Precautions for Selection and Use of Workstation Pipette Tips

In biological laboratories and pharmaceutical R&D, workstation pipette tips are commonly used as experimental tools, and their proper selection and use are crucial to the accuracy and reliability of experimental results. In this article, we will discuss in detail the selection criteria and precautions for the use of workstation pipette tips to help laboratory personnel better master this experimental technique.

Selection of Pipette Tips 

First, when choosing a workstation pipette tip, you need to consider its material, specifications and compatibility. Common materials for pipette tips include polypropylene and polyethylene, which have good chemical stability and biocompatibility and can meet most experimental needs. In terms of specifications, the capacity of the pipette tip should be selected according to the experimental needs, and there are usually models with different capacities, such as 1 ml, 0.5 ml, 0.25 ml, and 0.1 ml. The tips also need to be compatible with the pipette or workstation to ensure good operational performance and accuracy.

Use of Workstation Tips 

When using a workstation pipette tip, you need to pay attention to the following points

Installation and Inspection

Ensure that the pipette or workstation is in a clean, dry condition before installing the tips. When mounting, gently rotate the tip to ensure that it is tightly secured to the pipette. After installation, the tips should be checked to make sure they are secure to avoid dislodging or leaking during the experiment.

Pre-washing and Calibration

Before using a new pipette tip, it is recommended to perform a pre-washing operation to remove impurities and contaminants from the surface of the pipette tip. At the same time, for experiments that require precise dosing, pipettes need to be calibrated to ensure the accuracy of the pipette volume.

Pipetting and Dispensing

During pipetting, keep the pipette stable and avoid shaking or tilting. At the same time, pay attention to control the aspiration speed to avoid too fast or too slow resulting in inaccurate aspiration volume. When draining the liquid, it is also important to maintain a stable operation to ensure that the liquid can be transferred accurately and completely into the target container.

Cleaning and Maintenance

After the experiment, the tips and pipettes should be cleaned in time to avoid the effect of residues on the next experiment. When cleaning, appropriate detergent or alcohol can be used for sterilization. In addition, pipettes and tips should be maintained and inspected regularly to ensure stable, accurate and reliable performance.

Precautions

In addition to the above precautions for use, the experimenter needs to pay attention to the following points: 

Avoiding cross-contamination

When performing different experiments or handling different samples, the tips should be replaced with new ones to avoid the occurrence of cross-contamination.

Pay attention to the operation norms

Experimenters should strictly abide by the operation norms and safety requirements of the laboratory to avoid accidents or incidents during operation.

Storage and Custody

The tips should be stored in a dry and clean environment, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature. Pipette tips that have not been used for a long time should be checked regularly for performance and quality to ensure that they are in good condition.

Conclusion

In short, from the selection of the pipette tip to the use of every link can not be ignored. Only comprehensive consideration of various factors can ensure the accurate transfer of liquid during the experiment, so as to obtain reliable and accurate experimental results. This is vital not only for scientific research, but also for areas such as clinical diagnosis and drug development. Therefore, every experimental operator should pay attention to the correct selection and use of pipette tips to ensure that every step of the operation is accurate.