Reminders when using the Micropipette

1. Reminders when using the Micropipette • Always keep the micropipette in a vertical position when there is fluid in the barrel so the liquid will not run back into the barrel. • Set the desired volume before getting a tip. Never attempt to set a volume beyond the pipette's minimum or maximum values. • Always change tips for each new solution you need to pipette. • Avoid contamination. Never touch a tip and keep tips from touching lab bench. • The plunger has two stops. The first stop is for drawing up the desired volume of liquid and the second stop is for completely dispensing the sample. • Look at the liquid in your tip. If there are air bubbles, try again! • Do not allow the top of the micropipette tip to be completely submerged into any of the solutions. • After dispensing the sample into its container, keep the plunger depressed until the tip is completely out of the container. • Do not leave the micropipette standing in a solution to avoid spilling the solution. • If you are mixing together two different liquids, always add the smallest volume last. Institute for Systems Biology & Bellevue School District