Accurately measure and transfer small amounts of liquid
Volumes commonly range from 0.5 – 2000 L (1/millionth of a liter aka 10 -6 )
2-20 L in lab today
In a P20, the top number refers to 10’s of μl, the middle number refers to μl’s and the bottom number refers to 1/10ths of μl.
Never draw liquid directly into shaft of the pipette – ALWAYS HAVE A YELLOW PLASTIC TIP IN PLACE
Firmly press the micropipette shaft straight down onto a plastic tip
When finished with the tip press the ejector button to remove the disposable tip
There are two stops Depress the plunger to the 1st stop With tip held vertically in liquid slowly
allow plunger to rise back to the release position to draw to up correct volume
To dispense slowly depress to the 1st stop, pause a second, depress to 2nd stop – plunger is flush with top of shaft – withdraw the tip without releasing the plunger
Place tip below the surface but not all the way to the bottom
Using Micropipettes Set pipette volume only within the range specified for that micropipette.
Do not attempt to set a volume beyond the pipette's minimum or maximum values. This will damage the micrometer gears!
When using a micropipette, first apply a tip. Forgetting to do this would ruin the precision piston that measures fluid volume.
Always keep a micropipette in a vertical position when there is fluid in the tip. Do not allow liquid to accidentally run back into the piston.
Use your thumb to control the speed at which the plunger rises after taking up or ejecting fluid. Letting it snap back damages the piston!
There should be no snapping noises.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDadjDRl-Vg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h06rz8rcZpw