MICROPIPETTING

Presentation by Kaylene Chavez

SBL 311 03 – Teaching Biology
Lesson Objectives

■ By the end of this lesson, students will understand what the purpose of a
micropipette is and how to use one.
■ By the end of this lesson, students will be able to differentiate between
different micropipette sizes and know how to set each to the desired
volume.
What is a micropipette?
■ A laboratory instrument that is used to transfer small
amounts of liquid
■ Different sizes:
– P20: 2-20 uL
– P200: 20-200 uL
– P1000: 100-1000 uL
■ Require specific pipette tips for each size micropipette
■ Plunger button
■ Tip ejector
What is the purpose of a micropipette?

■ Measurement of small quantities of liquid

■ Essential for certain laboratory tasks
■ Cell biology and microbiology
■ Chemistry, biology, forensics, pharmaceuticals, and drug
discovery labs
How is a micropipette used?
Class Question:

What are some of the most important

takeaways from the video?
Steps for Micropipetting:
1. Decide which micropipette you need to use for the amount of liquid you
want to transfer. Set the micropipette to the desired quantity.
2. Open the tip box and put the correctly sized tip on the micropipette. Close
the lid immediately.
3. Press the plunger button to the first stop.
4. Insert the tip into your liquid and slowly release your finger from the button.
5. Remove the tip from the liquid.
6. Insert the tip into the container you want to transfer the liquid to.
7. Press the plunger button to the second stop.
8. Remove the tip from the container and release your finger from the button.
Common Mistakes with a Micropipette

■ Inverting the micropipette (usually unintentionally)

■ Aspirating into the micropipette
■ Turning the vial past or below its volume range
■ Jamming the pipette tip into the micropipette
Micropipetting Practice

■ Remember to think about which micropipette you should use for each quantity of liquid.
You will often need to switch between different micropipettes and use new tips each
time.
■ Well 1: 320 uL of water
■ Well 2: 54 uL of colored-water
■ Well 3: 127 uL of water
■ Well 4: 13.5 uL of colored water
■ Well 5: 6.0 uL of water
To Review…

■ A micropipette is a laboratory instrument used to transfer small amount

of liquid. The amount of liquid is measured in uL (smaller than a mL).
■ Remember to make sure you have the correct micropipette size for the
amount of liquid you want to transfer. Also, remember to set the
micropipette to the correct quantity. If you are unsure, please ask!
■ Remember to keep the micropipette oriented correctly so you do not
damage the instrument.
Any Questions?
Sources

■ Pipette.com. (2017). Using a Micropipette in Your Laboratory.

Pipette.com. https://solutions.pipette.com/micropipette/