General Laboratory: Clinical Lab Pipetting Overview Online Training

Continue Continue Untitled Scene Clinical Lab: Pipetting Overview Online Training This course covers common pipette types and reviews important pippetting techniques. Identify different types of pipettes and common uses 1 State pipette calibration recommendations 4 Recall different pipetting techniques 3 Identify common pipetting accessories 2 Master Template HOOD05162003052540 | Effective Date: 26-Nov-2019 Welcome audf_pipetting_gl_Welcome Welcome to the Pipetting Overview Online Training course. This course covers various pipette types that are commonly found in clinical laboratories and reviews proper pipetting techniques necessary to ensure accurate patient results. Introduction One of the most important techniques to be followed in the laboratory setting is accurate pipetting. Accurate pipetting is not only good laboratory practice, but it also helps to ensure quality results. It is necessary therefore to understand the common types of pipettes and their intended uses. Introduction audf_pipetting_gl_introduction.mp3 Precise pipetting is required to ensure accurate results. Pipetting techniques can vary tremendously from technician to technician. Exact and reproducible aspirating and dispensing of liquids is essential to the running of assays, tests, and procedures in the laboratory because the performance of these tests is largely dependent upon the exact proportions of the individual reaction components. Pipette Types Pipettes are of various types. Some of the common ones include: Single Channel Pipettes Multi-channel Pipettes Positive Displacement Pipettes Serological Pipettes Volumetric Pipettes Pipette Types In the laboratory, different pipettes are needed for the various pipetting tasks. Some of the most commonly used pipettes are: Single Channel Pipettes Multi-channel Pipettes Positive Displacement Pipettes Serological Pipettes, and Volumetric Pipettes. Single Channel Pipettes Single channel pipettes are a type of air-displacement pipette. A certain volume of air remains between the piston and the liquid. They are used for standard pipetting applications and are very accurate. Note: Single channel pipettes can be either manual or electronic. With electronic pipettes, there is a motor that moves the piston, therefore the control is independent of the technician’s finger movements. Click on the play button below and select the marker on the right to learn more. Play Electronic Single Channel Pipettes Electronic single channel pipettes are commonly used in the laboratory. Single Channel Pipettes Single channel pipettes are categorized as air-displacement pipettes. In an air-displacement pipette, a cushion of air separates the liquid inside the tip from the piston inside the pipette. The piston moves this air cushion and the liquid is taken up into the tip or dispensed out of the tip accordingly. The single channel pipette is one of the commonly used pipettes in the laboratory. There are manual and electronic equivalents of Single Channel Pipettes. Video-Single Channel Multi Channel Pipettes Multi-channel pipettes are a type of air-displacement pipette. A certain volume of air remains between the piston and the liquid. They are used for standard pipetting applications and are very accurate. Multi-channel pipettes are commonly used to fill multi-well plates Note: Multi-channel pipettes can be either manual or electronic. Click on the play button below and select the marker on the right to learn more. Play Electronic Multi- channel Pipettes Electronic multi-channel pipettes are frequently used to fill multi-well plates. Multi Channel Pipettes The Multi-channel pipette is also categorized as an air-displacement pipette. The same air-displacement principle applies as with the single channel pipettes only with multiple pipette channels working at the same time. Multi-channel pipettes enable one to fill a multiwell plate in a reduced period of time compared to filling each well individually. Microbiology and Molecular Biology laboratories commonly use multi-channel pipettes in their routine testing. There are manual and electronic equivalents of multi-channel pipettes . Video - Multi-Channel Positive Displacement Pipettes Positive displacement pipettes function by having the piston in direct contact with the liquid. They are commonly used for high viscosity and volatile liquids. Note: Positive displacement pipettes may be either manual or electronic. Click on the play button below and select the marker on the right to learn more. Play Electronic Positive Displacement Pipettes Positive displacement pipettes are frequently used to measure viscous or volatile liquids. Positive Displacement Pipettes The positive displacement pipette tip is constructed like a syringe. This tip contains its own piston which is operated by the pipette's mechanism. The plunger directly displaces the fluid. The micro-syringe tips used in positive displacement pipettes are disposable. This helps to avoid aerosol contamination. There are manual and electronic equivalents of positive displacement pipettes. Video - Positive Displacement Volumetric and Serological Pipettes Volumetric pipettes are transfer pipettes. They