Pipetting Basics

Contents

Types of Micropipettors

Pipettors are made by many different manufacturers and thus all do not look the same. LearningĀ to correctly use one type of pipettor will provide you the knowledge to use others as they share the same method of distributing a small volumes. This lab will illustrate the Rainin PipetmanĀ® micropipettors.

The top of the plunger shows the pipettor size for the Pipetman models. Each pipettor has its own volume range and it is CRITICAL to use a pipettor only in its proper volume range. The ā€œP-numberā€ represents the maximum volume in Ī¼L that the pipettor can measure. Pipettors are more accurate in the upper part of their range. 20 Ī¼L should be measured with a P20 rather than with a P200. The fourĀ pipettor sizes (P10, P20, P200, P1000) used in our lab will measure from 1 Ī¼L – 1000 Ī¼L as shown below.

Correctly Adjusting the Pipettors

Gilson Pipetman pipetting ranges chart. Note that the P200 officially has a range from 50-200Ī¼l

Tutorial on Proper Usage

Pipetting sequence. Ensure the plunger is depressed outside of the liquid to displace air and avoid blowing bubbles into solution. Carefully draw the plunger up slowly and follow the liquid to avoid drawing air. Depress the plunger in destination tube to the first stop. Depress to the second stop if fluid remains in the tip to expel full volume.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEy_NGDfo_8

Rules for use of the micropipettors:

These are precision instruments which can easily be damaged. Treat them with respect and care. They are essential for your success in this course and shared amongst numerous students.

  1. Never measure higher or lower than the range of the pipettor allows.
    • an exception to this rule is the P200 labeled 50-200Ā Ī¼l.
    • while we have P100 pipettors for this range, they appear too similar to P20 that they are often confused
    • originally, P200 were labeled 20-200Ā Ī¼l and we know that the lower range is less precise on these
  2. Never turn the volume adjuster above or below this range indicated on the pipettor or you risk breaking the instrument.
  3. Never allow liquid to get into the micropipettor.
    • this causes contaminationĀ 
    • this weakens the seal on the o-rings and can damage them
  4. Never use the micropipettor without a tip.
  5. Never invert or lay down the micropipettor with liquid in the tip.
    • liquids will roll into the piston this way
  6. Never let the plunger snap back when filling or ejecting liquid.
  7. Never immerse the barrel in fluid.
    • this causes contaminationĀ 
  8. Never set the micropipettor on the edge of the bench; this may result in the micropipettor falling or being knocked onto the floor.

Exercise: Pipetting Practice

  1. Prepare seven dye mixtures as illustrated in the table below.
    1. One student mix samples in column A and a second mixes in column C
    2. Column B is left empty and used if one student makes a mistake
  2. Each dye mixture prepared in the first well to reach a total volume of 45 Ī¼l.
  3. Pipet 10 Ī¼l in triplicate from each well of the mixingĀ plate into the center of the appropriate circles on the target card

pipetting