Selecting a Pipette for Use in the University

of New Haven Molecular Biology Laboratories:

A Recommendation Report

Prepared for: Ali Senejani, Ph. D

Molecular Biology Laboratory Coordinator
University of New Haven

Prepared by: Allison Morrissey, Molecular Biology Laboratory Professor

November 30, 2019

University of New Haven

300 Boston Post Road
West Haven, CT 06516
 Abstract
“Selecting a Pipette for Use in the University
of New Haven Molecular Biology Laboratories:
A Recommendation Report”

Prepared by: Allison Morrissey, Molecular Biology Laboratory Professor

This recommendation report investigates the current use of pipettes in the University of New
Haven molecular biology laboratories. The goal of this report is to determine which brand and
model of pipette is the most suitable for use in these laboratories. The pipettes that were
considered were the Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette, the ThermoFischer LabSystems Finpipette
Novus pipette, the AccuPet EV-100 APS Evolution Single Channel Manual pipette, the
Hamilton Softgrip pipette, and the Oxford Lab OBE8-100 Bench Mate E pipette. The important
criteria for pipettes at the University of New Haven molecular biology laboratories include
accuracy, maintenance, ease of use, cost, adjustability, the number of channels, and the display
type. The research methods include observation, a personal interview with the University of New
Haven molecular biology laboratory coordinator, and online research. The major findings
revealed that the two most suitable pipettes for these laboratories are the Hamilton Softgrip
pipette and the Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette.

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 Table of Contents

Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 2
Research Methods .......................................................................................................................... 4
Results............................................................................................................................................. 5
Personal Observations ............................................................................................................................ 5
Personal Interview................................................................................................................................... 5
Online Research....................................................................................................................................... 5
Gilson Pipetman P100 Pipette .............................................................................................................................. 5
ThermoFischer LabSystems Finpipette Novus Pipette ........................................................................................ 6
AccuPet EV-100 APS Evolution Single Channel Manual Pipette ....................................................................... 6
Hamilton Softgrip Pipette ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Oxford Lab OBE8-100 Bench Mate E Pipette ..................................................................................................... 7
Summary of Online Search .................................................................................................................................. 7
Conclusions .................................................................................................................................... 8
Accuracy of Pipettes ................................................................................................................................ 8
Maintenance Requirements of Pipettes ................................................................................................. 8
Ease of Use ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Price of Pipettes ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Volume Adjustability of Pipettes ........................................................................................................... 9
Number of Channels in Pipettes............................................................................................................. 9
Type of Display on Pipettes .................................................................................................................... 9
Overall Comparison Using a Decision Matrix .................................................................................... 10
Recommendations ........................................................................................................................ 12
References .................................................................................................................................... 13
Appendix A: .................................................................................................................................. 14
Interview Questions: ............................................................................................................................. 14
Appendix B: .................................................................................................................................. 15
 Executive Summary
Given that professors and students in the University of New Haven molecular biology
laboratories frequently use pipettes for a variety of tasks, it is important to consider which brand
and model of pipette is purchased for these laboratories. Students use pipettes to learn proper
laboratory techniques that they will most likely use in their future as scientists. Because the
instruments are used so heavily, the University buys many pipettes and must buy new ones
frequently. Both of these factors require the University to purchase pipettes that meet the
students’ needs in terms of their learning, but also stay within the budget of the University.

Many pipette options must be explored to find the most suitable instrument for the University of
New Haven molecular biology laboratories. The purpose of this recommendation report is to
provide the University with a recommendation regarding the best course of action for future
pipette purchases for the molecular biology laboratories. The methods of research include
observation, a personal interview with the University of New Haven molecular biology
laboratory coordinator, and online research into pipette options.

My first research method, personal observations, revealed that the University of New Haven
molecular biology laboratories currently use the Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette. Next, upon
interviewing the laboratory coordinator, I determined that the most important qualities in a
pipette for the University of New Haven molecular biology laboratories are the accuracy and
maintenance of the pipette. The coordinator prefers a pipette that is very accurate and requires
little maintenance. Lastly, I conducted online research into the different pipette options available.

