Top Tips for Maintaining Your Lab Pipetting Equipment
Proper maintenance of pipetting equipment is essential to ensure accuracy, longevity, and reliability in the lab. Neglecting routine care can result in measurement inaccuracies and even impact the success of experiments. In this guide, we’ll cover top maintenance tips to keep your pipetting equipment in optimal condition, allowing your lab to maintain precision and prevent costly equipment failures.
1. Clear Regularly
Frequent cleaning is a fundamental part of pipette maintenance. After each use, wipe down the exterior with a lint-free cloth and disinfectant. Internal cleaning should be performed periodically based on the volume of usage. For thorough cleaning, disassemble the pipette according to the manufacturer’s instructions, rinse components in distilled water, and allow them to dry before reassembling.
2. Inspect Pipette Tips for Seals
Regular inspection of pipette tips and seals is important for ensuring a tight, accurate fit. Worn-out seals or damaged tips can lead to volume inaccuracies, so replace tips frequently and check seals during each cleaning session. The Sorenson OneTouch Pipette Tips, designed for durability and precision, offer a reliable option for labs looking to maintain high accuracy.
3. Calibrate Your Pipettor Regularly
Pipette calibration is crucial for accuracy, particularly in high-precision labs. Calibration should be performed at least once every three months, and more frequently in labs that use pipettes heavily. During calibration, adjust the pipette to standard measurements and test volumes to ensure they match. Sequence Biotech offers calibration services and guidelines to help labs maintain accuracy and compliance.
4. Store Correctly
Proper storage is key to preventing wear and tear on pipetting equipment. Store pipettes in a vertical position on a dedicated pipette rack to avoid contamination or accidental damage. Ensure the storage area is clean and away from potential contaminants that might compromise the device’s performance.
5. Perform Regular Leak Tests
Leak tests help detect any issues with pipette seals or pistons, which could affect volume accuracy. Perform a leak test by filling the pipette with liquid, holding it vertically, and checking for any drops. If leaks are detected, inspect the pipette for worn parts or misalignment, and repair or replace components as necessary.
By following these maintenance tips, your lab can extend the life of its pipetting equipment, ensure consistent accuracy, and reduce downtime. Explore Sequence Biotech’s range of reliable pipetting products and calibration services to keep your equipment in top condition.