Pipet-Aid XP used by Westmead Medical Research Institute
Object No. 2021/118/4
This pipet-aid was used at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) and forms part of a collection of lab equipment typical of those used by virology researchers, many of whom pivoted from their work on other viruses to combat the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic. Westmead Hospital saw the first cases of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) in Australia and researchers at WIMR were involved in early research to model and sequence the new virus. Most simple laboratory equipment, like this pipet-aid, can be found across various disciplines, from virology to geology, and across research industries; including in research labs, medical labs, diagnostic testing centres, research and development for industry, quality assurance, manufacturing and education. Their design has evolved over the centuries, adopting new materials and technologies to improve the accuracy and reliability of the equipment. Today more than ever researchers expect accuracy, reliability and robustness from their equipment to ensure the quality and repeatability of their research outputs. Prepared by Andrea Balen, Curatorial Assistant, supervised by Nina Earl, Assistant Curator, 2021
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Summary
Object Statement
Pipette, part of laboratory test equipment, 'Pipet-Aid XP', plastic / metal, made by Drummond Scientific, owned and used by Westmead Medical Research Institute (WIMR), New South Wales, Australia, c. 2020
Physical Description
This Pipette Boy is made from an opaque yellow plastic with blue pipette channel. Two black plastic trigger buttons.
DIMENSIONS
Height
143 mm
Width
170 mm
Depth
550 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
This object was made by Drummond.
HISTORY
Notes
Laboratory equipment has evolved through the centuries, originating in Europe it quickly spread all over the world. As technology and manufacturing advanced precision and accuracy improved significantly. Health and safety also improved with the invention of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ergonomic designs, ventilation fume hoods and sterile workspaces and processes. Materials, like plastic are easily produced and are more robust for most common laboratory processes as compared with glass or rubber, and it is now used for many applications in the field. It has also allowed for decreases in the cost of equipment leading to new techniques and disposable components which all help to minimise cross contamination in samples. A laboratory's needs depend on the requirements of the experimental work being undertaken, but also the laboratory space and budget. The size, capacity and dimensions of equipment and their portability are also important considerations when research institutions and teams choose to invest in new equipment. This laboratory equipment was donated by the Westmead Institute for Medical Research, or WIMR, a medical research institution connected to the Westmead Hospital in Western Sydney. Westmead Hospital was a purpose-built teaching hospital and is connected to the University of Sydney. Unlike other hospitals, research is a core part of its function. Through the connection of in-patients, doctors and research staff, WIMR is pioneering personalised treatments and cures to solve some of the greatest diseases challenging us in the 21st century. Professors Tony Cunningham and Sarah Palmer, both leading research teams at WIMR, received COVID-19 Research Grants in 2021 from NSW Health, allowing them to work on the development of new tests that can evaluate immunity after vaccination. Other researchers at WIMR, such as Professor Dominic Dwyer and Dr Eunok Lee have lead teams on other COVID-19 focussed research. Professor Dwyer's team has successfully grown the live virus from NSW patients, this helps researchers better understand the virus and develop effective treatments and test vaccines. The team lead by Dr Lee helped identify part of the COVID-19 spike protein that causes a unique immune response, this helps researchers better understand the population's natural immunity and antibody responses and how this interacts with COVID-19 severity in patients. References: https://www.labcompare.com/General-Laboratory-Equipment/ https://www.nature.com/articles/521422a
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Westmead Institute for Medical Research, 2021
Acquisition Date
25 November 2021
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