After comparison of five different brands and models of pipettes, I concluded that there are two
options that are suitable for the University of New Haven molecular biology laboratories. The
Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette and the Hamilton Softgrip pipette are both suitable for the needs
of the University based on the criteria considered in this report. However, I give my highest
recommendation to the Hamilton Softgrip pipette because it is more affordable and user-friendly
than the Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette.

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 Introduction
As a molecular biology laboratory professor at the University of New Haven, I was
commissioned by the molecular biology laboratory coordinator, Dr. Ali Senejani, to investigate
the use of pipettes in the molecular biology laboratories at the University of New Haven. Dr.
Senejani has asked me to determine which brand and model of pipette is the most suitable for use
in these laboratories.

Using the appropriate equipment is an extremely important aspect of working in a laboratory.

The University of New Haven molecular biology laboratories must provide the proper equipment
for students to learn how to perform molecular biology techniques and procedures. Pipettes are
one of the most common instruments used in laboratories, so the University must buy the brand
and model of pipette that best fits the needs of the students and professors, while considering the
cost of the pipettes to ensure that the University can purchase enough for all of the laboratories.
This report reviews the characteristics and qualities of various brands and models of pipettes and
compares those qualities to the needs and desires of the University. The purpose of this report is
to provide a recommendation on which pipette the University should purchase for the molecular
biology laboratories.

To formulate my recommendation, I conducted research that involved multiple primary and

secondary research methods. First, I observed and took note of the pipettes that the University is
currently using in the molecular biology laboratories. Then, I conducted a personal interview
with Dr. Senejani, the molecular biology laboratory coordinator, to determine what qualities are
the most important to consider when purchasing pipettes. Finally, I conducted online research to
identify distinguishing characteristics of various brands and models of pipettes so I could
accurately compare them. I did not incorporate customer reviews into my research because the
usability of a pipette is highly dependent on its intended use, which varies from laboratory to
laboratory.

First, my observations revealed that the University of New Haven currently uses the Gilson
Pipetman P100 pipette in the molecular biology laboratories. After interviewing the laboratory
coordinator, I determined that the most important qualities of a pipette for the University of New
Haven molecular biology laboratories are accuracy and low maintenance, and that the laboratory
coordinator prefers to spend about $200 per pipette.

The criteria that I identified as important characteristics of pipettes are the following:
• accuracy
• maintenance
• ease of use
• cost
• adjustability
• number of channels
• display type

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Next, my online research revealed that there are many brands and models of pipettes that have
desirable characteristics, but few have all of the desirable characteristics.

The pipettes that were considered in this report are the following:
• Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette
• ThermoFischer LabSystems Finpipette Novus pipette
• AccuPet EV-100 APS Evolution Single Channel Manual pipette
• Hamilton Softgrip pipette
• Oxford Lab OBE8-100 Bench Mate E pipette

The two pipettes that I feel best meet the requirements for the University of New Haven
molecular biology laboratories are the Hamilton Softgrip pipette and the Gilson Pipetman P100
pipette. My highest recommendation is for the University to purchase the Hamilton Softgrip
pipette, as it scored the highest in the decision matrix (see Appendix B). However, continuing to
purchase the Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette is also acceptable because it only scored slightly
lower than the Hamilton Softgrip pipette in the decision matrix.

This report is organized into discreet sections that explain the process of creating my
recommendation. First, the methods section provides detail about my research methods. Then,
the results section contains the findings of my observations, the personal interview and the online
research. In the conclusion section, I explain the meaning of the results and compare the various
pipette options. Finally, the recommendation section explains the course of action that I think
will most benefit the University of New Haven molecular biology laboratories and why I think
this is the best course of action.

