Working As A Lab Assistant? How To Care For Your Pipettes
If you're going to be working as a lab assistant, it's important that you familiarize yourself with the proper care of the pipettes. Unlike the disposable pipettes that you used in high school, or even in your undergrad college courses, the pipettes that will be used in the research lab are durable, and made to last. They're also made to be given proper care. Now that you'll be working as a lab assistant, you'll be spending a good portion of your day ensuring that the lab equipment is clean and ready for use. If you're not sure how to care for the pipettes, here's a quick list of instructions for you:
Keep Your Pipettes Contaminant-Free
The pipettes are going to be used all day long in the lab, so you'll need to make sure they stay contaminant-free, particularly the outside of the pipettes. You'll begin by placing one pipette in a sterile tray and wiping the outside of it off with a decontamination solution. Be sure to clean the entire exterior of the pipette. Once it's been thoroughly wiped down, dry it off with a clean, lint-free cloth. Repeat the procedure on each of your pipettes. You'll want to wipe down the exterior of the pipettes at least once a day. More often if the pipettes become contaminated.
Keep an Eye on the Appearance of Your Pipettes
While you're cleaning the exterior of the pipettes, you'll want to pay close attention to their appearance. If your pipettes begin to look worn out and damaged, you'll need to replace them as soon as possible. While you're inspecting your pipettes, look at the following areas. First, look at the plunger to make sure that it's straight. It should also be free of cracks. Next, the measurement window should be clean, clear, and properly adjusted. The nose cone should be clear and free of cracks and damage. Finally, the body and tip of the pipette should also be clean, clear, and free of damage or defects.
Give Your Pipettes Proper Calibration Checks
Your pipettes are only as good as their calibrations. If the calibrations are off, your lab results will suffer. To prevent false readings, and failed lab results, it's important that you provide your pipettes with proper calibration checks. For best results, your pipettes should be calibrated at least once a week; more often if it becomes apparent that the calibrations are off.
Now that you're a lab assistant don't take chances with the equipment. Use the tips provided here to care for your pipettes. Contact a company like Medical Precision Plastics Inc for more information and assistance.
Share