Pipetting is a fundamental laboratory skill, but even minor errors can lead to inaccurate results. Whether you’re working with aqueous solutions or challenging liquids, following best practices ensures precision, reliability, and repeatability. Here’s how to refine your pipetting technique in 10 simple steps.
Choose the Right Pipette and Tip
1. Optimum Volume Range
For the highest precision, use the upper volume range of the pipette. If dispensing less than 30% of the nominal volume, switch to a smaller pipette for better accuracy.
2. Ensure a Secure Tip Fit
A leak-proof seal is essential for accurate pipetting. Always ensure the tip is firmly attached, and for the best results, use original manufacturer tips designed for your pipette.
Prepare for Accurate Pipetting
3. Temperature Equalisation
Pipettes, tips, and liquids should be at the same temperature to prevent errors caused by thermal expansion. Allow at least two hours for temperature equalisation to ambient conditions.
4. Pre-Wet the Air Cushion
Before pipetting, aspirate and dispense the liquid once or twice to pre-wet the tip’s air cushion. This minimises evaporation effects and ensures more consistent volumes.
Mastering Volume Aspiration
5. Maintain the Correct Immersion Angle
When aspirating liquid, hold the pipette within 10° of vertical to prevent variations in liquid uptake.
6. Use the Proper Immersion Depth
• Up to 1000 µL: Immerse the tip about 2 mm below the liquid surface.
• Above 1000 µL: Use an immersion depth of 3–6 mm to ensure proper aspiration.
7. Allow a Waiting Period
After drawing up liquid, pause briefly to allow the liquid to settle:
• Up to 1000 µL: Wait at least 1 second.
• Above 1000 µL: Wait 3 seconds to ensure full aspiration.
Dispensing Liquid with Precision
8. Touch Off the Tip for Complete Dispensing
After dispensing, wipe the tip against the vessel wall over a length of 8–10 mm. This ensures that no residual liquid remains in the tip.
Perfecting Pipetting Technique
9. Maintain a Consistent Pipetting Rhythm
A steady and uniform rhythm ensures repeatable results. Use consistent force, speed, and timing when pressing the pipette plunger.
Tip: Electronic pipettes reduce user variability and improve reproducibility.
10. Select the Right Pipetting Mode
• Forward pipetting: Best for aqueous solutions.
• Reverse pipetting: Ideal for viscous, foamy, or volatile liquids, improving accuracy for difficult samples.
By mastering these key steps, you’ll enhance your pipetting precision and ensure consistent results in your lab. Whether handling routine samples or challenging liquids, proper technique is essential for reliable science.
Looking to upgrade your pipetting workflow? Check out our wide range of BRAND pipettes, including mechanical pipettes, electronic pipettes, and repetitive pipettes, designed for precision, ease of use, and reliability.
Or discover the full range of BRAND liquid handling solutions today!
This article is based on guidelines provided by BRAND. For the original document and more detailed information, please refer to BRAND's official handout: 10 Steps to Becoming a Pipetting Pro.