How do you use a Micropipette? A step-by-step guide!

Summary

In this video, Jayme Dyer introduces the micropipette, an essential tool in molecular biology labs for transferring tiny liquid volumes. She explains the different sizes available (p20, p200, p1000), how to set the volume, and the importance of using clean tips to avoid contamination. Jayme also highlights the technique of using the second stop on the plunger to ensure complete liquid transfer and emphasizes the need to eject used tips properly to prevent cross-contamination.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Micropipettes are essential tools in molecular biology labs for transferring tiny volumes of liquid.
• 📚 Scientific journals like Nature often feature research that utilizes micropipettes.
• 💧 Micropipettes are designed to transfer microliters of liquid, as opposed to pipettes that transfer milliliters.
• 🔢 They come in various sizes, such as p20, p200, and p1000, named after their maximum capacity.
• 👁️‍🗨️ The volume to be transferred is set on the micropipette using a dial, with units in microliters.
• ⚠️ For micropipettes with a range of 20 microliters or less, the volume display includes a decimal place, indicated by a red number.
• 🚫 Never set the volume above or below the micropipette's capacity to avoid damaging the tool.
• 💧 Micropipettes should not be placed directly into liquids; they require clean tips to hold the liquid.
• 🔑 Tips are color-coded and sized to fit specific micropipettes, and the correct fit is essential.
• 🔄 When dispensing liquid, push the plunger to the second stop to ensure all liquid is transferred out of the tip.
• 🗑️ After use, tips must be ejected using the ejection button and disposed of in an appropriate container to prevent contamination.

Q & A

What is the primary function of a micropipette?

A micropipette is used to transfer tiny volumes of liquid, specifically in microliters.

Why is the micropipette considered an essential tool in molecular biology labs?

It is essential because many research articles in scientific journals like Nature involve research that uses micropipettes for precise liquid transfers.

How does a micropipette differ from a regular pipette?

Micropipettes transfer microliters of liquid, whereas regular pipettes transfer milliliters.

What are the common ranges for micropipettes?

Common ranges include p20, p200, and p1000, which refer to the upper limit of the volume they can transfer.

Why can't you just look at the liquid level to determine the volume in a micropipette?

The volume transferred by micropipettes is too small to be accurately determined by just looking, so the volume must be set using a dial.

How do you set the volume on a micropipette?

You turn a dial on the micropipette, and the numbers shown indicate the set volume in microliters.

What does the extra number in red on the volume display of a micropipette signify?

The extra number in red represents decimals, indicating a smaller volume than the whole number alone would suggest.

Why is it important not to set the volume above or below a micropipette's range?

Setting the volume outside the micropipette's range can damage the instrument, which is expensive to replace.

What is the purpose of the tip used with a micropipette?

The tip holds the liquid and ensures that the transfer is clean and precise, preventing contamination.

How do you know which size tip fits a particular micropipette?

The tip size is often indicated by the color of the plunger or may be specified on the tip box, but ultimately, the correct size will fit properly.

What is the purpose of the second stop on the plunger of a micropipette?

The second stop ensures that all liquid is dispensed by pushing the plunger down further, leaving no residue in the tip.

Why should you never use the second stop to draw up liquid in a micropipette?

Using the second stop to draw up liquid can cause bubbles and inaccurate measurements.

How do you avoid contaminating a second liquid when transferring with a micropipette?

After transferring liquid, you should eject the used tip into an appropriate container and replace it with a new one before transferring another liquid.