The Pipet-Aid Elite 400 from Drummond Scientific Co., Broomall, Pa., (drummondsci.com) rapidly and repeatedly dispenses up to 50 ml of liquids. And with the 10-ml pipette attachment, it dispenses from 0 to 10 ml at 0.1-ml increments. Users program how much liquid is sucked up and how much is dispensed. A lithium battery pack makes the handheld device portable, and when not being used, it can be set down without contaminating the pipette.

The transparent housing, which lets technicians quickly troubleshoot problems, is made of Cyrolite GS-90, an acrylic-based multipolymer from Cyro Industries. The lightweight material resists chemicals and sterilization methods, including gas and gamma radiation, and retains its clarity. It also withstands UV radiation, which is commonly used in tissue-culture labs and other facilities to keep areas clean.