Every drop is matter in laboratory. Thus, accurate and consistent pipetting is crucial for the integrity of experiments and results in the laboratory. Incorrect techniques can result in errors, which can compromise the reliability of your data and research. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to proper pipetting techniques to help you achieve consistent and accurate results.

Before starting any pipetting tasks, it is vital to have the necessary equipment and materials on hand. This includes selecting the appropriate size and type of pipette for the volume and type of liquid being pipetted, as well as the appropriate tips. Proper calibration of your pipette is also essential to ensure accuracy.

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Here are several steps for a proper pipetting technique: 

1. It is a good practice to pre-wet the pipette tips by gently aspirating and expelling the liquid before aspirating for delivery. Pre-wetting increases the humidity to the tip thus reducing any variation in sample evaporation.

2. Position the tip of the pipette in the liquid in a vertical position, making sure it is immersed in proper depth during aspiration. With big volume pipettes in particular, insufficient immersion might result in air aspiration. Samples may adhere to the tip's exterior if there is too much immersion. Note that, tilting the pipette tips at some angle may cause changes in sample volume).

3. Aspirate the sample slowly and steadily to prevent bubbles from entering the tips.

4. After aspirating the sample, hold the tip steady in the liquid for approximately one second. The volume will be too low if this is not done since it takes a while for the liquid in the tip to stop moving once the plunger stops. Consistency is key while creating these breaks.

5. Gently pull the pipette straight out without touching the sides of the container as this can cause wicking and loss of volume due to the surface tension of the container.

6. Before dispensing, check on the outside part of the tips to ensure that there is no visible droplet. If this droplet happens to appear, gently remove the droplet with a lint-free cloth.

7. To dispense, make sure that the tip is against the receptacle wall and the plunger is pressed to the second stop when using forward mode.

 

Proper care and maintenance of your pipettes are essential for accuracy and longevity. This includes regular cleaning and calibration, as well as replacing worn or damaged parts. Proper storage of your pipettes is also crucial to prevent contamination and damage.

In addition to proper pipetting techniques, it is also important to follow good laboratory practices to prevent contamination and errors. This includes properly labeling all materials and equipment and properly handling and disposing of hazardous materials.

Conclusion

In conclusion, proper pipetting techniques are essential for achieving accurate and consistent results in the laboratory. By following good laboratory practices and properly caring for and maintaining your pipettes, you can ensure that your experiments and results are of the highest quality.

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