Using a Micropipet

Bio-Rad Laboratories
16 Oct 201204:22
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis educational video script introduces the use of an adjustable micropipette, a vital tool in molecular biology labs for measuring and transferring small liquid volumes. It outlines the parts of the micropipette, including the plunger button, tip ejector, volume adjustment knob, and digital display. The script covers the volume ranges and types of tips available, and provides step-by-step instructions on setting the desired volume, attaching a tip, and accurately transferring samples. It emphasizes the importance of proper technique to ensure airtight seals and precise measurements, crucial for laboratory accuracy and efficiency.

Takeaways
  • 🧪 Micropipettes are essential tools in molecular biology labs for measuring and transferring small volumes of liquid.
  • 🔧 The main parts of a micropipette include the plunger button, tip ejector button, volume adjustment knob, digital display window, shaft, and ejector arm.
  • 📏 The volume range of a micropipette is indicated on the plunger button and covers ranges like 0.5-10, 2-20, 20-200, and 100-1000 microlitres.
  • 🔢 The two numbers on the pipette represent the range within which it can measure volumes accurately.
  • 💧 The first step is to ensure the correct size and type of tip is used for the samples being transferred.
  • 📍 General pipetting tips come in three standard sizes and are color-coded to match the pipette's volume range.
  • 🛡️ Specialized tips like aerosol barrier tips with a sterile filter and protein gel loading tips are available for specific purposes.
  • ⚙️ To set the volume, turn the volume adjustment knob until the desired volume appears in the digital display window.
  • 📉 The volume is read from top to bottom, with the bottom digit in red indicating tenths of a microlitre.
  • 🚫 Ensure a good airtight seal between the pipette and the tip by applying gentle but firm pressure.
  • 🔬 To obtain a sample, press the plunger button to the first stop and hold it while placing the tip into the sample tube.
  • 💉 To transfer the sample, release the plunger button slowly and then depress it again to the second stop for complete dispensing.
Q & A

  • What is the primary purpose of an adjustable micropipette in a molecular biology laboratory?

    -An adjustable micropipette is used to measure and transfer small volumes of liquid in a molecular biology laboratory.

  • What are the main parts of a micropipette mentioned in the script?

    -The main parts of a micropipette include the plunger button, tip ejector button, volume adjustment knob, digital display window, shaft, ejector arm, and a disposable pipette tip.

  • Where can the volume range of a micropipette be found?

    -The volume range for a micropipette can be found on the top of the plunger button.

  • What are the most commonly used ranges for micropipettes?

    -The most commonly used ranges for micropipettes include 0.5 to 10 microlitres, 2 to 20 microlitres, 20 to 200 microlitres, and 100 to 1,000 microlitres.

  • What do the two numbers on a micropipette indicate?

    -The two numbers indicate the range between which the pipette can measure with accuracy.

  • What is the first step in using a micropipette?

    -The first step in using a micropipette is to ensure you are using the correct size and type of tip for the samples you will be transferring.

  • What are the three standard sizes of tips for general pipetting?

    -The three standard sizes of tips for general pipetting are 0.5 to 10 microlitres, 2 to 20 microlitres, and 20 to 200 microlitres.

  • What are specialized tips used for and what are some examples?

    -Specialized tips are made for a variety of purposes, such as aerosol barrier tips with a sterile filter to prevent contamination, and protein gel loading pipette tips designed with a narrow tip to slide easily between mini vertical acrylamide gel plates.

  • How do you set the volume on a micropipette?

    -To set the volume on a micropipette, you simply turn the volume adjustment knob until the desired volume appears in the digital display window.

  • What is the significance of the 'soft stop' and 'hard stop' on the plunger button?

    -The 'soft stop' is the calibrated measurement, and if you continue pressing from there, you will reach a 'hard stop', which is used to aid in dispensing liquid completely out of the tip by providing a little burst of air.

  • How should you hold the micropipette when obtaining a sample?

    -When obtaining a sample, you should hold the micropipette with your fingers wrapped around it, with your thumb on the plunger button.

  • What is the correct procedure for withdrawing a sample using a micropipette?

    -To withdraw a sample, press the plunger button to the first stop and hold it there as you place the pipette tip into the tube. Then, withdraw the sample by slowly releasing the plunger button.

  • How should you transfer a sample using a micropipette?

    -To transfer a sample, place the micropipette tip into a fresh microtube, slowly depress the plunger button, pausing at the first stop, then continue depressing until the second stop.

  • What should you do after removing the micropipette tip from the microtube?

    -After removing the micropipette tip from the microtube, you can release the plunger button.

Outlines
00:00
🧪 Introduction to Adjustable Micropipettes

This paragraph introduces the adjustable micropipette, a vital tool in molecular biology labs for measuring and transferring small liquid volumes. It describes the parts of the micropipette, including the plunger button, tip ejector button, volume adjustment knob, digital display window, shaft, and ejector arm. The paragraph also explains the volume range typically found on the top of the plunger button and the most commonly used ranges for micropipettes. It emphasizes the importance of selecting the correct tip size and type for specific samples and mentions specialized tips like aerosol barrier tips and protein gel loading pipette tips.

🔢 Setting the Correct Volume on a Micropipette

The second paragraph focuses on the process of setting the correct volume on a micropipette. It instructs users to turn the volume adjustment knob until the desired volume is displayed on the digital window. The explanation includes how to read the volume, with a specific example of setting a 2 to 20 microlitre pipette to measure 6 microlitres. The paragraph also details the importance of creating an airtight seal by gently but firmly placing a disposable tip onto the pipette before use.

