Overview

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• Source: Microbioz India


• Date: 02 Feb,2024

It is necessary that one masters the pipetting process in order to get precision and accuracy when handling liquids especially in laboratories.

Here are some tips and tricks on how to improve your pipetting skills:

Choose the Right Pipette

1. Ensure that you select a pipette with a range of volume which suits your specific application.
2. Ensure the pipette is kept up as well as calibrated regularly.

Maintain a Good Pipetting Technique

1. Make sure that you hold the pipette correctly so that it is possible for you to have an easy grip without feeling any pain on hand.
2. Use the first and second joints of your pointing finger to push down the plunger.
3. Keep wrist straight as this can introduce errors.

Calibrate Your Pipette

1. Always make sure you calibrate your pipette often so as to remain accurate while working with it.
2. Ensure traceability of measurements by using calibrated and traceable pipettes.

Pre-Wet Pipette Tip

This reduces contamination by washing or removing liquid from inside tip without emptying out contents before use, thus enabling less liquid retention inside tip.

Handle Tips Carefully

1. For your pippete always choose good-quality tips where applicable, selecting those suited best for a particular dispenser model etc.
2. The tips should be attached firmly to avoid leaks or contamination

Avoiding Air Bubbles

1. Depress plunger smoothly and slowly enough in order to remove air bubbles from solution being dispensed through pippete;
2. Where there are bubbles, let all liquid return into its container then try again

Practice Consistent Speed

1. Aspiration and delivery time should be uniform such that precise volumes can be achieved each time;
2. Precision may change if speed varies too quickly

Use the Correct Technique for Viscous Liquids

1. To ensure accurate measurement, immerse the tip deeper into viscous liquids than other types of samples;
2. Accommodate viscosity by aspirating and dispensing slowly

Minimize Contamination

1. Change the tips between each sample to minimize any form of contamination;
2. Avoid touching the inside of tip so as not to contaminate it.

Work in a Controlled Environment

When pipetting, do it in a clean and steady conditioned place so that no other factors can affect what you are doing.

Check for Accuracy

1. Sometimes check the accuracy by weighing water pipetted from the pipette using distilled water.
2. It is important then to re-service or recalibrate if you notice any faults.

Maintain Steady Hands

1. Keep your hands steady during this process to avoid errors in measurement caused by unnecessary movement.
2. Use something stable or even a pipetting aid if required.

Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

Follow instructions given by makers on how best to maintain, clean up after use and use correctly the dispenser according to information provided in its user’s manual since this is extremely necessary for ensuring reliable results with minimal breakdowns;

Keep Records

Have detailed records of all your actions when pipetting including amounts, dates and challenges faced such that they will help you find patterns with time which you can adjust accordingly.