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 Research Methods
I used the following four methods to conduct my research on pipettes:
1. Personal observation. This primary research method involved making observations in the
molecular biology laboratories at University of New Haven. At the laboratories, I took
note of what brand and model of pipettes the students and professors are currently using.
I also made observations about how many pipettes were in each laboratory, how and
where in the laboratory the instruments were stored, and how often during the laboratory
session the professors and students used the pipettes.

2. Personal Interview. In this primary research method, I conducted a personal interview

with the coordinator of the University of New Haven molecular biology laboratories, Dr.
Ali Senejani, on November 7, 2019. I interviewed Dr. Senejani because he coordinates
the laboratory procedures and equipment, making decisions about what equipment and
how much equipment will be purchased, how much money to spend on the equipment,
and how often to purchase new equipment. He also decides what procedures and tasks
each instrument will be used for in the laboratory. Because Dr. Senejani coordinates these
aspects of the laboratory, it is important to understand what factors he considers when
purchasing equipment. The questions I asked him during the interview covered the
amount of money he prefers to spend on pipettes, what characteristics of pipettes he
thinks are important, how often he purchases new pipettes, and what tasks the pipettes are
used for in University of New Haven molecular biology laboratories.

3. Pipette.com Research. I explored Pipette.com, a website to purchase pipettes online, and

collected information about several brands and models of pipettes. I selected Pipette.com
because it provides characterizing information about a wide variety of pipette brands and
models. This website is popular for selling pipettes, as almost all pipette companies
advertise and sell their products through Pipette.com. This popularity makes Pipette.com
a credible source of information about pipettes. The information I collected from this
website included whether or not each pipette is programmable and adjustable, the number
of channels on each pipette, how much liquid they can transfer at one time, and the type
of display and cost of each pipette. I selected five pipettes on Pipette.com to explore
further because they were capable of transferring a desired volume of 100 µL and they
perform the necessary functions for the University of New Haven molecular biology
laboratories.

4. Pipette User’s Manuals. I viewed the user’s manuals for each pipette that I was
considering because they provide more detailed information and specifications about
each instrument. These sources are trusted to be accurate because they are produced
directly by the manufacturer of each pipette. I used the manual to collect the accuracy
value, maintenance requirements, and type of outer casing of each instrument.

4
 Results
The various research methods produced a wide range of results. My personal observations
provided an overview of the current use of pipettes in the University of New Haven molecular
biology laboratories. Then, the interview provided valuable information about what qualities the
laboratory coordinator is most interested in when he purchases pipettes. Finally, my online
research revealed that there are many different brands and models of pipettes that all have
different specifications and qualities.

Personal Observations

My personal observations revealed that the University of New Haven is currently using the
Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette in the molecular biology laboratories. In all of the laboratories that
I observed at the University, the Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette was the only brand and model
being used for teaching molecular biology students. I also observed that the pipettes were stored
together in boxes on each laboratory bench. I noticed that there were 20-30 pipettes in each
laboratory. They were used very frequently as they were required for almost every step of the
laboratory experiments.

Personal Interview

Interviewing the molecular biology laboratory coordinator for the University of New Haven
revealed that there are specific characteristics that a pipette should have in order to be
appropriate for use in these laboratories. Important characteristics of pipettes include being easy
to use, lightweight, accurate, and requiring little maintenance and calibration.

The most important characteristics are the accuracy parameters and maintenance requirements.
Accuracy is are important, because “molecular reactions require very precise measurements, so it
is important that the equipment be as precise as possible” [1]. Calibration and maintenance
requirements are also important because the University pays to have the instruments calibrated
and maintained, so less maintenance is less expensive. The average amount of money that the
University prefers to spend on pipettes is an average of $200 per pipette. A good pipette should
last about 10 years (with yearly calibration and maintenance), but the University buys three or
four new pipettes every year [1]. (See Appendix A for interview questions and responses)

Online Research

The online research revealed that there is a wide variety of pipette options available to purchase.
Because there are many differing characteristics, each brand and model offers a different
combination of qualities.

