MICROPIPETTING

Micropipettes measure and transfer very small volumes of liquid, usually between 0.5 µL and 1000 µL. Common sizes are the P10/P20, P200 and P1000, named after the largest volume each one can hold.

WHAT YOU NEED?

• Micropipette in the right size range

• Sterile tips that fit the pipette

• The liquid to transfer and a receiving tube

STEPS

1. Pick the smallest pipette whose range covers your volume.

2. Turn the dial to set the volume. Never go above or below the pipette’s range.

3. Always unlock before turning the dial and loc after turning it.

4. Press a sterile tip firmly onto the end.

5. Press the plunger down to the first stop and hold it there.

6. Dip the tip just below the surface of the liquid and slowly release the plunger to draw the liquid up.

7. Move the tip to the receiving tube, touch it to the inside wall, and press slowly to the first stop.

8. Press on to the second stop to push out the last drop, then lift the tip out before releasing the plunger.

9. Eject the tip into the waste and use a new tip for the next sample.

TIPS

• Hold the pipette upright while drawing up liquid.

• Dip the tip below the surface to avoid air bubbles

• Never lay a pipette on its side with liquid in the tip; it can run back into the pipette.

• Release the plunger slowly to avoid air bubbles.