Common Mistakes When Using Variable Volume Pipettes

In the world of scientific research, accuracy is the difference between a breakthrough and a failed experiment. While variable volume pipettes are designed to provide flexibility and precision, human error can quickly compromise your results.

Whether you are a seasoned researcher or a student using your first pipette starter kit, avoiding these common pitfalls will ensure your data remains reliable.

1. Dialing Outside the Volume Range

One of the most frequent mistakes is trying to "push" a variable volume pipette beyond its stated limits. If a pipette is rated for 20–200 µL, cranking the dial to 205 µL won't give you a larger volume—it will likely damage the internal piston and throw the calibration off entirely. Always stay within the manufacturer’s specified range.

2. Ignoring the Pipette Angle

For maximum accuracy, a pipette should be held vertically (at a 90° angle) during aspiration. Tilting the pipette even by 20 degrees can cause more liquid to enter the tip than intended due to changes in hydrostatic pressure. When dispensing, however, a 45° angle against the vessel wall is the gold standard for a clean delivery.

3. Skipping the Pre-Wetting Step

Many users don't realize that the air inside a pipette tip can cause evaporation, leading to lower delivered volumes. By aspirating and dispensing the liquid 2–3 times before the actual transfer, you humidify the "dead air" space. This is especially critical when using the best multichannel pipette for high-throughput assays, where consistency across all channels is paramount.

4. Poor Tip Fit and Selection

Using "universal" tips that don't quite fit can lead to air leaks, which are responsible for up to 50% of volume errors. High-quality variable volume pipettes work best when paired with matched tips. Investing in a comprehensive pipette starter kit often ensures you have the exact tip-to-pipette compatibility needed for airtight seals.

5. Releasing the Plunger Too Quickly

Pipetting is not a race. Snapping the plunger up creates turbulence and splashes liquid into the pipette shaft, leading to cross-contamination and internal corrosion. Slow, steady movements ensure the liquid levels off correctly.

Upgrade Your Precision

Avoiding these mistakes is easier when you have the right tools. Microlit offers world-class liquid handling solutions designed with ergonomics and accuracy in mind.

Explore the Microlit Pipette Sets and Kits to find the perfect pipette starter kit or the best multichannel pipette for your lab. Our ISO-certified instruments help you eliminate errors and focus on what matters most: your science.

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