While real estate is entirely dependent on location, molecular biology mostly deals with pipetting. Of course, there is more to molecular biology than just that but one can’t deny the fact that lab technicians are mostly seen pipetting day after day. And while that may seem like a simple job, a lot goes into making sure that every device, from Tecan filter tips to deposit plates, is clean and contamination-free.
There are two types of contaminants: biological and chemical, and lab pipetting procedures must protect against both.
DNA and bacteria are two common biological pollutants that are both acidic and volatile. Droplets and aerosols are created by rapid and irregular liquid flow in the pipette tip. They eventually enter the pipette and spread around the working space as well.
Pathways To Contamination Of A Pipette
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Pipette-To-Sample
In this category, the pollutants are forwarded to the samples through the tip of a pipette or the pipette itself. Since contaminants like endotoxins, DNase, and Rnase are difficult to eliminate using any sterilization process, contamination spreads due to the different types of tips that are employed.
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Sample-To-Pipette
Contamination arises when the contaminated sample touches the particles of aerosol or the body of a pipette. Once the contaminant generated by the sample enters the pipette handle, you are less likely to have the results you were hoping for.
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Sample-To-Sample
The last category is caused by carryover contamination, which occurs when one pipette is being used across several samples and users. In this situation, an aerosol or a liquid residue may be transferred from one sample to another via the pipette.
How To Keep Samples Clean
It is important to know about the types of equipment and how scientists use it to decrease the chances of contaminating a pipette. We have gathered some suggestions from professionals in order to help you understand better. So, keep reading to find out.
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Technology And Technique
Scientists should find the best-fit equipment based on the type of work in order to minimize the risk of contamination. A major cause of pipette contamination is improper pipetting equipment for the application.
However, having the right equipment isn’t enough; it must also be properly maintained. Regular maintenance ensures that the piston is free of obstructions and that the seal is moving smoothly.
The user doing the pipetting is the last element causing pipette contamination. Although the good news is that with the right pipetting equipment, the human factor may be significantly reduced.
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Types Of Tips
The tip of a pipette creates a critical channel from the surroundings to the pipette. As a result, scientists should consider which advice to utilize. The optimum pipetting practice in crucial applications such as cell culture, microbiology, and PCR features filters as well to prevent pollutants from entering the pipette. (May)
Filter tips have a dual purpose in that they protect samples from contamination. If filter tips are used with a contaminated pipette, the pipette will not spread the contamination to other samples.
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Added Precautions
Something bacterial can wind up in a pipette even when you have the best instruments and techniques. This frequently occurs without the scientist’s knowledge. Cleaning is the best defense in this situation.
Scientists should disinfect the pipette on a regular basis, according to experts. Additionally, choosing autoclavable pipettes is the best solution. Fully autoclavable pipettes significantly reduce the danger of contamination. The autoclavable pipette ensures that any bacteria that may enter the pipette’s cone, as well as those on the pipette’s exterior surface, are killed.
Scientists frequently wash the exterior of a pipette with alcohol. While this is helpful, it is insufficient for the pipette’s lifetime. Wiping the pipette’s outer surface with 70% ethanol doesn’t provide the effectiveness autoclaving does.
In addition, you must take one more precaution for a pipette: expert cleaning on a regular basis. Schedule a comprehensive inside and out cleaning of your pipette once every year, depending on your usage. This goes a long way in preventing contamination during pipetting, as well as keeping samples clean.
Now, if you are looking to get the best lab equipment for yourself, check out our collection at Molecular Biology Products. We have everything from PCR plates to Beckman filter tips that will help you carry out various kinds of workflows. So, get in touch with us and order the best equipment now!
Work Cited
May, Mike. “Keeping Samples Clean.” Biocompare, 5 August 2020, https://www.biocompare.com/Editorial-Articles/566514-Keeping-Samples-Clean/. Accessed 24 May 2022.
