How to Use a Micropipettor A micropipettor is a precision instrument – expensive (about $200 each), easily broken. Good technique will let it work for a long time without any repairs.

Pipettors and Tips

General Rules KEEP UPRIGHT- store on rack when not in use. KEEP UPRIGHT- store on rack when not in use. Use smooth action – no snapping noises! Use smooth action – no snapping noises! Select the correct micropipettor for the job – Look on barrel to check size range. Select the correct micropipettor for the job – Look on barrel to check size range.

Getting ready to use the micropipettor After selecting the correct micropipettor, set it to the desired volume. Do not go above or below its range – this can break it! After selecting the correct micropipettor, set it to the desired volume. Do not go above or below its range – this can break it! Always put a tip on the pipette. There are different size tips for each size pipettor. Always put a tip on the pipette. There are different size tips for each size pipettor.

Scales on our Micropipettors White top:  L White top:  L Scale shows: Scale shows: 1  L 10  L 1  L 10  L

Scales on our Micropipettors Yellow top:  L Yellow top:  L Scale shows: Scale shows: 10  L 100  L 10  L 100  L

Scales on our Micropipettors Blue top:  L Blue top:  L Scale shows: Scale shows: 100  L 1000  L 100  L 1000  L

Using It To draw up sample: depress to first stop, immerse tip in liquid, release slowly and liquid will be drawn into tip. No snapping noise. Pause. To draw up sample: depress to first stop, immerse tip in liquid, release slowly and liquid will be drawn into tip. No snapping noise. Pause. Withdraw tip – pull pipette straight out. Withdraw tip – pull pipette straight out. To deliver: insert tip into container, depress push-button to first stop, pause 1 sec, then depress to second stop – pause 1 sec. To deliver: insert tip into container, depress push-button to first stop, pause 1 sec, then depress to second stop – pause 1 sec.

Fine Points on this process Prewet tip: aspirate and expel 3 X for accurate delivery of desired volume Prewet tip: aspirate and expel 3 X for accurate delivery of desired volume Immerse tip about 2-6 mm below top of liquid – stay clear of sides and bottom of container so you don’t restrict uptake of your liquid sample Immerse tip about 2-6 mm below top of liquid – stay clear of sides and bottom of container so you don’t restrict uptake of your liquid sample Use fresh tip for every sample of a different composition Use fresh tip for every sample of a different composition