FAQs

STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL PIPETTING

The key to successful pipetting with repeated accuracy is a consistent, smooth technique, maintaining the same pace and same angle of the instrument (preferably tilted approximately 20 degrees from the vertical axis) with avoiding sudden motions when aspirating or dispensing liquids.

1. Turn the volume knob 1/3 revolution above the desired setting then slowly down to the required volume. Always dial down to the desired volume. (Never turn volume adjustment above or below the specified pipette range)
2. Attach clean, disposable tip firmly to insure an airtight seal.
3. Before placing tip in solution, depress plunger to the first stop.
4. Immerse the tip just under the surface of the liquid (approx. 2-3 mm) and then pre-wet the disposable tip with the solution by filling then emptying the tips 2-3 times. This is done to insure surface tension does not cause variations in the volumes that you aspirate.
5. (With the tip still in the solution), depress plunger to the first stop. Slowly and smoothly allow the plunger to return to the up position. Never let it snap up!
6. Wait a moment to ensure that the full volume is drawn into the tip.
7. Withdraw the tip. If liquid is clinging to the outside of the tip, carefully clean with a disposable wipe or slowly drag it across the reservoir rim. Never touch the tips with your hands.
8. To disperse the sample, touch the tip against the side wall of the receiving vessel and depress the plunger slowly to the first stop. Wait 1-2 seconds, then depress the plunger to the second stop. This is the blowout stroke; it expels any remaining liquid in the tip.
9. With the plunger still firmly depressed, withdraw the tip from the vessel while sliding it against the wall or rim.
10. Allow the plunger to return to the up position.
11. Discard the tip by firmly depressing the ejector button.

All units must be thoroughly decontaminated by spraying down, or wiping down, with diluted household bleach (e.g. Clorox) or 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution (NaOCI) before returning it. This solution is 1:10 dilution of commercial sodium hypochlorite (5%). It may be prepared by adding one (1) part household bleach (e.g. Clorox) to nine (9) parts water. (Use Care not to mix with other chemicals as this can liberate toxic chlorine gas.) Since this solution is somewhat caustic, gloves and eye protection are recommended when preparing and using it. Please Note: When corrosion by NaOCI may be a problem, a final flush with water is required.

Place the tip cones and tip ejectors in a 70% ethyl alcohol bath for at lease one hour. Tip cones and tip ejectors can be left in alcohol bath overnight. The handle can be decontaminated by wiping with ethyl alcohol. OR Thoroughly spray and wipe the entire pipette with Wavicide-01, a 2% glutaraldehyde solution manufactured by Wave Energy Systems, Inc. Wavicide-01 can be purchased at most medical supply stores. Autoclavable pipettes can be decontaminated by autoclaving each pipette at 121 °C (252 °F) and 1 bar (15 psi) for a minimum of 20 minutes. No special preparation is needed prior to autoclaving. Steam bags may be used if needed