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Reading a serological pipette involves understanding the volume markings on the pipette and correctly interpreting them to measure and dispense liquids accurately. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to read a serological pipette:
- Inspect the serological pipette to ensure that it is clean and undamaged, with clear and legible markings.
Determine the volume markings along the length of the serological pipette, which typically indicate volume in milliliters (mL). - Choose a pipette that can hold the volume of liquid you want to measure, such as 1 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL, 25 mL, etc.
- Pre-wet the pipette with the liquid you want to measure to ensure accuracy.
- Hold the pipette vertically or at a slight angle, and align your eye with the liquid level to accurately read the graduations.
- Read the volume from the bottom of the meniscus (the curve on the liquid’s surface) where it intersects with the pipette’s graduated markings.
- Take note of the volume measurement for the bottom of the meniscus.
- Carefully dispense the liquid into the receiving vessel while holding the pipette vertically.
- Single-use pipettes should be discarded appropriately, and reusable pipettes should be cleaned and sterilized after use in accordance with laboratory protocols.
