How to Use a Micropipette

1. SELECT the correct size micropipette for the volume you need. The number after the P gives you the MAX volume the pipette can transfer (e.g., P10, P20, P200, or P1000)
2. SET the micropipette to the appropriate volume by adjusting the dial.
Set the volume only within the range specified for that micropipette. It is only accurate in this range and damage occurs when it is set beyond the minimum or maximum.
Pipettes volumes will not turn around back to zero after turning to the highest number; the direction of rotation must be reversed to return to lower numbers.
3. PRESS a clean, disposable tip on the micropipette.
Use a new disposable tip every time you change solutions. Make sure you use the correct sized tip.
   The small tips are for the P10 ONLY. The P20 and P200 usually use the same medium size tips, but there are P20-specific tips as well. The large tips are for the P1000 only.
4. PRESS the plunger down to the first stop and hold.
Keep the micropipette in a vertical position when there is fluid in the tip. Failure to do this will cause liquid to enter the pipette and damage it.
5. INSERT the tip beneath the surface of the liquid.
Eye level pipetting allows you to see the liquid moving and ensures accuracy. Only put the tip in as far as necessary to pipette your desired volume.
6. TRANSFER liquid up into the micropipette tip by slowly releasing the plunger.
Control the speed at which the plunger rises with your thumb. Releasing the plunger too quickly will cause leakage or bubbles that will trap air and make the measurement inaccurate.
7. DISPENSE liquid by pressing the plunger to the first stop.
As you press, you will touch the tip to the inside wall of the reaction tube into which you want to unload the sample. This creates a tiny surface-tension effect, which helps the drop of fluid transfer from the tip to the tube.
8. EXPEL any remaining liquid by pressing the plunger to the second stop.
The second stop is used ONLY to push out any last remaining drops from the tip.
9. REMOVE the tip from the tube BEFORE releasing the plunger. Releasing the plunger too soon will suck up liquid from your sample, causing error.
10. DISCARD the tip by pressing the ejector button.