Pipettes are vital laboratory instruments, enabling precise liquid handling for various applications. However, excessive use and poor maintenance might compromise their accuracy and longevity. To ensure your pipette remains reliable and serves you for years, it’s important to adopt best practices for its care and use. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips to extend the lifespan of your pipette and maintain its performance.

Why Pipette Maintenance Matters

Proper pipette care goes beyond protecting an investment; it ensures experimental accuracy and reproducibility. A poorly maintained pipette can lead to:

Inaccurate measurements compromise data integrity.
Frequent breakdowns lead to increased downtime.
Higher replacement costs due to premature wear.

Regular maintenance allows you to avoid these pitfalls while optimizing lab efficiency.

Understanding Pipette Mechanics

Before getting into maintenance, it’s important to understand the components of a pipette and how they work. A pipette’s key components are:

Piston Assembly: Controls the volume of air displaced.
O-rings and Seals: Maintain airtight functioning.
Tip Ejector: Facilitates tip removal.
Nozzle and Shaft: Responsible for delivering the liquid.

Each component must work harmoniously to achieve precise liquid transfer. Even minor wear or misalignment can significantly impact performance.

Advanced Tips to Extend Your Pipette’s Lifespan

1. Precision Calibration

Calibration is the backbone of pipette maintenance. It ensures the instrument delivers accurate volumes over time.

Types of Calibration:

Gravimetric Calibration: Measures the weight of dispensed water to verify accuracy.
Photometric Calibration: Uses spectrophotometry to assess volume via dye concentration.

Recommendation: Perform gravimetric calibration at least annually using a certified balance with an accuracy of ±0.1 mg. For high-frequency usage, biannual or quarterly calibration is optimal.

2. Chemical Compatibility

Pipettes are often exposed to aggressive chemicals, which can corrode internal and external components.

Protective Measures:

Use chemical-resistant pipette models such as Microlit LENTUS when working with acids, solvents, or corrosive reagents.
Clean pipettes immediately after exposure to harmful substances to prevent residue buildup.
Verify material compatibility by consulting the manufacturer’s chemical resistance/ compatibility chart.

3. Pipette Cleaning

Cleaning extends beyond routine exterior wiping. Internal cleaning is critical for removing accumulated residue.

Disassemble the pipette according to the user manual.
Soak components like the shaft and piston in a mild detergent or isopropanol solution.
Dry parts using a lint-free cloth or compressed air to prevent fiber contamination.

Pro Tip: Autoclave pipette shafts and tips where applicable, especially when working with biological samples, to ensure sterility.

4. Replacing Critical Components

Worn-out seals, pistons, and O-rings can compromise pipette accuracy. Regular replacement of these parts is necessary to maintain functionality.

Replace O-rings every 6-12 months, especially in high-usage environments.
Use only manufacturer-approved parts to avoid compatibility issues.

5. Optimized Lubrication

Lubrication reduces friction in the piston assembly, ensuring smooth operation and minimizing wear.

Apply a thin layer of manufacturer-recommended lubricant on the piston after cleaning.
Avoid over-lubrication, which can attract dust and contaminants.

Caution: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for lubrication frequency and type.

6. Environmental Control

The working environment significantly impacts a pipette’s lifespan. Extreme conditions can exacerbate wear and tear.

Maintain a controlled environment with stable temperature and humidity.
Avoid exposing pipettes to direct sunlight or corrosive vapors.
Use filtered tips when working in dusty environments to prevent internal contamination.

7. Advanced Storage Solutions

Proper storage mitigates mechanical stress and contamination risks.

Use specialized racks or stands such as Microlit Carousel Stand that suspend pipettes vertically without touching the workbench.
Store in an enclosed, dust-free cabinet when not in use for extended periods.
Always set the pipette to its minimum volume setting to relieve spring tension.

Pipettes are essential for accurate liquid handling, but their longevity depends on consistent care. By following the tips outlined above, you can maintain your pipette’s performance and reliability for years. Regular calibration, gentle handling, proper storage, and timely cleaning are simple yet effective ways to protect your investment.

For laboratory professionals, maintaining a pipette isn’t just about preserving an instrument, it’s about ensuring data integrity and achieving reproducible results. Start implementing these practices today to extend the lifespan of your pipette and elevate your lab’s efficiency.

Microlit is a leading manufacturer of high-precision liquid handling instruments designed to enhance laboratory workflow accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. Renowned for its innovative engineering and ergonomic designs, Microlit offers various products, including micropipettes, bottle-top dispensers, burettes, and electronic liquid handling systems. With a strong focus on quality and user-centric features, these instruments cater to diverse applications across research, diagnostics, and industrial labs. Microlit’s commitment to excellence ensures that scientists and researchers worldwide have access to state-of-the-art tools for precise liquid handling.

To know more about Microlit products or its pipette range, please contact at info-usa@microlit.com or visit the website www.microlit.us.