Pipette-tip Loading
Pipette-tip Loading - Related Videos
06:35
Introduction to Serological Pipettes and Pipettors
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2023
The serological pipette is frequently used in the laboratory for transferring milliliter volumes of liquid, from less than 1 ml to up to 50 ml. The pipettes can be sterile, plastic, and disposable or sterilizable, glass and reusable. Both kinds of pipettes use a pipet-aid, for the aspiration and dispensation of liquids. Different sizes of pipettes can be used with the same pipet-aid for a variety of experimental assays. For example, serological pipettes are useful for mixing chemical solutions...
05:30
Making Patch-pipettes and Sharp Electrodes with a Programmable Puller
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Cited by 22 •
2008
This video shows how to use a programmable puller to make patch pipettes and sharp electrodes for electrophysiology. The same procedure can be used to make a variety of glass tools, including injection needles.
05:12
Pressure-polishing Pipettes for Improved Patch-clamp Recording
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Cited by 13 •
2008
This is a guide to modifying the shape of glass micropipettes. Specifically, by using heat and air pressure the taper is widened without increasing the tip opening, leading to lower pipette resistance. This is critical to obtain low noise recordings of small cells but is useful in many applications.
11:43
Aseptic Laboratory Techniques: Volume Transfers with Serological Pipettes and Micropipettors
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Cited by 24 •
2012
When working in a laboratory, it is imperative to minimize sources of contamination. Aseptic technique refers to procedures that permit transfer of cultures and reagents while avoiding contact with non-sterile surfaces. Serological pipettes and micropipettors are used to measure precise volumes without compromising sterility of solutions used in experiments.
01:19
Impact Loading
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2024
Impact loading occurs when a moving object collides with a stationary structure, such as a rod with a uniform cross-sectional area fixed at one end. Under these conditions, the rod absorbs the kinetic energy from the striking object, leading to deformation and subsequent stress development. As the rod returns to its original position and reaches maximum stress, the absorbed energy, initially manifested as kinetic energy, transforms entirely into strain energy. In cases of elastic deformation,...
FAQs
Alignment keeps the disposable tip centered on the pipette shaft, while seating establishes the contact needed for a secure friction fit. If either condition is inadequate, the connection may leak, the tip may deform, or liquid-handling accuracy may decline. In engineered systems, consistent alignment and seating are therefore central to repeatable aspiration and dispensing.
Controlled downward force helps the tip engage the shaft firmly without applying unnecessary stress. The appropriate force contributes to a stable seal, whereas inconsistent loading can leave the tip insufficiently seated or contribute to deformation. This balance matters because the connection must remain secure during liquid handling while preserving the tip’s intended shape.
Manual loading depends on the operator to provide consistent alignment, downward force, and seating for each tip. Automated systems replace these actions with programmed movements and may load multiple tips simultaneously. The automated approach supports high-throughput workflows and reproducibility, while its engineering design must coordinate movement and positioning across all tips being loaded.
A reliable sequence begins by aligning the pipette shaft with the disposable tip, applying controlled downward force, and confirming that the tip is properly seated. The resulting friction fit should provide a secure seal before aspiration or dispensing begins. Applying this sequence consistently helps reduce leaks, tip deformation, contamination, and liquid-handling errors.
Leaks, tip deformation, contamination, and dispensing errors are important consequences of unreliable loading. These problems can arise when alignment, downward force, or seating does not create a secure seal. In laboratory workflows, recognizing their connection to the loading step helps engineers and users improve handling consistency and protect sample integrity.
Reliable loading supports reproducible liquid handling across assay development, sample preparation, and automated workflows. In high-throughput systems, programmed loading of multiple tips can help maintain consistent operations while reducing cross-contamination between the instrument and samples. For engineering design, the loading mechanism must therefore balance secure attachment, accurate handling, and efficient operation.