Tips for Using Electric Pipettes

Electric pipettes are designed with simplicity and flexibility in mind, adding a variety of unique features to traditional pipettes. There are many models of electric pipettes to choose from. Electric pipettes combine rigorous and precise mechanical technology with ever-changing electronic technology.

The electric pipette is connected to the computer, which can easily write programs for the pipette, modify the pipetting mode at any time, and strengthen the laboratory GLP specifications and maintenance functions.
Electronic-Control-Digital-Pipette-Epipette-1

The common sense of using electric pipettes:

  1. Calibration and Verification:
    • Before using electric pipettes, ensure they are properly calibrated and verified. Regular calibration is essential to maintain accuracy.
  2. Read the User Manual:
    • Familiarize yourself with the user manual provided by the manufacturer. Different pipettes may have unique features and settings.
  3. Proper Pipette Selection:
    • Choose the appropriate pipette for your volume range. Electric pipettes come in various volume capacities, so select one that matches your specific needs. To ensure better accuracy and precision, it is recommended that the pipetting volume is within the range of 35% -100% of the tip.
  4. Tip installation:
    • for most brands of pipettes, especially multi-channel pipettes, it is not easy to install the tips: in order to achieve good sealing, you need to insert the pipette handle into the tip, left, and right Turn or rock back and forth to tighten tightly. Some people also use electric pipettes to repeatedly hit the tips to tighten, but this operation will cause the deformation of the tips and affect the accuracy and severely damage the pipettes, so such operations should be avoided.
  5. Tip immersion angle and depth:
    • control the tip immersion angle within 20 degrees, and it is better to keep it vertical; the tip immersion depth is recommended as follows: pipette specifications tip immersion depth 2 μL and 10 μL 1 mm 20 μL and 100 μL 2-3 mm 200 μL and 1000 μL 3-6 mm 5000 μL and 10 mL 6-10 mm washing will reduce the accuracy of the operation, please pay special attention to users.
  6. Aspiration speed:
    • the pipetting operation should be smooth and appropriate; the excessively fast aspiration speed may easily cause the sample to enter the sleeve, causing damage to the piston and seal ring, and cross-contamination of the sample.
  7. Tip Selection:
    • Ensure you use compatible pipette tips designed for your electric pipette model. Incompatible tips can affect accuracy.
  8. Tip Attachment:
    • Attach the pipette tip securely to the pipette. Check for any wobbling or loose connections, as this can lead to inaccurate measurements.
  9. Pre-wet the Pipette Tip:
    • Pre-wet the tip by aspirating and dispensing the liquid a few times before taking the actual sample. This minimizes sample loss due to adhesion to the tip walls.
  10. Correct Holding Technique:
    • Hold the pipette correctly, typically by the handle or the body, to ensure stability and precision during aspiration and dispensing.
  11. Avoid Air Bubbles:
    • Be cautious to avoid trapping air bubbles in the pipette tip during aspiration. To prevent this, immerse the tip entirely in the liquid.
  12. Dispensing Technique:
    • When dispensing, touch the tip to the side of the receiving vessel to prevent liquid clinging to the tip.
  13. Use Speed Settings:
    • Many electronic pipettes allow you to adjust the aspirating and dispensing speeds. For viscous liquids, use slower speeds to prevent splashing or sample loss.
  14. Maintenance and Cleaning:
    • Regularly clean and maintain your electronic pipettes according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This includes cleaning the exterior, as well as checking for wear and tear on the pipette and tips.
  15. Avoid Contamination:
    • To prevent cross-contamination between samples, use a fresh tip for each aspiration. Additionally, use disposable barrier filters or filter tips when working with volatile or infectious materials. After use, you can hang it upright on the pipette holder, but be careful not to drop it. When there is liquid in the pipette tip, do not place the pipette horizontally or upside down, otherwise, the liquid backflow will corrode the use of the piston spring pipette.
  16. Work on a Level Surface:
    • Ensure that your work surface is level and stable to prevent unintentional pipette tip contact with the vessel’s sidewalls.
  17. Volume Adjustment:
    • If your pipette allows volume adjustment, double-check that the volume setting matches the desired volume before pipetting.
  18. Safety Considerations:
    • Follow safety protocols when working with hazardous materials, and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
  19. Training:
    • Provide training to all users of electronic pipettes to ensure proper handling and prevent errors.
  20. Record Keeping:
    • Maintain detailed records of your pipetting activities, including volumes, dates, and sample information, for traceability and quality control.