Making pipetting personal

Mechanical pipettes are the workhorses of the lab, with scientists spending an average of two hours pipetting every single day [1]. Across each experiment, day in and day out, your pipette needs to deliver precise volumes of varying liquid types. We ask a lot of our pipettes and pipette tips, and many simply aren’t up to the job. Experiencing inconsistent or inaccurate pipetting is common, and can cause a whole range of problems in the lab. Lack of accuracy and precision – of even just a few microliters – can introduce error and reproducibility issues into your experiments. This could affect the reliability of your results, risking false conclusions and the need for repeated work, wasting precious time and samples.

Poor pipette ergonomics is another common issue. The repetitive action of aspirating and dispensing liquids, ejecting pipette tips, and switching between different volumes can inflict muscular fatigue during longer pipetting sessions. This can lead to repetitive stress injury (RSI) syndrome and other musculoskeletal disorders, which are common for those working long hours in the lab. In some studies, as many as 80% of lab technicians are reported to have musculoskeletal disorders, with pipetting being listed as a major risk factor [2].

Scientists shouldn’t have to deal with pipettes that harm their lab work or well-being. So, what is the best way to ensure precise, comfortable pipetting? This all comes down to the pipette and pipette tips you choose, and if the pipetting system can meet your specific needs.

How your pipetting can benefit from the
personal touch

Of course, there are several non-negotiable design elements for optimal pipetting performance. In terms of ergonomics, your pipette should be lightweight and well-balanced, with low tip attachment and ejection forces. Additional design elements, such as an ergonomic fingerhook and easy reachability of the top of the pipette button can further take the strain out of your pipetting. However, no two people’s hands are the same, so you need to make sure your pipette’s design is just right for you.

And it’s not just ergonomics to consider. Your pipetting requirements can vary hugely depending on the task at hand. For instance, some experiments require large, frequent volume changes. For this, faster volume adjustment settings can improve efficiency. On the other hand, some experiments require smaller volume changes, where easy one-handed volume adjustments are ideal to avoid muscular strain and help you work with less interruptions.

Your pipetting needs can also largely differ depending on the type of liquid used. When pipetting dense liquids, it can be extremely difficult to maintain accuracy, even when using the correct technique. This inaccuracy can be largely due to the pipette’s adjustment settings, as pipettes are calibrated for water by default. Pipetting liquids with higher density can therefore result in the aspiration of less liquid than expected, if the factory settings aren’t adjustable.

Accessories – including pipette labels – are also important in giving your pipette the personal touch. Most scientists will be familiar with writable label stickers that are stuck onto the side of the pipette. However, using these labels can come with downsides when it comes to cleaning the pipettes. These also mean that important details, like your name, lab, application and/or calibration date aren’t easy to modify, and so they often aren’t updated. The lack of personalization can make your pipette prone to being accidentally swapped with other users. Importantly, it may also mean that pipettes go long periods of time without calibration or servicing, leading to a loss of accuracy and precision.