There are several problems being faced by researchers all over the world just because of faulty ways of operating a pipette. Generally, pipette handling is taught to new researchers by their lab members. If a wrong method is picked up then it gets inherited to next generation of researchers and so on. Let this be a platform to spread the actual method of using a pipette.
I would request all to put forward their valuable opinions and facts in a point wise manner and do not forget to mention the type of pipette (micropipette/steripipette/etc) and the purpose of using it (cell culture/molecular biology/blood handling/etc) as well .
Thanks in anticipation.
We train students in 2nd year BSc level on correct micro-pipette use for various types of solutions (high and low protein) and which methods can be used for each. We normally use solutions to which we add food colouring. Measurements are made on a plate spectrophotometer to ensure that the volumes dispensed are correct. At the end of the pipetting training students are given an operator proficiency test. Error margin must be less than 1 % for 100 ul. We subtract 50 % for every % below that. This count for 12.5 % toward their final practical mark. We repeat this again just before students start with their research projects in 4th year. Students are not allowed to start their projects until they consistently get less than 1 % error for micro-pipetting.
There is a good post regarding this topic: " 17 Ways to Stop Pipetting Errors Ruining Your Experiments ". I think it is pretty useful. Please take a look.
http://bitesizebio.com/344/17-ways-to-stop-pipetting-errors-ruining-your-experiments/
Just read the pipette manual (Eppendorf, Biohit etc.), it discusses every aspect of proper pipetting and maintenance.
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