ASTM E732-80(2024)

Standard Specification for Disposable Pasteur-Type Pipet

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the design and dimensional requirements for four types (Types I, II, III, and IV) of disposable bacteriological (Pasteur-type) nonvolumetric glass pipets suitable for replicate dispensing of drops of solutions and suspensions for laboratory purposes. The pipets shall be made of good quality, clear glass of either Type I, Class A or B (borosilicate), or Type II (soda lime). They shall be of a one-piece glass construction and each type shall correspondingly meet the requirements for overall length, body length, body outside diameter, body wall thickness, top-to-constriction distance, and tip inside diameter.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers requirements for four types of glass disposable bacteriological (Pasteur type) nonvolumetric pipets suitable for replicate dispensing of drops of solutions and suspensions for laboratory purposes.  
FIG. 1 General Form of Glass Disposable Pasteur Pipets  
1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2024
• ICS: 11.100 - Laboratory medicine
• Technical Committee: E41 - Laboratory Apparatus
• Drafting Committee: E41.01 - Laboratory Ware and Supplies

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E732-80(2018) - Standard Specification for Disposable Pasteur-Type Pipet
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E438-92(2024) - Standard Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E438-92(2018) - Standard Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018

Overview

ASTM E732-80(2024), Standard Specification for Disposable Pasteur-Type Pipet, defines the essential requirements for four types of glass disposable Pasteur-type pipets used in laboratory settings. This international standard, developed by ASTM International, ensures that disposable bacteriological pipets meet established quality benchmarks for materials, dimensions, and performance. The standard supports laboratories in maintaining reliable and reproducible handling of solutions and suspensions, particularly when precise drop transfer is crucial.

Key Topics

• Types and Dimensions:
  The specification categorizes pipets into four types (I, II, III, and IV), each with defined overall length, body length, outside diameter, wall thickness, and tip diameter to accommodate various laboratory needs.

  • Type I: 150 mm length, standard tip
  • Type II: 230 mm length, standard tip
  • Type III: 150 mm length, large tip
  • Type IV: 150 mm length, jumbo format

• Material Requirements:
  Pipets must be made from high-quality, clear glass, primarily:

  • Type I, Class A or B (borosilicate glass)
  • Type II (soda lime glass)
    This ensures chemical resistance and durability during typical laboratory procedures.

• Construction and Finish:

  • One-piece glass construction for integrity and simplicity
  • Fire-polished tops and tips to prevent injury and contamination
  • Optional constriction for cotton plugging
  • Free from defects such as striae, bubbles, or sharp edges

• Workmanship:
  Pipets must be visibly clean, free of grease or dirt, straight, concentric, and strong enough to withstand handling and transportation.

Applications

Disposable Pasteur-type pipets as defined in ASTM E732-80(2024) are commonly used for:

• Microbiological and clinical laboratory work: Ensuring contamination-free transfer and replicate dispensing of drops
• Scientific research labs: Convenient for manipulating small volumes of solutions or suspensions, particularly when accurate drop dispensing is more critical than precise volumetric measurement
• Pharmaceutical workflows: For transferring non-measured quantities between vessels or applying drops during testing
• Educational institutions: Practical for teaching labs where sterility and disposal are priorities

These single-use glass pipets help reduce cross-contamination, streamline workflow, and support compliance with laboratory quality control protocols.

Related Standards

For comprehensive laboratory ware compliance and expanded context, the following standards are relevant:

• ASTM E438, Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus: Reference standard for the glass types acceptable in pipet manufacture.
• ISO 7712, Disposable Pasteur Pipettes for Laboratory Use: International reference for similar products.
• General laboratory glassware standards supporting practices for safety, material durability, and performance.

Understanding and applying ASTM E732-80(2024) ensures laboratories use disposable Pasteur-type pipets that align with internationally recognized safety, consistency, and quality standards, contributing to reliable scientific results and efficient laboratory operations.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E732 − 80 (Reapproved 2024)
Standard Specification for
Disposable Pasteur-Type Pipet
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E732; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Type II—9 in. (approximately 230 mm) long
Type III—Large-tip pipet 5 ⁄4 in. (approximately 150 mm)
1.1 This specification covers requirements for four types of
long
glass disposable bacteriological (Pasteur type) nonvolumetric
Type IV—Jumbo pipet 5 ⁄4 in. (approximately 150 mm) long
pipets suitable for replicate dispensing of drops of solutions
and suspensions for laboratory purposes.
5. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
1.2 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 The pipets shall be free of obstructions, visible defects,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
irregularities, striae, bubbles, and other defects that detract
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
from appearance and impair their serviceability.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.2 The pipets shall be visibly clean and ready for use; free
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
of grease, dirt, grit, oil, or oily type substances readibly
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
detectable to the naked eye under normal room lighting.
2. Referenced Documents 5.3 Pipets shall be straight and concentric to the extent that
2 when rolled on a plane surface the tip of the pipet shall not
2.1 ASTM Standards:
touch the surface.
E438 Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
5.4 Pipets shall be of sufficient strength and uniformity of
3. Terminology
wall thickness to withstand normal usage and transporation.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
6. Requirements
3.1.1 disposable pipets—in accordance with this specifica-
6.1 Material—The pipets shall be made of good quality,
tion and the expected product performance expressed in this
clear glass conforming to the requirements of Type I, Class A
standard, those pipets which are to be used one time only. Any
or B (borosilicate), or Type II (soda lime), of Specification
institution or individual who reuses a disposable pipet must
E438.
bear full responsibility for its safety and effectiveness.
6.2 Design and Dimensions—The pipets shall be of a
4. Classification
one-piece glass construction and meet the dimensions and
tolerance outlined in Table 1. The pipets may be fabricated
4.1 Pipets covered by this specification shall be of the
with a constriction to allow for cotton-plugging, which shall be
following types according to size:
considered an optional feature at the discretion of the manu-
Type I—5 ⁄4 in. (approximately 150 mm) long
...