Micropipette Techniques for Accurate Measurements
Correct technique is important to getting accurate measurements when using a micropipette. Follow the instructional videos below for guidance on measuring volumes accurately with a micropipette.
How to Change Micropipette Volume
To Change Micropipette Volume
- Hold the body of the micropipette in one hand and hold the plunger at rest position in the other hand.
- Twist the plunger clockwise to decrease the micropipette volume.
- Twist the plunger anticlockwise to increase the micropipette volume.
How to Dispense and Withdraw Liquid using a Micropipette
Dispensing Liquid using a Micropipette
Correct Technique to Dispense Liquid
- Place the micropipette tip vertically into the vial. Place the micropipette tip halfway into the vial and do not touch the sides of the vial.
- Press the plunger to the first stop, then pause.
- Press the plunger to the second stop to remove remaining liquid in the micropipette.
- Remove the micropipette tip from the vial.
- Release the plunger to rest position.
Incorrect Technique to Dispense Liquid
- Place the micropipette tip diagonally into the vial. Place the tip just below the top of the vial.
- Push the plunger to the first stop.
- Remove the micropipette tip from the vial and release the plunger to rest position.
Withdrawing Liquid using a Micropipette
Correct Technique to Withdraw Liquid
- Steadily push the plunger to the first stop.
- Place the micropipette tip vertically in the vial, halfway into the liquid. Do not touch the bottom or sides with the micropipette tip.
- Release the plunger to rest position to withdraw the liquid.
- Remove pipette tip from the vial slowly.
Incorrect Technique to Withdraw Liquid
- Forcefully push the plunger to the second stop.
- Place the micropipette tip diagonally in the vial, touching the bottom of the vial.
- Release the plunger to rest position to withdraw the liquid.
- Remove the micropipette from the vial.
Micropipette
Resources and Support
Getting Started with a Micropipette
Using your micropipette correctly ensures the most accurate and reproducible measuring and dispensing of solutions.
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Micropipette: Positioning and Withdrawing
Follow our guide to correctly position and withdraw liquid with your micropipette.
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Micropipettes: Components and Parts
Micropipettes are indispensable tools in laboratories. These can be used in many applications ranging from thin film deposition by spin coating to cutting-edge molecular biology experiments like PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).
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Dispensing Liquid from Micropipette
Micropipettes allow liquids to be measured and dispensed both precisely and quickly. Therefore, micropipettes are used in a wide range of applications from microbiology to analytical chemistry.
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