aliquotering

Aliquotering, also spelled aliquoting, is the laboratory practice of dividing a larger sample into one or more smaller, precisely measured portions called aliquots. Each aliquot is intended to be representative of the parent sample and suitable for separate analysis or storage without further alteration of the original material. The term aliquot comes from Latin aliquot, meaning “some.”

The method is used to preserve sample integrity, enable multiple analyses, and reduce the impact of storage or handling on the remaining material. It is common in chemistry, biology, clinical laboratories, biobanking, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Aliquoting supports parallel testing, inventory management, and long-term storage while minimizing repeated handling of the original sample.

Typical practice involves calibrated pipettes or automated dispensers to deliver equal volumes, transferring to labeled containers such as microcentrifuge tubes or cryovials. Containers are sealed and stored under appropriate conditions (refrigerated or frozen) to maintain stability. Emphasis is placed on aseptic technique, accurate labeling, traceability, and minimizing exposure to the environment to avoid contamination or degradation. It is important to avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles, especially for biological samples, and to document the origin, volume, concentration, and storage location of each aliquot.

Quality considerations include uniform aliquot size, ensuring sample homogeneity, preventing cross-contamination, and using compatible container materials. Aliquoting is a standard concept across scientific disciplines, with the noun form “an aliquot” referring to a single portion derived from the original sample.