If a pipette is set to your desired volume, is that the volume it will deliver? The answer depends on some factors that may not all be so obvious. The pipette and tip are a set that when not used together, don't perform to manufacturers specifications. This is due in part to the quality of the tip. Some tips are molded with poorly maintained molds and produce flash or irregularities in the tip. In addition, the fit of the tip can also have consequences on the accuracy of your dispensings. Loose fitting tips or tips that need to be forced onto your pipette sit at a different height than intended by some manufacturers and can also affect your results. Finally, the most crucial aspect is the solution itself. Pipettes are all calibrated to water, however many times the solution actually dispensed differs from water. These differences in viscosity can attribute to high error rates when pipetting. It is recommended that a pipette be recalibrated to deliver the solution you are working with accurately. For most pipettes, this is a chore but the Eppendorf Research plus pipette has a secondary adjustment feature. The secondary adjustment feature allows the user to make a quick adjustment for a particular liquid without sacrificing the pipette's calibration. When it comes to your results, don't take any chances.
By Jesse Cassidy, Eppendorf NA
Author: Jesse Cassidy
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