Guidelines for Selecting Liquid Measurement Devices

• Select the smallest device (graduate, pipet, syringe) that will

accommodate the desired volume of liquid to minimize the
potential for errors of measurement associated with misreading
the scale.
• Use a graduated pipet, syringe, or calibrated dropper to
measure/deliver volumes less than 1 ml.
• Oily and viscous liquids will be difficult to remove from graduates
and pipets, and generally require long drainage time. Consider
using a disposable syringe or measuring by weight rather than
volume.
• Never use prescription bottles, nonvolumetric flasks, beakers, or
household teaspoons as measurement devices, unless you
calibrate it.
• Liquids have a meniscus when poured into a container. This
means that the surface of the liquid curves downward toward the
center. For a narrow container, the meniscus can be very large.
When reading the volume, always hold the device at eye level.
Viewing from above will create the impression that more liquid is
present in the device than is really there.
• When small (<5 ml) or very accurate doses are required, provide
the patient with a calibrated dropper, oral syringe, or similar
device to ensure proper dosing.
• The following helps to maximize accuracy when using a
graduated cylinder
◦ Hold at eye level as you pour or place the cylinder on a flat
surface that will allow you to view it at eye level.
◦ Pour the liquid to be measured into the center of the
graduate. This will minimize adherence of liquid to the
side of the device.
◦ As you approach the desired volume, decrease the pouring
rate or use a dropper to bring the liquid to final volume.
◦ When transferring to another container, allow about 15
seconds for an aqueous or alcoholic liquid to drain and at
least 60 seconds for a viscous liquid such as a syrup,
glycerin, or mineral oil.
• Graduated cylinders should not be used as mixing devices and
should not be used as a container for dissolving a solid in a
liquid. A solution should be prepared in a beaker and placed in
the graduated cylinder to adjust to the final volume.
• Do not assume that the final volume of a preparation is the sum
of individual ingredient volumes.