Dropper Pipette: Uses and How to Use It
Dropper Pipette: Uses and How to Use It
A dropper pipette is a small glass or plastic tube with a rubber bulb at the top, used to transfer small amounts of liquid or dispense it drop by drop. It has no accurate scale, so it is not used for precise volume measurement.
What is a dropper pipette used for?
- Adding reagents or indicators drop by drop, such as phenolphthalein.
- Bringing the final volume in a cylinder or volumetric flask up to the mark.
- Transferring small amounts of liquid between containers.
- Placing samples on slides or test paper.
Parts of a dropper pipette
- 1Rubber bulb – squeezed and released to draw up liquid
- 2Glass tube – holds the liquid drawn up
- 3Tapered tip – forms small, even drops
How to use a dropper pipette
Squeeze the bulb before dipping
Squeeze the bulb between thumb and forefinger (1) while the tip is still outside the liquid. Squeezing inside the liquid blows air bubbles and splashes the solution.
Dip, then release slowly
Dip the tip into the liquid and slowly release the bulb (2) so the liquid rises into the tube. Do not let liquid reach the bulb.
Hold it vertical without touching
Hold the pipette vertically just above the container and squeeze gently to release one drop at a time. Keep the tip from touching the container or other solutions to avoid contamination.
Never turn it upside down
Always keep the tip pointing down. If inverted, liquid runs into the bulb, damaging it and contaminating the next solution.
Common mistakes
- Using one dropper for several solutions without washing: contaminated results.
- Laying a filled dropper flat on the bench: liquid runs into the bulb.
Care and safety
- Remove the bulb, clean the tube with a pipette brush, rinse with distilled water, dry and refit.
- Replace bulbs that become brittle or cracked.
Types and sizes
Glass droppers can be washed and reused; plastic droppers (LDPE Pasteur pipettes) are disposable and convenient for biological samples. Some plastic droppers carry rough 0.5 and 1 mL marks.
Dropper Pipette at AMI Scientific
Examples of dropper pipette available in our store. Prices exclude VAT.
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
What is a dropper pipette used for?
Transferring or dispensing small amounts of liquid, such as adding an indicator or bringing a volume up to the mark.
How much is one drop?
Roughly 0.05 mL for water, but it depends on the tip size and the liquid, so drops are not used as an accurate volume measure.
Related equipment
Compiled by the AMI Scientific team from standard laboratory practice. Illustrations: AMI Scientific. Updated: 06-11-2026.
Need a dropper pipette for your laboratory?
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Available at AMI Scientific
Pipet Tetes Pasteur Kaca 250 pcs Normax PA 54 260
From Rp437.000