Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Volumetric Pipette

Overview

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• Source: Microbioz India


• Date: 30 Oct,2023

In laboratories, volumetric pipettes are frequently used to measure liquids precisely. It is crucial to steer clear of typical blunders and errors related to the usage of volumetric pipettes in order to guarantee accurate and trustworthy outcomes.

The following errors should be avoided:

Ignoring Adequate Calibration

It is recommended that volumetric pipettes undergo regular calibration in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Over time, incomplete calibration can result in erroneous results.

Not Conducting a Contamination Check:

Make sure the pipette is clean and clear of any leftovers from its last usage before using it. Your measurements may become less accurate due to contamination.

Not Enough Cleaning :

After using, give the pipette a thorough cleaning, and apply the proper cleaning solutions if needed. Inaccurate results and cross-contamination might arise from improper cleaning.

Inadequate Storage :

It is imperative to store volumetric pipettes upright in a pipette holder to guard against contamination or breakage. Inaccuracies may result by storing them horizontally or from being left uncapped.

Selected Pipette Not Suitable for Volume:

Make sure the pipette size you choose is appropriate for the volume you want to measure. Use of a pipette with an incorrect volume might lead to serious mistakes.

Not Doing a Pre-Rinse:

Pre-rinsing the pipette with a tiny volume of the reagent before measuring is crucial to assure accuracy, especially when the reagent is reactive or reactive to the atmosphere.

Not Permitting Total Drainage:

When dispensing the liquid, make sure the pipette drains all the way. Volume mistakes could result from any liquid residue that remains in the pipette.

Disregarding Temperature Variations:

Usually, volumetric pipettes are calibrated at a particular temperature, usually 20°C. Thermal expansion or contraction may cause errors if the temperature differential between your sample and the calibration temperature is not taken into consideration.

Filling it too much or too little:

The meniscus will be above the calibration mark if a volumetric pipette is overfilled, which could result in an inaccurate volume measurement. There is less volume than expected when underfilling. Fill to the calibration mark at all times.

Disregarding Parallax Mistakes:

For an accurate measurement, make sure your eye is level with the meniscus when reading it. Should you read it from an inappropriate angle, parallax issues may arise.

Refusing to Wet the Interior Wall:

Make sure the liquid fills the full inside wall of the volumetric pipette while filling it. Errors in the provided volume may result from not wetting the entire surface.

Quick Delivery:

To guarantee full drainage when distributing liquid, discharge the liquid gradually. A quick delivery may result in inaccurate volume measurements and insufficient drainage.

Pouring to Fill:

Instead of filling the pipette with liquid, use a pipette filler or bulb. Pouring may result in contamination and inaccurate results.

Neglecting the atmospheric pressure:

The accuracy of volumetric pipettes can be impacted by variations in air pressure. If required, adjust for variations in pressure.

Through adherence to appropriate pipetting practices and avoidance of common blunders, you may guarantee precise and dependable volumetric pipette usage in your laboratory work.