Gilson Pipetman P100 Pipette

The first pipette I researched is the Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette, which is currently being used
in University of New Haven molecular biology laboratories. According to the Gilson Pipetman

5
User’s Guide, this pipette has an accuracy of ±0.40 µL and maintenance includes cleaning the
instrument’s parts or replacing the push button, connecting nut, tip ejector tip holder, seal, and
O-ring. However, not all of this maintenance is always necessary. This pipette has a plastic
casing surrounding the inner metal ejection mechanism [2]. On Pipette.com, the Gilson Pipetman
P100 pipette costs $399 per instrument. This is a manual adjustment pipette that can transfer 10-
100 µL of liquid. This pipette has one single channel and a nondigital display. The Gilson
Pipetman P100 is not programmable [3].

ThermoFischer LabSystems Finpipette Novus Pipette

The next pipette I researched is the ThermoFischer LabSystems Finpipette Novus pipette. The
instruction manual for this instrument indicates that it has accuracy of ±0.80 µL. Similar to the
Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette, maintenance involves taking the instrument apart and checking
various parts. The calibration involves doing at least 20 transfers of different amounts of liquid.
The ejection mechanism and digital display hardware are covered by a plastic outer casing [4].
The ThermoFischer Lab Systems Finpipette Novus pipette costs $588 per pipette on pipette.com.
It is a programmable, adjustable volume model that can transfer a minimum of 10 µL and a
maximum of 100 µL of liquid at any time. This instrument has one single channel and a digital
display [3].

AccuPet EV-100 APS Evolution Single Channel Manual Pipette

Next, I researched the AccuPet EV-100 APS Evolution Single Channel Manual pipette.
According to its instruction manual, this pipette has an accuracy of ±0.60%. Like the Gilson and
ThermoFischer pipettes, the maintenance procedure involves taking the instrument apart,
cleaning each part, and transferring various volumes of liquid with the pipette [5]. The outside of
this instrument has durable plastic to decrease probability of breaking if the user drops or
mishandles it [3]. On Pipette.com, the AccuPet EV-100 APS Evolution Single Channel Manual
pipette costs $247 per instrument. It is an adjustable volume pipette that can transfer a minimum
of 10 µL and a maximum of 100 µL of liquid at any time. This pipette has one channel and a
digital display. The AccuPet EV-100 APS Evolution Single Channel Manual model is not
programmable [3].

Hamilton Softgrip Pipette

The next instrument I researched is the Hamilton Softgrip pipette, which has an accuracy of
±0.50%, according to the user’s manual. The maintenance involves taking the pipette apart,
cleaning all of the parts, and putting it back together. This instrument has a metal outer cover to
conceal the internal mechanisms [6]. The Hamilton Softgrip pipette costs $170 per instrument on
Pipette.com. Unlike the previously discussed options, this is a fixed volume pipette that can
transfer 100 µL of liquid at any time. This instrument cannot transfer any volume of liquid above
or below 100 µL. It is a programmable, single-channel pipette that can transfer one volume of
liquid at a time. It has a digital display [3].

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Oxford Lab OBE8-100 Bench Mate E Pipette

Finally, I researched the Oxford Lab OBE8-100 Bench Mate E pipette. According to the user’s
manual, the instrument has an accuracy of ±0.80% [7]. The maintenance of the instrument
involves taking it apart, cleaning each part, and putting it back together. This pipette has a plastic
outer cover surrounding the internal mechanisms [8]. On Pipette.com, the Oxford Lab OBE8-100
Bench Mate pipette costs $1,050 per instrument. It is an adjustable volume pipette with a range
that can transfer a minimum of 5 µL and a maximum of 100 µL of liquid. Unlike the other
pipettes discussed in this report, this pipette has eight channels to transfer eight volumes of liquid
at any time. This model is an electronic pipette with a digital display. It is not programmable so it
must be manually adjusted [3].

