If you're working in life science research, chances are you've used a pipette more times than you can count. But how confident are you in your pipetting technique?
Even the most experienced researchers can fall into bad habits or overlook small details that lead to big errors. In this post, we’ll walk through simple but powerful tips to help you and your team level up your pipetting game — because precision in every drop matters.
🎯 1. Start with the Right Tip
You wouldn’t run a marathon in the wrong size shoes, right? Same goes for pipette tips.
Make sure the tips you use are:
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Compatible with your pipette model (a tight seal is everything).
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Suited to your application — use filter tips for PCR or RNA work.
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Clean and uncontaminated — single-use means single-use for a reason!
💡 Pro tip: Don’t mix brands unless you've validated performance.
🧍♀️ 2. Posture, Angle, and Speed — They Matter More Than You Think
You may not realize it, but your body mechanics play a huge role in pipetting accuracy. Slouching or twisting your wrist can lead to strain — and skewed results.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
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Keep your wrist straight and relaxed.
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Hold the pipette vertically when aspirating, and at a 45° angle when dispensing.
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Use slow and steady aspiration — rushing causes air bubbles, especially with viscous liquids.
💧 3. The Art of Dispensing
Timing is everything. After aspirating, pause briefly (1–2 seconds) before dispensing — especially with small volumes.
When dispensing:
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Touch the tip to the wall of the receiving vessel for accuracy.
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Release smoothly, and don’t rush the second stop.
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For tricky volumes or sticky liquids, try reverse pipetting — it’s a game-changer.
🌡️ 4. Environmental Factors: The Invisible Influencers
Lab conditions aren’t always consistent — and your results can suffer.
Here’s how to minimize unwanted variables:
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Let your pipette, tips, and liquids equilibrate to room temperature.
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Avoid working next to air vents, heaters, or open windows.
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In high-precision tasks, pre-wet the tips (aspirate and dispense once before actual use).
📚 5. Train, Test, Repeat
Even seasoned researchers benefit from regular technique refreshers. That’s why some labs:
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Create internal pipetting SOPs or cheat sheets.
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Run annual training workshops for new hires and veterans alike.
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Use weighing tests to validate pipette performance and user consistency.
👩🔬 Tip: Make it a team thing. Compare techniques, share tips, and build good habits together.
💬 Final Thoughts
Pipetting is more than just a repetitive task — it’s a skill.
And like any skill, it can be honed, practiced, and improved. Whether you’re a junior researcher or a lab manager, investing in good liquid handling practices pays off in data quality, reproducibility, and your lab’s confidence in the results.