Micropipettes

1. Micropipettes Measuring volumes which are what we scientists call “very, very small”

3. MICROPIPETTE RULES • Don’t set the pipettes past their intended range (high or low), even though you can – set the pipette volume only within the range specified for that micropipette • P-20 range is 2 – 20 ul • P-100 range is 20 – 100 ul • P-200 range is 20 – 200 ul • P-1000 range is 200 – 1000 ul

4. When using a micropipette, first apply a tip. • Check to be sure the tip is on securely. • Only open the tip box when getting a tip – DON’T LEAVE IT OPEN!

5. NEVER hold pipette so that the tip is higher than the handle or liquid leaks into the barrel (BAD!) • Always hold pipettes vertically • when in use.

6. Feel the stops before you begin taking up or dispensing any liquid. 1st stop: Exact volume to which the pipette is set. Press to this stop before immersing pipette tip in the desired solution. 2nd stop: Use when dispensing solution. Pushes an extra volume of air to dislodge any solution adhering to the tip.

7. How to pipette

8. Extract and dispense SLOWLY. • When taking up or dispensing • liquid, don’t put the tip any deeper • into the liquid than necessary. • When dispensing, touch the tip • to the side or bottom of the tube, • or if there is liquid already in the • tube, touch the tip to the liquid.

9. Mid-range: 2 - 20 µL 10 -100 µL 20 - 200 µL Range is printed on the button or on the side Use medium sized yellow tips

10. We will be using P-20 and P-200 pipettes P-20 has a range of 2 - 20 µL Digits represent Tens (10’s) Ones (1’s) Tenths (1/10’s)

11. 10 -100 µL This pipette is set to its maximum: 100 µL Digits represent: 100’s 10’s 1’s

12. High Range: 200-1000 µL Use large blue tips Digits from top to bottom represent: 1000’s 100’s 10’s The 1’s are indicated by the tiny white tick marks in the dial with the 10’s. Marks are in increments of 2 µL This pipette is set to 1000 µL

13. This pipette is set to 990 µL