Pipettes are one of the most commonly used devices in science laboratories. Pipetting accuracy and precision are critical to determining the accurate results of an experiment and its success.
What is pipetting?
Pipetting is the process of repeatedly expelling an exact volume of liquid from a pipette tip. Optimal pipetting techniques require careful handling and practice.
Here are some pipette tips that can help you.
before use
Clean your pipette every day before use.
Use suitable tips so that air does not escape when aspirating and dispensing liquids.
Before doing the actual experiment, learn the pipette by practicing a few times.
Pre-wet the tip before the experiment. This is because when you dispense liquid from the pipette, it leaves a layer of liquid on the tip, resulting in a slightly lower dispensing volume. This will not happen if you pre-wet the tip. To follow the pre-wetting process, the liquid is drawn into the pipette and then dispensed back into the container from which the liquid was withdrawn. You will see the coating on the tip. Repeat the action next time and you won't be left with a liquid coating.
during use
When aspirating liquids, make sure to immerse the tips in the correct proportions to the appropriate depth based on the volume of the pipette. If you submerge too much, the sample may stick to the outside tip. If you dip too little, it can cause air inhalation.
After you have aspirated the desired amount of liquid, dip the tip of the pipette for a second. This should be to stop the movement of the liquid in the tip after the aspiration action is over so the volume doesn't get low.
Remember to apply the same pressure and speed each time you draw the liquid to keep the results consistent.
When pulling the pipette out of the container, keep it straight and vertical and do not let it touch the side of the container. If you do tilt it to an angle, it may change the volume of the sample. If it comes into contact with the container, it will become prone to surface tension and lose its volume again.
Before dispensing, you may see some excess droplets outside the pipette tip. Absorb them carefully and gently with a lint-free cloth. After dispensing, position the tip so that it touches the side of the container, allowing residual sample to exit the pipette.
After use
Store the pipette vertically in the pipette holder.
Check the pipette daily for any damage and have it serviced regularly.
