Maintaining pipette accuracy is crucial for obtaining reliable experimental results. However, questions like "When should I calibrate?" or "Why is my dispensing volume inconsistent?" are common daily concerns in the lab.
This article addresses frequently asked questions from researchers about pipettes, provides essential know-how for long-term accuracy, and introduces the support services available from WATSON BIO LAB.
Introduction: The Importance of Dispensing Accuracy
From cell culture and PCR to reagent preparation, the pipette plays a central role in nearly every step of life science research. Even minor variations in dispensing volume can significantly affect the reproducibility and reliability of your results, making the maintenance of pipette condition extremely important.
As you use your pipette daily, do you ever face these issues?
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Unsure of the right time to send in for calibration.
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The dispensed droplet size seems inconsistent lately.
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The plunger feels stiff, causing hand fatigue.
Let's resolve these concerns and support your experiments.
1. Q&A on Pipette "Calibration"
Pipette "Calibration" involves verifying that the pipette accurately dispenses the set volume and making adjustments when necessary.
Q1: How often should I calibrate my pipette?
A: While the required frequency depends on usage, handling, and the level of precision needed, annual calibration is generally recommended as a baseline.
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For High Frequency/High Precision Applications: Calibration every 3 to 6 months is advised. This is particularly important in environments like clinical testing or quality control where strict traceability is required.
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Daily In-House Checks: Even between professional service appointments, performing a simple gravimetric check (weighing dispensed distilled water) helps detect issues early.
Q2: Should I send my pipette to an external service, or can I calibrate it myself?
A: To ensure guaranteed accuracy and traceability, it is highly recommended that you rely on an accredited external service at least once a year.
Performing an "in-house check" should be limited to routine, daily verification. Professional external calibration is conducted using methods and equipment compliant with international standards (e.g., ISO), and a Calibration Certificate is issued.
💡 The Strength of WATSON BIO LAB: ISO-Compliant Calibration Services
WATSON provides highly accurate calibration services backed by the manufacturer's expertise. We issue ISO-compliant Calibration Certificates with assured traceability, allowing you to confidently meet the requirements of audits and quality control standards.
Q3: Why is the Calibration Certificate important?
A: The Calibration Certificate is a formal document objectively proving the accuracy of your measuring instrument and is crucial for several reasons:
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Audit Compliance: Recording pipette accuracy management is mandatory under quality management systems like ISO and GLP/GMP.
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Experiment Reliability: It serves as evidence that you are using an accuracy-guaranteed pipette, substantiating the reliability of your experimental results.
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Tracking Deterioration: Comparing current and past reports helps you track the pipette's performance decline over time, informing decisions about when to replace or overhaul the unit.
2. Q&A on Pipette "Loss of Accuracy and Malfunctions"
Here we explain the causes and solutions for common problems like "dispensing volume mismatch" and "loss of smooth operation."
Q4: Why is my dispensing volume inconsistent lately? (Causes of Accuracy Loss)
A: This is likely due to a combination of the following factors:
| Cause | Detail and Solution |
| Improper Tip Seating | Beyond just lightly pushing the tip, ensure it is firmly seated to the depth recommended by the manufacturer. Loose tips cause air leaks and inconsistent dispensing. |
| Seal Deterioration/Wear | If the seals or O-rings inside the dispensing mechanism wear out, airtightness is lost, and accuracy drops. This requires component replacement. |
| Ambient Temperature Changes | Large temperature differences between reagents, the pipette body, and the environment can alter liquid evaporation rates, causing errors, especially in micro-volume dispensing. Aim for a stable working temperature. |
| Improper Pipetting Technique | If the plunger is operated too quickly during aspiration or dispensing, liquid movement is unstable, reducing accuracy. Operate the button slowly and at a consistent speed. |
Q5: What should I do if the push button feels stiff or sluggish?
A: This is often caused by dirt around the plunger or lack of grease inside the mechanism.
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Simple Cleaning: Remove the shaft and carefully wipe away any reagents or dirt with water or a mild detergent.
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Regreasing: After cleaning, applying a small amount of recommended grease around the plunger and seals can restore smooth operation.
💡 The WATSON Advantage: Ease of Maintenance
WATSON pipettes are designed to allow researchers to easily perform routine disassembly, cleaning, and regreasing themselves. Regular maintenance ensures high accuracy is maintained over a longer period.
Q6: What are the precautions after autoclaving?
A: The high heat and pressure of autoclaving can stress pipette components. Even with autoclavable pipettes, pay attention to the following:
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Complete Drying: After autoclaving, allow the pipette to cool and dry completely before use. Residual moisture or heat can negatively affect accuracy.
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Choose Autoclavable Models: If high-temperature sterilization is required, choose an autoclavable model like the WATSON NEXTY-S, which uses special heat-resistant materials.
3. Daily Maintenance to Extend Your Pipette's Lifespan
A little daily effort can dramatically improve your pipette's lifespan and accuracy.
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Post-Use Cleaning: After dispensing acidic, alkaline, or viscous reagents, immediately wipe the exterior and shaft with ethanol or a mild cleaning solution.
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Correct Storage: Store your pipette on a pipette stand when not in use, rather than lying it down. Laying it horizontally increases the risk of liquid flowing back into the internal mechanism, causing contamination or malfunction.
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Setting for Long-Term Storage: When storing for an extended period, setting the dial to the maximum volume can strain the spring. Store it set to the minimum volume to prevent spring deterioration.
Conclusion: Total Support Provided by WATSON BIO LAB
Accurate experiments require not only a reliable pipette body but also the right consumables (tips), along with daily maintenance and periodic calibration.
WATSON BIO LAB offers the dependable accuracy of "Made in Japan" quality, coupled with specialized calibration and repair services to support researchers.
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