There are 12 channel pipettes, now 16 channel pipets are also comming, which may be more accurate. The inaccurate volumes on both the ends is due to the improper fittings of the tips. You can test these channels by putting 1 tip on channel 1 and then pipette water, pipet 1 ul first time and then 10ul. Then use the same tip and pipet water (1ul and 10ul) on channel 8. If there is no issue in this pipetting. Get your pipette calibrate. Usually the trouble will be gone, when you rock the pipette while lifting the tips.

Dear Maria,

I have recently completed an ergonomic evaluation of my lab space, as part of the eval, I had to test multiple vendors pipets. For my money, I purchased the Sartorius Biohit PICUS electronic multichannel pipettors, both the 8 and 12-channel in the 0.2-10uL range. I love them both! They have increased my output and reduced the strain on my shoulders and wrists. I highly recommend them.

Good luck!

Bryan

Thanks guys!

Bryan, have you test also the non-electronic version from Sartorius? Do you recommend it to me?

Dear Maria,

I prefer the electronic multichannels due to their ability to multi-aspirate and dispense into my crystallization experiments. I did test the manual versions of the PICUS multichannel, and they were good; my needs were better suited to the electronic versions in the long run. I prefer the PICUS over the OVATION, the EDP (RAININ) and others because they are intuitive, light without compromising strength and the battery charge lasts a very long time.

Thanks a lot :)

Hi Stella,

First of all, come va?

Regardless of the manufacturer, I am convinced that nowadays any pipette (of the most used brands, included Eppendorf) do his job in a precise and accurate manner.

A first check is to use a another pipette, I mean a similar 8 channel but from a colleague. In this way you can verify if the imprecision of channel 1 and 8 it is an Eppendorf “disease” or “your Eppendorf pipette disease”

If you can confirm that is a “your pipette disease”,

I would start to check the following:

- When have you calibrate and checked last time this pipette?

-the seals and the tip holder of channels 1 and 8, are the tips tight properly?

Probably the two channels (or the seals, o-ring) of the tip holder are worn out and the tips do not set properly (leaky).

- are these channels free (inside the pipette body)?

If you have a research plus, to check the channels see Eppendorf operating manual from page 19 onwards http://eshop.eppendorfna.com/products/Eppendorf_Research_plus_adjustable-volume_pipettes; Operating manual Pipette holder Pipette holder.pdf

My two cents

If you have urgent question do not hesitate to contact me at phone: +49 421 175 99 353.

salutoni ed a presto

Ignazio

Hi,

Please also check the Quality of microtips using for multi channel or 8 channel.As ahve observed in some tips end was some what bend can not suck the required volumes.

also calibrate your multi with approved authority.

regards/srinivas Rao

Thanks a lot :)

Hi, 

Thanks for the experiences shared,  Can also someone comment on which one is better in service when it comes to Eline and PICUS from Sartorius, especially the 8 channel pipette.

Regards

Saba

Hi Maria,

I'm sure you've found a solution for your problem by now.

In case you're ever looking for good multichannel pipettes, have a look at our product portfolio.

Especially our electronic pipettes are great for high-throughput work.

Have a great day,

Dominik

http://glo.mt.com/glo/en/home/products/pipettes/manual-pipettes/multichannel-pipettes.html

http://glo.mt.com/glo/en/home/products/pipettes/electronic-pipettes/multichannel-pipettes.html

We've done extensive testing of a number of pipettes, both mechanical and electronic models, for use of pipettes with the Andrew Alliance robots. We've also utilized our Andrew robot (and CaliBro) to perform automated comparison of different pipettes types, and in combination with different types of tips. The "best" choice is complex because humans are complex, not pipettes! If you want the lightest, more compact, electronic pipette with a sophisticated and effective interface there is an obvious name: Sartorius Picus. These axes of decision are probably not universal, but just make a technical comparison and you will realize that i am not wrong. However, some other pipettes exploit specific and custom tips that are very effective (Thermo cliptip and Integra viaflo) to overcome certain issues of universal tips, important in the context of multichannel pipettes. If simplicity of use and easy transition to an electronic pipette from a mechanical pipette is your primary concern, added tothe typical reliability of the brand, Gilson pipettes are an interesting alternative too. I could continue and comment about the other brands, the purpose of my intervention is not to be commercial but to be useful with "first hand" experience....

https://www.andrewalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/brochure_3V_A4_2016_web.pdf