Laboratory Safety Guidelines Quiz

Course Information

• Course: Medical Biochemistry I
• Lab Exercise 1: Introduction to Techniques - Use of Pipetman, Sample Preparation and Dilutions
• Semester: Fall 2024
• Instructors: Andreou M & Kyriakou TC
• Institution: European University Cyprus, School of Medicine

Objectives

• Introduction: Lab characteristics/guidelines
• Part A: Use of Pipetman (theoretical background and exercises)
• Part B: Sample Preparation (main units of concentration and exercises)
• Part C: Dilutions (dilution formula and exercises)

COVID-19 Safety Protocol

• Be on time to avoid crowds at the lab entrance.
• Always bring the required protective gear (lab coat with cuffed sleeves, mask, and goggles).
• Students without the necessary gear will not be permitted in the lab.
• Strict hand hygiene is required (wash hands with soap and put on gloves).
• Disinfect working surfaces before and after experiments.
• Report any symptoms (fever, cough, or breathing difficulties) immediately.

Absences

• Mandatory participation (physical presence or synchronous participation; permission required).
• Only two justified absences are allowed (severe health conditions or emergencies).
• Pre-announce any justified absences before class.
• Lab experiments cannot be repeated.

Preparation for Lab

• Study uploaded materials.
• Print the protocol/experimental methodology.
• Identify required materials and equipment from the protocol.
• Be mentally prepared for technically demanding tasks.
• Wear closed-toe shoes, lab coat, goggles, and gloves.
• Keep hair tied back (ponytail).
• No food or drinks allowed.

Laboratory Notebook

• Record everything explained during the lab.
• Document protocol applications with dates.
• Calculate reagent concentrations (e.g., C1V1=C2V2).
• Evaluate results and identify areas for improvement.

Lab Conduct

• Move cautiously (as if in a bubble).
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Work as a team.
• Show respect to others.
• Ask questions by raising your hand.
• Avoid fast movements.
• Work quietly.

Contact Information

• Email: [email protected] & [email protected]
• Office: N30 (2nd floor - Medical Building)
• EUC email account policy: Faculty communication through personal email should be notified as it must be sent through EUC email account.

Materials and Equipment

• Pipetman (P1000, P200, P10)
• Pipet tips
• Distilled Water
• 1.0 M CuSO4 solution
• Cuvettes
• Balance machine
• Spectrophotometer
• Weighing boats
• Waste containers

Pipetman Use

• Pipetman is used for volumes under 1 ml. This is a common tool in labs.

• Available in three types

  • P1000 (200-1000 µl).
  • P100 (10-100 µl).
  • P10 (0.5-10 µl).

• Proper use of micropipettes involves recognizing the upper/first/second stops for accurate volumes.

Pipette Accuracy

• The most common method for determining pipette accuracy is weighing water.
• Water density at room temperature is approximately 1 g/ml. Therefore, 1 µl of water should weigh 0.001 grams

Part A: Use of 1000µl and 200µl Pipettman

• Instructions to measure accurately various volumes of distilled water for each Pipetman using the correct procedures.

Part B: Sample Preparation

• A solvent is the liquid that makes up a solution. Water is a common solvent, and solutions formed with water are referred to as aqueous solutions.
• A solute is the material dissolved in the solvent.
• Solution concentration is the amount of solute per unit of solution. Concentration can be expressed as Percentage by Mass (w/w), Percentage by volume (v/v), Percentage weight by volume (w/v), and Molarity (M).

Part B: Calculations and Concentration

• Methods for calculating various concentration units of common solutions (e.g., % by mass, % by volume, % weight / volume and Molarity of common solutions such as NaOH solutions)

Part C: Dilutions

• Most biochemical solutions are prepared by diluting stock solutions.
• The formula C1V1 = C2V2 is used to calculate dilutions, where:
  • C1 = Initial concentration
  • V1 = Initial volume
  • C2 = Final concentration
  • V2 = Final volume
• Dilutions may use concentration factors (10X, 20X, etc). Dilution is carried out before use.