Micropipette reading Quiz

1. Preparation: Ensure you are working in a clean and sterile environment, such as a laminar flow hood or on a clean bench. Put on disposable gloves, if necessary, to maintain sample purity. 2. Choose the Appropriate Tip: Select a pipette tip that matches the desired volume range of your micropipette. For example, if you need to transfer 100 µL, use a P-100 tip. 3. Set the Volume: Most micropipettes have a volume adjustment mechanism on the top. Turn the volume adjustment knob to the desired volume. Make sure to set it within the micropipette’s specified range. 4. Attach the Tip: Firmly push the micropipette tip onto the pipette tip ejector nozzle until it clicks into place. Ensure it’s securely attached. 5. Pre-Rinse the Tip: Depress the plunger slightly (usually until the first stop) and immerse the tip into a container of the liquid you want to transfer. Release the plunger to draw liquid into the tip. 6. Aspirate the Liquid: Carefully immerse the tip into your liquid sample without introducing air bubbles. Depress the plunger to the first stop (the first resistance point). This will aspirate the desired volume of liquid into the tip. 7. Transport the Tip: Lift the tip out of the liquid, keeping it vertical to prevent spills. 8. Dispense the Liquid: To dispense the liquid, carefully place the tip into the receiving container (e.g., a microplate well or tube) and depress the plunger to the second stop (the second resistance point). This will expel the liquid from the tip. 9. Eject the Tip: After dispensing the liquid, eject the used tip into a suitable waste container. Most micropipettes have a tip ejector button on the top or side. 10. Calibration and Maintenance: - Regularly calibrate and maintain your micropipette according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures accurate and consistent results. 11. Final Steps: - Record your measurements, and remember to clean the micropipette if it comes into contact with any sample that might contaminate it. 12. Store Properly: - Store the micropipette with the volume set to zero to prevent the internal spring from becoming compressed. Place it in an upright position, and ensure it’s protected from damage or contamination. Using a micropipette accurately is essential for reliable laboratory results. Always follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your micropipette, as there may be variations in design and usage.