AIR topic: Proper use of micropipettes

Micropipette is a standard laboratory equipment which is used to transfer and measure

small volumes of liquid. Micropipettes come in many sizes where the measured volume ranges
from 0.5 l to 1000l.
The volume of the micropipette can be adjusted by turning the centrally located ring
clockwise to increase the volume or counterclockwise to decrease the volume. The volume of
micropipette should be adjusted to the desired volume before proceeding to the next step. Choose
a suitable micropipette tip then insert it firmly to the shaft of the micropipette to make sure that it
is air tight. Then, depress the plunger to its first stop and insert the tip to just a few millimeters
below the surface of the solution. Next, slowly release the plunger to ensure the tip will be filled
up smoothly. The solution can now then be discharge into a suitable container by depressing the
plunger to its first stop but it should not be stopped at the first stop instead continue pressing the
plunger to the second stop to make sure all of the solution is transferred to the container.The
pipette tip can be removed by pressing down on the tip ejector.
Here are some ways to increase the accuracy and precision of micropipetting. First, the
We should prewet the micropipette tip which would help reduce the evaporation of the solution
by increasing its humidity in the tip. The sample liquid should be aspirated and expelled for at
least three times before aspirating a sample for delivery. Secondly, it is extremely important to
pull the pipette straight out of the beaker or test tubes when pipetting small volumes of sample as
the surface tension will cause the volume of sample to change if the exit angles vary. And also if
the tip touches against the wall of the container it may result in some sample loss. Besides that,
the tip should be examined before dispensing samples. The tip should only be wiped when there
is liquid outside of it.
When adjusting the volume of micropipette, we should not turn the dial beyond the range
of the micropipette and also not below 0l. If it is difficult to rotate the centrally located ring
when adjusting the volume, it probably means that the maximum volume had been reached. So,
do not force the volume adjustor dial as this may damage the micropipette. Other than that, the
micropipette should always be kept upright. When its not in use, it should be placed on a
mounted rack. After completing the experiment the tip of the micropipette should be thrown into
an appropriate waste container.
The micropipette should be cleaned regularly to ensure an accurate and precise reading
and also reducing the risk of cross contamination. The exterior of the micropipette can be
cleaned by spraying or wiping with Isopropanol. While the air passages and clog in the interior
can be clean out with a long-stemmed cotton swab with a dab of cleaning solution.

References
1. http://capricorn.bc.edu/bi204/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/3micropipettes.pdf
2. https://www.wou.edu/las/physci/ch462/How%20to%20Use%20a
%20Micropipettor.pdf
3. http://elearn.imu.edu.my/pluginfile.php/28299/mod_resource/content/1/Micro
pipetting_An_Important_Laboratory_Skill_for_Molecular_Biology.pdf