Wheaton Acura Pipettor, Fixed Volume, Wheaton 851344 Straw Tips, Sterile, Case of 100 Review

Let’s Dive into Wheaton Acura Pipettor, Fixed Volume, Wheaton 851344 Straw Tips, Sterile, Case of 100

The Wheaton Acura Pipettor, Fixed Volume, Wheaton 851344 Straw Tips, Sterile, Case of 100 offers a unique solution for precise liquid handling, particularly in bacteriology and applications where sterility is paramount. Manufactured by Wheaton, this system aims to replace traditional glass and plastic pipettes with a more efficient and less wasteful method. It boasts a fixed volume pipettor designed for sequential 1:10 dilutions, coupled with sterile straw tips for accessing samples in hard-to-reach areas.

My work often involves conducting environmental water quality tests, specifically targeting E. coli levels in remote streams. Traditional pipetting methods using glass pipettes and dilution bottles were cumbersome, requiring a lot of equipment and generating considerable plastic waste. The promise of a streamlined process with the Wheaton Acura Pipettor intrigued me, specifically the straw tips for accessing samples from narrow creek beds.

The package arrived well-protected. Upon opening, I immediately noted the compact design of the pipettor and the organized packaging of the sterile straw tips. The build quality appeared robust, with the pipettor feeling solid in hand, indicating a quality instrument.

Compared to traditional serological pipettes and electronic pipettors, the Wheaton Acura Pipettor offers a unique value proposition. Serological pipettes are cheaper but lack precision and are not ideal for field use. Electronic pipettors offer more volume flexibility but can be expensive and require power. The Wheaton Acura Pipettor seemed to strike a balance between portability, sterility, and efficiency, making it a potentially ideal field-testing solution.

My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The concept was excellent, but I was eager to see if the pipettor’s fixed volume and straw tip design would translate into real-world efficiency and accuracy in the field. I was keen to see if it would live up to the promise of replacing my clunky field kit filled with glass pipettes and individual dilution bottles.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Wheaton Acura Pipettor, Fixed Volume, Wheaton 851344 Straw Tips, Sterile, Case of 100 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test involved sampling water from a narrow, rocky stream bed deep within a forested area. The typical method is to carefully extract water into a beaker, and then pipette from the beaker. The straw tips allowed me to directly access water pockets that would have been unreachable with standard pipettes or even a beaker.

The weather was cool and damp. Despite the slippery rocks, the pipettor remained easy to handle. I quickly adapted to the two-volume dispensing system (1 mL and 0.1 mL), which simplified the serial dilution process significantly.

The learning curve was minimal. The pipettor is intuitive to use, and the straw tip ejector is a convenient feature for maintaining sterility between samples. One issue I encountered was mastering the aspiration speed to avoid drawing in sediment with the water sample when using the straw tips in murky environments.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use across various sampling locations, the Wheaton Acura Pipettor has proven to be a reliable tool. The pipettor body itself has shown no signs of wear, and the straw tip ejector continues to function smoothly.

The system is relatively easy to maintain. I simply wipe down the pipettor body with disinfectant wipes after each sampling session. The straw tips are single-use, eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization of individual pipette tips.

Compared to my previous method, the Wheaton Acura Pipettor has significantly streamlined my field testing procedure. I now carry a much lighter and more compact kit, and the time required for serial dilutions has been reduced by at least 30%. While traditional pipettes could be re-used after careful sterilization, there is no method available to do this in the field; thus, the Wheaton Pipettor has eliminated potential sources of cross contamination that could arise from field sterilization.

Breaking Down the Features of Wheaton Acura Pipettor, Fixed Volume, Wheaton 851344 Straw Tips, Sterile, Case of 100

Specifications

• Description: Sterile straw tips designed for use with the Wheaton Acura Pipettor. These tips allow for aspiration of liquids, especially in hard-to-reach locations.
• Wheaton No.: 851344. This number allows for easy re-ordering of the specific sterile tips designed for this Pipettor.
• Unit: Case of 100. The tips come in a convenient and sterile pack of 100.
• Double Volume Dispensing: Dispenses both 1mL and 0.1mL volumes in a single procedure. This feature makes it efficient to create 1:10 serial dilutions.
• Integrated Straw Tip Ejector: A convenient feature that ejects the straw tips after use. This ejector avoids any potential contact contamination.
• Sterile: Each straw tip is sterilized which eliminates any cross contamination between samples. This is critical in bacteriology applications.
• Straw Tip Length: 19cm (7 1/2″). The extra-long length can reach into difficult locations.
• Warranty: Two-year warranty on original calibration and a three-year manufacturer’s warranty on parts and labor. The warranty is reassurance of the quality and performance of this product.

These specifications translate directly into improved efficiency and accuracy in the field. The sterile straw tips eliminate contamination concerns. The dual-volume dispensing simplifies serial dilutions. The longer tips provide access to previously unreachable samples.

Performance & Functionality

The Wheaton Acura Pipettor excels at its intended purpose: simplifying serial dilutions for bacteriology applications. The fixed volume dispensing is accurate and consistent. The straw tips provide unparalleled access to samples in difficult environments.

The primary strength lies in its portability and ease of use. Its main weakness is the fixed volume, which might not be suitable for all applications. The lack of adjustable volume control means it’s a specialized tool, but it excels in its specific niche.

It has met and exceeded expectations for field testing in remote locations. The lightweight design, sterile tips, and simplified dilution process have significantly improved my efficiency and reduced the risk of contamination.

Design & Ergonomics

The Wheaton Acura Pipettor features a straightforward and functional design. The materials used are durable and lightweight, making it comfortable to handle for extended periods.

The pipettor is user-friendly. The only slight learning curve is mastering the straw tip aspiration speed to avoid drawing in sediment. Overall, the design prioritizes ease of use and efficient operation in the field.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Wheaton Acura Pipettor appears to be a durable instrument. The quality of the materials and the robust construction suggest that it will withstand the rigors of regular field use.

Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with disinfectant wipes is sufficient to keep the pipettor in good working order. The single-use straw tips eliminate the need for complex sterilization procedures.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wheaton Acura Pipettor is primarily designed for use with the Wheaton 851344 Straw Tips. While no other major customization options are available, the availability of sterile replacement tips is essential for maintaining the pipettor’s functionality and suitability for bacteriological applications.

The Wheaton Acura Pipettor is not designed for compatibility with universal pipette tips. Its functionality depends on using the specified straw tips, which offer the unique advantage of reaching hard-to-access locations and maintaining sterility.

Pros and Cons of Wheaton Acura Pipettor, Fixed Volume, Wheaton 851344 Straw Tips, Sterile, Case of 100