Summary of Online Search

Table 1 contains condensed information on many of the criteria considered for each pipette
option. These criteria include numerical data, such as accuracy, cost, and number of channels.
The table also includes data that does not require detailed explanation, such as adjustability,
display type, and type of outer casing. Table 1 does not include information on maintenance of
the pipettes because that criterion requires more detailed explanation.

Table 1: Data collected from online search of five different brands and models of pipettes,
providing information on the accuracy, cost, adjustability, number of channels, type of display,
and type of casing for each pipette.
Pipette Accuracy Cost Adjustability Channels Display Casing
Type
Gilson Pipetman P100 ±0.40 µL $399 Adjustable 1 Nondigital Plastic

ThermoFischer ±0.80 µL $588 Adjustable 1 Digital Plastic

LabSystems
Finpipette Novus
AccuPet EV-100 APS ±0.60% $247 Adjustable 1 Digital Plastic
Evolution Single
Channel Manual
Hamilton Softgrip ±0.50% $170 Not 1 Digital Metal
adjustable
Oxford Lab OBE8- ±0.80% $1,050 Adjustable 8 Digital Plastic
100 Bench Mate E

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 Conclusions
Upon determining the various qualities of each pipette, it is necessary to compare each pipette
against each criterion that was identified as an important characteristic of pipettes. Each option
offers a different range of characteristics, so different pipettes are deemed the most and least
desirable for each important criterion.

Accuracy of Pipettes

The level of accuracy with which a pipette can transfer the correct volume is one of its most
important characteristics, according to the University of New Haven molecular biology
laboratory coordinator. Different pipettes have different values for accuracy, so they must be
compared. As shown in Table 1, the most accurate pipette is the Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette
and the least accurate pipettes are the ThermoFischer LabSystems Finpipette Novus pipette and
the Oxford Lab OBE8-100 Bench Mate E pipette.

Maintenance Requirements of Pipettes

The maintenance requirement is another important criterion that the University of New Haven
molecular biology laboratory coordinator considers when purchasing pipettes. The two
instruments with the fewest maintenance requirements are the Hamilton Softgrip pipette and the
Oxford Lab OBE8-100 Bench Mate E pipette, which only require taking the instrument apart,
cleaning each part, and reassembling it. The Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette maintenance is more
complicated, involving taking the instrument apart, cleaning and replacing most of the parts, and
reassembling it. While the Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette has more steps to maintenance, not all
of the steps will be required for every maintenance check. The AccuPet EV-100 APS Evolution
Single Channel Manual pipette requires more maintenance. It must be taken apart and cleaned,
but it also requires transfers of varying amounts of liquid to ensure proper accuracy. The most
complicated pipette to maintain is the ThermoFischer LabSystems Finpipette Novus pipette,
which must be disassembled, cleaned and checked, and reassembled. Then it must be used to
transfer different volumes of liquid 20 times to ensure accuracy.

Ease of Use of Pipettes

The University of New Haven molecular biology laboratory coordinator identified ease of use as
an important characteristic in a pipette. I determined the ease of use of a pipette based on the
number of channels, display type, and durability. I determined the durability by the type of
casing covering the pipette. The easiest pipette to use is the Hamilton Softgrip Pipette, with a
digital display, durable metal casing, and one channel. The ThermoFischer LabSystems
Finpipette Novus pipette and AccuPet EV-100 APS Evolution Single Channel Manual pipette
are slightly more difficult to use because they have digital displays and one channel, but they
have plastic cases that are more likely to break than the metal case of the Hamilton Softgrip
pipette. The pipettes that are the hardest to use are the Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette and the
Oxford Lab OBE8-100 Bench Mate E pipette. While the Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette has a
rather durable plastic casing and only one channel, it has a more confusing analog display.

8
Similarly, the Oxford Lab OBE8-100 Bench Mate E pipette has a plastic casing and a digital
display, but it has eight channels, which makes it more difficult to use.

