An Apparatus for Measuring Volumes of Small Objects

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Abstract
An apparatus for measuring volumes of small objects such as tissue blocks is described. The apparatus measures volumes by fluid displacement and consists of a micropipette adapted to fit the mouth of an Erlenmeyer flask, a Luer adaptor fused to the side of the flask and a glass syringe. When assembled with fluid enclosed, the fluid rises to a low level in the micropipette. Withdrawal of fluid into the syringe lowers the fluid level below the mouth of the flask. The micropipette is raised, the object to be measured is placed in the flask, and the micropipette is joined to the flask again. Fluid returned to the flask from the syringe rises to a higher level in the micropipette. The difference between the 2 fluid levels equals the volume of the object measured. This apparatus gives reproducible measurements and can be calibrated for absolute volume determination. It is inexpensive to construct and easy to use.