Pipetting Techniques Quiz

Pipetting Techniques

• Selecting the Right Pipette:

  • Choose pipette based on volume range (e.g., P10, P100, P1000).

• Pipetting Steps:

  1. Set the desired volume on the pipette.
  2. Attach a disposable tip securely.
  3. Depress the plunger to the first stop.
  4. Immerse the tip in the liquid, just below the surface.
  5. Slowly release the plunger to aspirate the liquid.
  6. Withdraw the pipette and touch the tip against the container rim to remove excess liquid.
  7. Dispense by pressing the plunger to the second stop.

• Aspirating and Dispensing:

  • Use a consistent speed when aspirating and dispensing to avoid air bubbles.

• Avoiding Contamination:

  • Use a new tip for each sample.
  • Avoid touching the tip to any surfaces.

Cleaning Protocols

• Routine Cleaning:

  • Wipe the exterior with ethanol or isopropanol after each use.

• Deep Cleaning:

  • Disassemble pipette as per manufacturer instructions.
  • Clean internal components with a soft cloth and appropriate solvent.

• Tip Disposal:

  • Dispose of used tips in appropriate biohazard or regular waste containers depending on sample type.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Inconsistent Volume:

  • Check for air bubbles in pipette or tip.
  • Ensure correct tip is used for the volume.

• Leaking Tips:

  • Ensure tips are properly attached.
  • Inspect tips for damage or deformation.

• Plunger Resistance:

  • Check for blockages or debris in the pipette.
  • Ensure that the plunger and O-ring are properly lubricated.

Best Practices For Storage

• Vertical Storage:

  • Store pipettes upright to prevent contamination and to avoid damage to the tips and internal components.

• Environmental Conditions:

  • Keep in a stable environment, away from extreme temperatures and humidity.

• Regular Calibration:

  • Calibrate pipettes periodically to ensure accuracy.

• Protective Cases:

  • Use protective cases to shield from dust and accidental drops when not in use.

Pipetting Techniques

• Select pipettes based on volume capacity: P10 (1-10 μL), P100 (10-100 μL), P1000 (100-1000 μL).
• Follow a structured series of steps to pipette accurately: set volume, attach tip, depress plunger to the first stop, immerse tip, slowly release to aspirate, touch the rim to remove excess, and dispense by pressing to the second stop.
• Maintain a consistent speed during aspiration and dispensing to prevent air bubbles from compromising sample integrity.
• Prevent contamination by using a new pipette tip for each sample and avoiding contact with any surfaces.

Cleaning Protocols

• Perform routine cleaning by wiping the exterior of the pipette with ethanol or isopropanol after each use.
• Conduct deep cleaning by disassembling the pipette according to manufacturer guidelines and cleaning internal components with a soft cloth and appropriate solvent.
• Dispose of used tips in designated biohazard or regular waste containers, based on the type of sample handled.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Inconsistent volume issues may arise from air bubbles in the pipette or tip and using incorrect tips for specific volumes.
• Leaking tips can be resolved by ensuring proper attachment and inspecting for damages or deformations.
• Plunger resistance can indicate blockages or debris within the pipette; it’s crucial to check lubrication of the plunger and O-ring.

Best Practices For Storage

• Store pipettes vertically to minimize contamination risk and prevent damage to tips and internal mechanisms.
• Maintain stable environmental conditions, keeping pipettes away from extreme temperatures and high humidity levels to ensure longevity.
• Schedule regular calibration of pipettes to guarantee measurement accuracy.
• Utilize protective cases to safeguard pipettes from dust and accidental impacts while not in use.

Test your knowledge on pipetting techniques and cleaning protocols. This quiz covers selecting the right pipette, proper pipetting steps, and methods to prevent contamination. Ensure you're familiar with routine and deep cleaning procedures to maintain pipette performance.