Using a micropipette is pretty similar to using a standard pipette (also known as a "pipet"). The main difference between the two tools is that the micropipette measures a small volume of a liquid sample, usually measured in microliters.
“Aspiration” refers to the process of uptaking the liquid into your pipette. When aspirating, the micropipette should be held at 90 degrees. The vertical 90 degree aspirating angle ensures that the pipette tip does not touch or drag the inner walls of the liquid’s container, maintaining the accuracy of the volume being aspirated to prevent under or over-pipetting.
“Dispensing” refers to the process of forcing the liquid out of the pipette into another vessel. When dispensing, the micropipette should be held at 45 degrees, maintaining contact with the vessel wall. This promises an optimal flow of liquid out of the pipette into the receiving container
Here are some other helpful pointers:
- Remember to always pre-wet your pipette tip by aspirating and dispensing your liquid sample at least three times before beginning your pipetting procedure. This promises volume accuracy.
- Remember to aspirate and dispense liquids at eye level so you can accurately interpret the milliliters or microliters within each procedure.
- When aspirating, pay close attention to your immersion depth. The pipette tip should be immersed just below the surface of the liquid during sample aspiration to prevent air bubbles and promote accurate pipetting.
They might sound very specific, but focusing on these angles during your process ensures that a precise amount of liquid is drawn into the tip correctly and that all the liquid from the micropipette is fully dispensed without leaving residue in the tip or on the vessel wall of the micropipette. The residue left within a pipette means you probably didn’t dispense the desired volume of liquid you aspirated, resulting in inaccurate results.
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