Brush Up on the Basics of Pipette Calibration
If you’re reading this article about brushing up on the basics of pipette calibration, it’s clear that you recognize the importance of keeping yourself sharp in the calibration lab. In this post, we have outlined what you need to know about the basics of proper calibration, from maintaining your equipment to proper preparation to the importance of metrology-driven calibration.
The basics of pipette calibration can be broken into three categories:
1. Equipment
· Balance measurements
· Evaporation trap
· E2 class weight
· Vibration free table
· Thermometers
· Distilled water
· Calibration software
2. Preparation
· Pipette, tips, water should be same temperature
· Check balance internally and externally
· Place E2 class weight on balance pan
· Fill weighing vessel to 3mm
· Place vessel onto weighing pan
3. Calibration
· Set volume to be tested (max first)
· Pre-wet the tip 5 times
· Hold pipette vertically
· Perform aspiration and dispensing cycles
· Angle pipette 30-45 degrees against vessel for dispensing
· Read results from calibration software
This list is an excellent guideline for every kind of lab technician, whether you have 20 years of experience or you’re just starting out as an intern. And here are some resources if you’re looking for more information about keeping your mind, pipetting techniques, and work sharp:
· Pipetting Best Practices
· Accuracy Matters Blog
· Pipettes.com You.Tube how-to videos
