micropipetteaspiration

Micropipette aspiration is a laboratory technique used to transfer very small volumes of liquid, typically in the microliter range. This method is crucial in fields such as molecular biology, genetics, and cell culture where precise handling of minute quantities is essential. A micropipette consists of a disposable plastic tip designed to hold the liquid and a plunger mechanism that controls the volume aspirated.

The process begins with selecting a micropipette calibrated to the desired volume range. A sterile, disposable tip is then attached firmly to the pipette. Before aspiration, the plunger is pressed down to the first stop. The pipette tip is then immersed into the liquid to be transferred. Slowly releasing the plunger draws the liquid into the tip. When dispensing, the plunger is pressed to the first stop to expel most of the liquid, and then to the second stop to ensure complete expulsion. The used tip is then discarded.

Accuracy and precision in micropipette aspiration are influenced by factors such as air bubbles, temperature, and the viscosity of the liquid. Proper training and adherence to standardized protocols are vital to minimize errors. This technique is widely used for tasks like DNA extraction, PCR reaction setup, and dispensing reagents in microplates.