10 Steps to Becoming a Pipetting Pro

The right combination of pipette and tip

  • Use the optimum volume range
    For maximum precision, use the upper volume range of a pipette. We recommend switching to a smaller volume variant for volumes below 30% of the nominal volume.
  • Fit of the tips
    Make sure that the tip is firmly in place and leak tight. The best re­sults are achieved with original tips from the pipette manufacturer. 

Preparatory steps

  • Perform a temperature equalization
    The pipette, tip, and liquid should be set to the same temperature (temperature equalization ~ 2h). If this is impossible, do not saturate the air cushion and change the tip after dispensing each volume.
  • Pre-wet the air cushion

    To saturate the air cushion, each new tip should be pre-wetted. This minimizes the evaporation of liquid into the air cushion.

Volume absorption

  • Immersion angle
    When aspirating liquid, the immersion angle should be max. 10°.
  • Immersion depth
    Up to 1000 μl, an immersion depth of 2 mm is optimal (>1000 μl: 3–6 mm).
  •  Waiting period
    A waiting time of 1 sec up to 1000 μl (>1000 μl: 3 sec) should be ob­served for complete volume aspiration.

Volume dispensing

  • Wipe during volume delivery
    Wiping on the vessel wall (over 8–10 mm) ensures that the complete volume is dispensed.

 Pipetting technique

  • Uniform pipetting rhythm
    Uniform pipetting ensures con­sistent results. Here, the targeted hitting of the 1st stroke with constant force, speed and rhythm are crucial.
    Note: The use of electronic pipettes reduces the individual influence of the user.
  • Choose the right pipetting technique

    “Forward” pipetting is particularly suitable for aqueous solutions.

    When pipetting problematic liquids (e.g. viscous, volatile, foaming), higher precision is achieved by reverse pipetting.

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