks and extensive tip compatibility, making either choice viable for most laboratory environments.
Understanding the Investment
Gilson pipettes represent a significant investment, with pricing reflecting exceptional build quality, precision, and long-term reliability. Single-channel PIPETMAN models typically range from approximately £269 to £407, while multichannel and specialized models command premium prices. The MICROMAN E series is priced around £354 per unit across different volume ranges.
However, the true value proposition lies in consistent performance over years of use. The robust construction, precision engineering, and comprehensive service support justify the initial investment through reduced downtime, fewer calibration issues, and exceptional durability that often exceeds a decade of regular use. Many laboratories find that the cost per pipetting operation over the instrument’s lifetime makes Gilson pipettes highly economical.
The extensive range of accessories, including tips, maintenance kits, and calibration services, ensures that your pipetting system remains at peak performance throughout its operational life. This comprehensive support ecosystem contributes to the overall value proposition by minimizing operational disruptions and maintaining measurement accuracy.
How to Use a Gilson Pipette
Proper technique is essential for achieving accurate and reproducible results with Gilson pipettes. The fundamental process involves several critical steps that must be followed consistently.
Setting the Volume: Begin by locating the small window displaying three numbers and ensuring any lock/unlock switch is in the unlock position. Turn the plunger clockwise or counter-clockwise until reaching the desired volume, staying within the pipette’s specified range. For example, on a P200 pipette set to 175 μL, verify the reading is correct and the volume is locked if your model has this feature.
Understanding the Two-Stop System: Gilson pipettes feature a distinctive two-stop plunger mechanism. The first stop corresponds to your set volume, while the second stop provides additional force to expel residual liquid. Practice with the plunger before use to feel these distinct positions.
Proper Pipetting Technique: Always depress the plunger to the first stop before inserting the tip into liquid to prevent bubble formation. Maintain the pipette in a nearly vertical position and immerse the tip to the appropriate depth (1mm for P2/P10, 2-4mm for P20-P1000). Release the plunger slowly and smoothly, wait the specified time (1 second for most models, 2-5 seconds for larger volumes), then withdraw the tip.
Dispensing: Place the tip against the inside wall of the receiving vessel at a 10-40° angle, press slowly to the first stop, wait one second, then press to the second stop to expel residual liquid. Remove the pipette by sliding the tip up the wall while keeping the plunger fully depressed.
What are Gilson AmpliPur Tips?
AmpliPur Expert Tips represent Gilson’s specialized solution for molecular biology applications, designed to meet the stringent requirements of PCR and other sensitive assays. These filter tips are manufactured according to certified Gilson quality standards and comply with ISO 8655 requirements.
Key features include certification as DNase- and RNase-free, making them ideal for molecular biology applications where nucleic acid integrity is critical. The built-in filter helps protect precious samples and pipettes from cross-contamination, while the universal design fits various pipette brands for maximum laboratory convenience.
AmpliPur tips significantly contribute to molecular testing performance by ensuring sample integrity during the pipetting process. They’re particularly valuable for applications requiring high sensitivity and accuracy, such as qPCR, where even minimal contamination can compromise results.
Are There Any Alternatives to Gilson?
Several reputable manufacturers offer alternatives to Gilson pipettes, each with distinct advantages for different laboratory needs. The most commonly recommended alternatives include established brands that have built strong reputations for quality and performance.
Eppendorf pipettes are frequently cited as the top alternative, particularly the Research Plus series, praised for lightweight design, excellent ergonomics, and smooth operation. Many laboratories appreciate their comfort during extended use and intuitive volume adjustment mechanisms.
Rainin LTS pipettes offer innovative tip technology and user-friendly design, though they command premium pricing. The LiteTouch System provides excellent sealing and easy tip ejection, making them popular for high-throughput applications.
Sartorius pipettes provide a balance of performance and value, with their Picus electronic models particularly popular for ergonomic design and precision in repetitive tasks. However, some users note longer service turnaround times as a potential drawback.
When considering alternatives, factors such as local service availability, tip compatibility, existing laboratory infrastructure, and specific application requirements should guide the decision. Many laboratories find success with different brands for different applications, selecting tools based on specific workflow needs rather than brand loyalty alone.
What are the Tips of a Micropipette?
Micropipette tips are disposable attachments that serve as the critical interface between the pipette and sample, available in various types designed for specific applications and volume ranges. Understanding tip categories helps ensure optimal performance and sample integrity.
Standard Tips are the most commonly used type, suitable for general laboratory applications and available in various sizes to accommodate different volumes. Made from polypropylene, they offer cost-effective solutions for routine tasks involving aqueous solutions of moderate viscosity.
Low-Retention Tips feature specially treated hydrophobic inner surfaces that minimize liquid adhesion, ensuring nearly complete sample recovery. These are particularly valuable for handling viscous liquids, expensive reagents, or applications where sample loss must be minimized.
Filter Tips contain barriers that prevent aerosol contamination and liquid entry into the pipette, essential for PCR, cell culture, and work with hazardous materials. The filter acts as protection for both sample integrity and pipette contamination prevention.
Specialized Tips include wide-orifice designs for fragile samples like live cells or genomic DNA, extended-length tips for accessing deep or narrow vessels, and sterile options for sensitive applications. Volume-specific sizing ensures compatibility with different pipette models, typically ranging from 10 μL for precision work to 1000 μL for larger volume transfers.
Proper tip selection based on application requirements, sample characteristics, and contamination sensitivity is crucial for achieving accurate and reproducible results in laboratory work.
Conclusion
Gilson offers a comprehensive tool for every laboratory need, from routine daily tasks to highly specialized applications requiring exceptional precision. The PIPETMAN L series provides robust, ergonomic solutions for general use, while Diamond and Filter tips ensure optimal performance and contamination prevention. For challenging samples, the MICROMAN E positive-displacement system delivers unmatched accuracy with problematic liquids.
The best choice ultimately depends on your specific samples, required accuracy levels, and budget constraints. Whether you need the universal reliability of PIPETMAN L for general applications, the specialized capabilities of MICROMAN E for difficult liquids, or the contamination protection of filter tips for sensitive assays, Gilson’s extensive portfolio provides solutions backed by decades of innovation and quality.
Investing in the right pipette and tip combination represents more than just equipment purchase—it’s an investment in your data’s integrity, experimental reproducibility, and long-term laboratory success. The precision, durability, and comprehensive support that define Gilson products ensure that your liquid handling capabilities will support accurate scientific work for years to come.
