Getting Started with a Micropipette

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Using your micropipette correctly ensures the most accurate and reproducible measuring and dispensing of solutions. While using your micropipette incorrectly can significantly decrease the accuracy and reproducibility.

How to Use the Micropipette

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1. Insert the pipette tip into the tip cone making sure it is securely in place.
2. Holding the pipette vertically, push down the control button until the first stop.
3. Immerse the pipette tip into your solution. The immersed depth should be between 2-5 mm, based upon the volume of the tip.
4. Slowly release the control button until it is at its resting position.
5. Wait 2-3 seconds, then withdraw the tip from the solution.
6. Place the tip inside the vial you wish to dispense into, press the control button to the first stop, and then finally fully press down the button to dispense the remaining solution.
7. Withdraw the pipette from the vial and release the control button.
8. After finishing with your pipette firmly press the ejector button to remove the tip.

Volume Adjustment

To adjust the volume of the micropipette, rotate the volume adjustment knob. To increase the volume, turn the knob anti-clockwise to. To decrease the volume, turn the knob clockwise.

Calibration

Each micropipette is pre-calibrated and includes a manufacturer’s inspection certificate to verify the accuracy and repeatbility values. Over time, the micropipette may drift from these values due to excessive use or mishandling of the micropipette.

To recalibrate the micropipette:

1. Insert the calibration key into the holes at the top of the volume adjustment knob.
2. Holding the volume adjustment knob firmly with one hand, rotate the calibration key anticlockwise to increase the actual dispense volume and clockwise to reduce the dispense volume.

The actual volume of material should be tested using a gravimetric method with a low volatility solvent that has a known density. Take 6 repeat measurements at each volume listed in the inspection certificate. The dispense volume tolerances and repeatability should be within the limits verified by the manufacturer.

Tips for Accurate and Reproducible Dispensing

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• When withdrawing solution, do not fully insert the tip. You should aim to immerse it around 1 cm into the solution. This is to avoid withdrawing close from the surface and taking air into the micropipette.
• When withdrawing viscous solutions, the plunger should be released very slowly to ensure that no air bubbles form within the tip.
• Never hold your micropipette with the tip facing upwards while there is solution in the tip. This may cause the solution to run back into the piston mechanism, which will damage and contaminate it.
• When dispensing small volumes, you may need to dispense directly into the solution by immersing the tip, or dispense onto the side of the vial. The tip should be replaced after each dispense to avoid cross contamination.
• If a micropipette is set to a volume outside of its stated operational range, the micropipette should be recalibrated to ensure that you are still getting the correct volumes.
• If the micropipette is dropped, you may need to recalibrate it.
• Before use, visually inspect the micropipette for any damage or contamination. Ensure that it is clean and in good working condition.
• Select an appropriate disposable tip that matches the volume to be dispensed. Ensure that the tip is securely attached to the micropipette to prevent leaks or spills.
• When dispensing the liquid, avoid touching the sides of the container or vessel to prevent contamination. Release the plunger slowly and steadily to ensure accurate volume delivery. Avoid jerky movements that can cause variations in volume.
• Minimize the risk of liquid loss by avoiding contact between the tip and the receiving vessel during dispensing. Dispense the liquid close to the vessel wall to prevent splashing.
• After use, eject the tip using the tip ejector mechanism. Ensure that the tip is ejected into a suitable waste container to prevent contamination.