Price of Pipettes

The cost of the pipette is another criterion that must be considered. As shown in Table 1, the two
least expensive options are the Hamilton Softgrip pipette and the AccuPet EV-100 APS
Evolution Single Channel Manual pipette. Since the University of New Haven molecular biology
laboratory coordinator prefers to spend about $200 per pipette, both of these instruments are
within a preferable range. The most expensive pipette is the Oxford Lab OBE8-100 Bench Mate
E pipette, which costs $1,050 per instrument.

Volume Adjustability of Pipettes

The volume adjustment method is an important characteristic of pipettes because a pipette with
an adjustable volume can be used for a wider range of tasks than one with a fixed volume. Based
on this statement, the pipettes with the widest range of uses are the Gilson Pipetman P100
pipette, the ThermoFischer LabSystems Finpipette Novus pipette, the AccuPet EV-100 APS
Evolution Single Channel Manual pipette, and the Oxford Lab OBE8-100 Bench Mate E pipette.
The only fixed volume pipette considered in this report is the Hamilton Softgrip pipette, giving it
the narrowest range of uses in University of New Haven molecular biology laboratories because
the students perform a wide range of tasks, as demonstrated throughout my personal
observations.

Number of Channels in Pipettes

The number of channels in a pipette is a defining characteristic. While having many channels is
helpful for a scientist in a research laboratory, the molecular biology students at University of
New Haven do not need to transfer more than one volume of liquid at the same time. Since these
students only need to transfer one volume of liquid at a time, a multi-channel pipette is not
necessary, making the Oxford Lab OBE8-100 Bench Mate E pipette a less suitable option for
this criterion than the Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette, the ThermoFischer LabSystems Finpipette
Novus pipette, the AccuPet EV-100 APS Evolution Single Channel Manual pipette, and the
Hamilton Softgrip pipette, which all have one single channel.

Type of Display on Pipettes

The type of display on a pipette plays a large role in the ease of use for that instrument. The
University of New Haven molecular biology laboratory coordinator values the ease of use of
pipettes because these laboratories are primarily teaching laboratories for students learning
molecular biology. For students, a pipette with a digital display is easier to use and understand
than a pipette without a digital display. This is because, on a digital pipette, the students do not
have to attempt to understand an analog display.

9
The instruments with digital displays are the ThermoFischer LabSystems Finpipette Novus
pipette, the AccuPet EV-100 APS Evolution Single Channel Manual pipette, the Hamilton
Softgrip pipette, and the Oxford Lab OBE8-100 Bench Mate E pipette, making these pipettes the
easiest for students to use. The instrument without a digital display, the Gilson Pipetman P100
pipette, would be the hardest for students to learn to use. While professors may find a pipette that
challenges students to be valuable, an instrument that is more difficult to use increases the
probability of students making errors while using them. These errors could have negative effects
on the molecular reactions and may even cause some of the reactions to not produce any results
at all.

Overall Comparison Using a Decision Matrix

The decision matrix in Appendix B ranks each pipette option according to each weighted
criterion. I assigned the highest weight, five points to the criteria of accuracy and maintenance
because the University of New Haven molecular biology laboratory coordinator feels these are
the most important characteristics to consider when purchasing pipettes. I assigned a high weight
of four points to the criterion of ease of use because the laboratory coordinator also identified
ease of use as an important factor. Similarly, I assigned the cost of the pipette a high weight of
four points, because, according to the laboratory coordinator, it is not the most important
characteristic, but it is still very important because universities have set budgets allotted for
laboratory equipment. I assigned a medium weight of three points to the adjustability of the
pipette because having an adjustable volume gives the instrument a wider range of functionality,
but it is still possible to perform similar tasks with fixed volume pipettes.

Since the laboratory coordinator identified accuracy, maintenance, ease of use, and cost as the
most important characteristics, I assigned lower weights to the other qualities. I assigned a low
weight of two points to the number of channels in the pipette because the number of channels is
not as important as other aspects, but it is important to consider because a multi-channel pipette
is not necessary for a laboratory where students do not need to transfer more than one volume of
liquid at a time. I assigned the lowest weight, one point, to the display of the pipette because,
although a digital display is easier for students to read and understand, the professors can teach
the students how to read analog displays also.