💧 Using the Micropipette to Transfer Samples

This paragraph outlines the steps for using a micropipette to transfer samples. It describes how to press the plunger button to the first stop (soft stop) for calibrated measurement and the use of the second stop (hard stop) to dispense liquid completely. The process includes placing the pipette tip into the sample tube near the bottom, withdrawing the sample by releasing the plunger button, and transferring it into a fresh microtube. The paragraph concludes with instructions on how to remove the tip from the microtube and release the plunger button after the transfer is complete.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Micropipette
A micropipette is a precision instrument used in laboratories to accurately measure and transfer very small volumes of liquid. In the context of the video, it is a crucial tool in a molecular biology lab, essential for tasks such as pipetting reagents or samples. The video emphasizes its adjustable nature, allowing for different volume ranges to be measured.
💡Volume Adjustment Knob
The volume adjustment knob is a part of the micropipette used to set the exact volume of liquid that needs to be transferred. It is a critical component as it determines the precision of the measurement. In the script, it is mentioned that one simply turns this knob until the desired volume appears in the digital display window.
💡Digital Display Window
The digital display window is where the selected volume for the micropipette is shown. It is an important feature as it provides a visual confirmation of the volume set by the user. The script illustrates this by describing how the bottom digit in red indicates tenths of a microliter, which is crucial for precise measurements.
💡Plunger Button
The plunger button is used to fill and dispense samples with the micropipette. It has two stops: a soft stop for the calibrated measurement and a hard stop to aid in dispensing liquid completely out of the tip. The script describes the process of pressing the plunger button to the first stop to withdraw the sample and then to the second stop for complete dispensing.
💡Tip Ejector Button
The tip ejector button is used to remove used tips from the micropipette. This is an important step in maintaining hygiene and preventing cross-contamination in the laboratory. The script mentions its use after the sample has been dispensed, indicating its role in the process of using a micropipette.
💡Disposable Pipette Tip
A disposable pipette tip is a single-use attachment for the micropipette that comes in contact with the liquid being transferred. It is essential for preventing contamination and ensuring sample integrity. The script emphasizes the importance of applying gentle but firm pressure when attaching the tip to the pipette to ensure an airtight seal.
💡Volume Range
The volume range of a micropipette refers to the capacity within which the device can accurately measure and transfer liquids. The script lists common ranges such as 0.5 to 10 microliters, 2 to 20 microliters, 20 to 200 microliters, and 100 to 1,000 microliters, indicating the versatility of micropipettes for different laboratory needs.
💡Aerosol Barrier Tips
Aerosol barrier tips are specialized disposable pipette tips that feature a sterile filter. They are designed to prevent contamination from aerosols during the pipetting process, which is particularly important when handling sensitive or potentially hazardous samples. The script mentions these as an example of specialized tips, highlighting the various types available for different purposes.
💡Protein Gel Loading Pipette Tips
Protein gel loading pipette tips are a type of specialized tip designed with a narrow end to facilitate the easy transfer of samples into narrow spaces, such as between mini vertical acrylamide gel plates. This specificity is important for applications like gel electrophoresis, where precision in sample application is crucial. The script briefly mentions these tips as an example of specialized pipette tips.
💡Soft Stop and Hard Stop
The soft stop and hard stop refer to the two different positions of the plunger button on the micropipette. The soft stop is the calibrated measurement point, ensuring accuracy in volume, while the hard stop is used to help dispense liquid completely from the tip by providing a burst of air. The script describes the process of using these stops during the pipetting procedure.
💡Contamination
Contamination refers to the presence of unwanted substances or organisms that can compromise the integrity of a sample or experiment. In the context of the video, the use of disposable tips and specialized tips like the aerosol barrier tips is emphasized to prevent contamination. The script highlights the importance of maintaining a sterile environment in a molecular biology laboratory.
Highlights

Micropipettes are essential tools in molecular biology labs for measuring and transferring small liquid volumes.

An adjustable micropipette consists of a plunger button, tip ejector button, volume adjustment knob, digital display, shaft, ejector arm, and disposable pipette tip.

The volume range of a micropipette is indicated on the top of the plunger button.

Common volume ranges for micropipettes are 0.5-10, 2-20, 20-200, and 100-1000 microlitres.

Tips come in three standard sizes for general pipetting and are designed for specific purposes like aerosol barrier tips and protein gel loading tips.

Before using a tip, set the pipette to the desired volume using the volume adjustment knob.

The digital display window shows the selected volume, with the bottom digit in red indicating tenths of a microlitre.

To obtain a sample, press the plunger button to the first stop and hold it while placing the tip into the sample tube.

Withdraw the sample by slowly releasing the plunger button to complete the transfer.

Dispense the liquid by depressing the plunger button, pausing at the first stop, then continuing to the second stop.

When removing the micropipette tip from the micro tube, hold the plunger button down to prevent spillage.

The plunger has two stops; the soft stop is for calibrated measurement, and the hard stop aids in dispensing liquid completely.

Ensure a good airtight seal between the pipette and the tip by applying gentle but firm pressure.

Specialised tips are available for various purposes, enhancing the versatility of micropipettes in different laboratory applications.

The ejector arm is used to jet used tips, maintaining hygiene and safety in the lab.

Proper handling of the micropipette is crucial for accurate measurement and transfer of samples.

Using the correct size and type of tip is essential for the specific samples being transferred.

The process of using a micropipette involves careful calibration, precise control, and attention to hygiene.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

How to Use a Micropipette

Using a Micropipette - University of Leicester

How to Pipette in 5 Simple Steps | Pipetting Tutorials | Ep. 1: Micropipettes

Technique: Using Serological Pipette

How to Set & Read Micropipettes

How to use a burette

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
Micropipette UseLaboratory ToolsVolume MeasurementLiquid TransferMolecular BiologyLab TechniquesAdjustable PipetteSample HandlingContamination ControlLab SafetyTechnical Tutorial