Air cushion pipettes are of limited use for liquids whose properties differ significantly from water. Comparisons between an electronic air cushion pipette and an electronic positive displacement system, the Multipette Xstream, show that much more accurate dispensing of blood is achieved in pipetting mode as well as dispensing mode. Thus, the Multipette (Repeater) Xstream, in combination with Combitips plus, is capable of pipetting and dispensing blood virtually as accurately as water.