Ideal Pipetting for Laboratory

1]User should take extra care while handling the toxicpipetting at temperature different from ambient.
or infectious liquids to prevent coming in direct• Wipe the tip only if there is liquid on the outside
contact with these liquids. Usage of hand gloves,of the tip, being careful to avoid touching the
apron and proper face mask is recommended as atip’s orifice.
precaution against the accidental spillage over the• Don’t keep pipette in your hand while not
body parts.working to avoid transferring of body heat to
2]The operating button should be pushed/releasedpipette.
back slowly and steadily at all the times. Taking extra• Select the correct pipetting technique(e.g,
care while working with liquids of high viscosity. NeverReverse, forward etc.) depending on the nature of
let the operating button snap back to the Readythe liquid.
position while aspirating the liquid.4]
3]• Using excessive force to turn the push button
• Aspirate liquid into the pipette only when aoutside the range specified for it may jam the
proper tip is attached to its tip-cone.mechanism and damage the pipettor.
• Always clean the tip cone with a dry tissue• Re-calibration is recommended every 6 months
paper before fixing the tip.for a pipette used on daily basis. Re-calibration is also
• Ensure that the tip is tightly fitted to the tiprecommended in the following cases
cone.1. When working with detergents or foaming liquids.
• Reject the tip if any liquid remains sticking on2. When working with high viscosity liquids.
the inner wall of the tip even after the plunger is3. In the event of dismantling of the pipette for
pushed to the second stage of pushbutton.servicing, greasing, O-ring replacement etc.
• While pipetting , the pipettor should be vertically• Use disposable tips only once to avoid
straight and tip should be dipped only a fewcross-contamination.
millimeters into the liquid.Avoid using inferior quality tips to ensure accurate
• Pre-rinsing of tip 5 times with the liquid to bedispensing of the liquids.
dispensed is recommended while doing the pipette• When not in use the pipettor should be rested
calibration. This is important especially when dispensingupright on the pipette stand in the vertical position
the liquids which have a viscosity and densitywith the tip cone pointing downwards to prevent
different from water.liquids entering the inside of the pipettor.
• Always control the push button movements• The micropipette user has to be fully aware of
with the thumb for consistency.the hazards within the samples. Spillage, inhalation or
• Allow liquids, Tips and pipettor to equilibrate withcontact with human body are dangerous. The liquid
the ambient temperature.handling element of the procedure should present as
• Pre-rinse the tip several times before use whenfew hazards as possible to the user.