While criteria such as accuracy, maintenance, ease of use, and cost can be put on a spectrum
from most to least desirable, the adjustability, number of channels, and display type cannot be
put on a spectrum. Due to this difference, I could not evaluate all of the data in the same manner
in the decision matrix. The adjustability criterion is not on a spectrum because the pipette can
either be adjustable or fixed. Instruments with an adjustable volume have a wider range of
function than nonadjustable pipettes, so I assigned three points to instruments with an adjustable
volume and one point to instruments with a fixed volume. Similarly, while the number of
channels can be put on a spectrum, this report is mainly concerned with whether each instrument
is single- or multi-channel. In the University of New Haven molecular biology laboratories, a
single-channel pipette is more desirable than a multi-channel pipette, so I assigned four points to
single-channel pipettes and one point to multi-channel pipettes. Finally, the display type cannot
be put on a spectrum because the display is either digital or analog. Pipettes with digital displays

10
are more user friendly than analog pipettes, so I assigned three points to digital pipettes and two
points to analog pipettes.

11
 Recommendations
After conducting extensive research about the use of pipettes in University of New Haven
molecular biology laboratories, the preferences of the laboratory coordinator, the most important
characteristics of pipettes, and the various brands and models of pipettes available to purchase, I
identified two courses of action that I feel are acceptable. My first, and most desirable,
recommendation is that the University of New Haven molecular biology laboratories purchase
the Hamilton Softgrip pipette. The second acceptable course of action is to continue purchasing
the Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette.

The Hamilton Softgrip pipette received the highest score of 94 points in the decision matrix (see
Appendix B). This pipette is digital, programmable, and durable, making it easy for students to
use. It is also one of the most accurate instruments among the options considered in this report,
while still requiring little maintenance. It is the least expensive pipette, making it an attractive
option to a university where many pipettes must be purchased. The only aspect that makes this
pipette less desirable is that it has a fixed volume, so it can only be used to transfer 100 µL of
liquid. While a pipette with a fixed volume has a narrower range of uses than a pipette with an
adjustable volume, the Hamilton Softgrip pipette is still the best option for the University of New
Haven molecular biology laboratories because it is the least expensive option and it is accurate
and easy to use. These positive qualities outweigh the negative quality of a fixed volume.

Similar to the Hamilton Softgrip Pipette, the Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette received a high score
in the decision matrix of 83 (See Appendix B). The main reason that this pipette scored lower
than the Hamilton Softgrip pipette is the cost, display, and durability. The Gilson Pipetman P100
pipette has an analog display and a plastic casing, making it more difficult for students to use,
and it is over twice as expensive as the Hamilton Softgrip pipette. The Gilson Pipetman P100
pipette also requires more maintenance than the Hamilton Softgrip pipette. While these qualities
make this option less attractive, it is more accurate than the Hamilton Softgrip pipette, and it is
adjustable, so it can be used to transfer different volumes of liquid at different times. Due to the
good accuracy and adjustability qualities, the Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette is an acceptable
pipette for these laboratories, but it is still less desirable than the Hamilton Softgrip pipette.

Both the Hamilton Softgrip Pipette and the Gilson Pipetman P100 pipette have positive and
negative qualities. Since both instruments received similar scores in the decision matrix, both
options are acceptable for the University of New Haven molecular biology laboratories. The
Gilson Pipetman P100 is slightly more attractive in terms of range of function and accuracy, but
the Hamilton Softgrip pipette is slightly more attractive in terms of cost and ease of use. Due to
my analysis of the research data, the University of New Haven molecular biology laboratories
would still function well if the University continues purchasing the Gilson Pipetman P100
pipette. However, my highest recommendation is to purchase the Hamilton Softgrip pipette.

12
 References
1. Senejani, Ali. Personal interview, 11/7/2019
2. Gilson Pipetman User’s Guide. (2017). Gilson Pipetman User’s Guide.
Retrieved from
https://www.gilson.com/pub/static/frontend/Gilson/customtheme/en_US/ima
ges/docs/PIPETMANCLASSIC_UG_LT801120-F.pdf
3. Pipette.com. (n.d.). Pipettes and Pipette Tips. Retrieved November 7, 2019,
from https://www.pipette.com/.
4. Finnpipette Novus Single Channel Instructions for Use. (2014). Finnpipette
Novus Single Channel Instruction for Use. Retrieved from
https://assets.thermofisher.com/TFS-Assets/LSG/manuals/D00174.pdf
5. AccuPet Evolution Pipette Instruction Manual. (n.d.). AccuPet Evolution
Pipette Instruction Manual. Retrieved from
https://www.pipette.com/Manuals/EvolutionManual.pdf
6. Soft Grip Single Channel Pipettes User Manual. (n.d.). Soft Grip Single
Channel Pipettes User Manual. Retrieved from
https://www.pipettesupplies.com/wp-content/uploads/user-
manuals/SoftGrip_Single_Channel-User_Manual_(Hamilton).pdf
7. Oxford Lab Products Benchmate E Electronic Pipette. (n.d.). Oxford Lab
Products Benchmate E Electronic Pipette. Retrieved from
https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2753166/Products/OxfordLP/Brochures/EEle
ctronicBrochure_Pipette_com_Links.pdf
8. Oxford Benchmate E Electronic Pipette User Manual (n.d.). Oxford
Benchmate E Electronic Pipette User Manual. Retrieved from
https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2753166/Products/OxfordLP/Manuals/OXFO
RDEPUserManual.pdf

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 Appendix A:
The following information contains the questions and answers from the personal interview on
November 7, 2019, with Dr. Ali Senejani, molecular biology laboratory coordinator for
University of New Haven.

Interview Questions:

Q: When purchasing pipettes for University of New Haven molecular biology laboratories, what
characteristics of pipettes do you consider?

A: User friendly, less calibration, light, less maintenance

Q: Which characteristic do you think is the most important to consider when purchasing pipettes
for University of New Haven molecular biology laboratories?

A: Accuracy and precision, less calibration

Q: Why do you think these characteristics are most important?

A: Molecular reactions require very precise measurements, so it is important that the equipment
be as precise as possible

Q: How much money do you typically like to spend on pipettes for the University of New Haven
molecular biology laboratories?

A: Around $100-$300, average $200 per pipette

Q: What tasks do students typically use pipettes for in molecular biology laboratories at
University of New Haven?

A: Transfer accurate amounts of chemicals, use to accurately transfer each ingredient for setting
up reactions

Q: How often do you typically purchase new pipettes for molecular biology laboratories at
University of New Haven?

A: A pipette lasts about 10 years if it’s properly maintained. We always need to add some or get
more precise ones so every year we add about 3 or 4 new pipettes. We pay someone to calibrate
them, once a year or once every two years

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 Appendix B:
The following decision matrix was used as an aid in the comparison of the pipette options against
the important criteria.

Table 2: Decision matrix weighing each pipette option against each criterion that was identified as
an important characteristic of a pipette.
Criterion and Weight Options
Gilson ThermoFischer AccuPet EV- Hamilton Oxford Lab
Pipetman P100 LabSystems 100 APS Softgrip Pipette OBE8-100
Finpipette Evolution Bench Mate E
Novus Single Channel
Manual Pipette
Criterion Weight Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score
Accuracy 5 5 25 1 5 3 15 4 20 1 5
Maintenance 5 3 15 1 5 2 10 4 20 4 20
Ease of use 4 3 12 4 16 4 16 5 20 3 12
Cost 4 3 12 2 8 4 16 5 20 1 4
Adjustable 3 3 9 3 9 3 9 1 3 3 9
Channels 2 4 8 4 8 4 8 4 8 2 4
Display 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Total Score 83 54 77 94 57

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