are designed to deliver a fixed volume of liquid and are made of either glass or plastic. Serological pipettes are graduated pipettes. These pipettes are graduated down to the tip and must be blown out to deliver the entire volume of the pipette. They are typically made of plastic. Select the tab arrows on the right to learn more about Volumetric and Serological Pipettes Volumetric Pipettes Serological Pipettes Volumetric and Serological Pipettes Volumetric pipettes can be made of glass or plastic. The glass pipettes can either be reusable or disposable. If reusing glass pipettes ensure that they are cleaned well between each use. If this is not done properly, the glassware can have remnants from the last use that can contaminate the subsequent use. Also, unclean glassware will not wet uniformly, causing volume errors. Serologic pipettes are typically made of disposable plastic. They are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased in bulk or individually, wrapped in plastic. The individually wrapped pipettes are sterile which reduces the risk of contamination. During delivery of the liquid and when adjusting the level of the liquid to the calibration mark, all pipettes should be held in a vertical position. This will ensure consistent and accurate delivery of all liquids. Serological Pipettes Serological pipettes are measuring pipettes with calibration markings. The liquid that remains in the tip of the pipette is referred to as the dead volume. They are generally used for measuring reagents. They are not thought to be quite as accurate as volumetric pipettes and therefore are not recommended for pipetting samples, calibrators, or controls. Volumetric Pipettes A Volumetric pipette is calibrated for one specific volume measurement. These pipettes are classified into two categories "to contain" (TC) and "to deliver" (TD). These markings are inscribed on the top of the pipette. (TC) pipette Holds the exact amount of liquid. A bulb is used to “blow out” the small amount of liquid that remains in the tip. This amount needs to be included in the total volume to ensure accurate results. (TD) pipette Is allowed to drain to gravity into the receiving container. A small amount of liquid will remain in the tip of the pipette. Do not expel this liquid. Pipetting Techniques Pipetting techniques play an important role in the accuracy and precision of assay results. Pipetting techniques can vary tremendously from technician to technician. To help lessen the variability, several common factor need to be kept in mind. Select the numbered steps below to learn more about these common factors. 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 Pipetting Techniques In addition to choosing the correct pipette and pipette aid, pipetting technique is another essential piece. The total volume delivered is not entirely dependent on the setting of the dial of a micropipette. There are many factors that contribute to the accuracy and precision of pipetting. These include: Meniscus Determination Reagent Considerations Pipette Volume Selection Delivery Positions, and Care of Pipettes Pipette Care The proper care of pipettes is essential to ensure that the calibration is maintained. Storage: When not in use, store pipettes in an upright position. A pipette stand is ideal for this purpose. Cleaning: Pipettes must be thoroughly cleaned before and after each use. Follow the cleaning recommendations for the specific assay or protocol that you are running. 5 Delivery Position on a Micropipette 4 The micropipette has two delivery positions that can be selected: First Stop - Dispensing to the first position leaves a small amount of liquid in the tip. This aids in preventing aerosol contamination. Second Stop - Dispensing to the second position leaves no liquid in the tip. Pipette Volume Selection 3 The correct volume pipette should be chosen for the pipetting job that needs to be performed. A small volume is pippetted more accurately using a small volume pipette. Conversely, a large volume is pipetted more accurately using a large volume pipette. Note: Ensure that the micropipette is correctly matched to the appropriate volume tip. Ensure that all liquids or reagents are at the specified temperatures before pipetting. The viscosity and surface tension of the liquid or reagent must be considered when choosing a pipette. The physical properties of reagents can change when the reagents are either heated or cooled. Note: When thawing a reagent to room temperature, ensure that no ice remains before beginning to pipette. Reagent Considerations 2 Meniscus Determination The meniscus of the liquid must be determined to ensure accurate pipetting. The meniscus in a concave or convex surface that can be seen at the top of a column of liquid in a pipette or pipette tip. The bottom of the meniscus should be exactly at the calibration mark for the amount of liquid to be pipetted for a concave meniscus. Note: When looking at the meniscus, ensure that it is at eye level. 1 Pipette Accessories Pipettes and pipette accessories function as single units to ensure accurate measurement. The appropriate pipette accessories must be chosen to match the respective pipette. Some common pipette accessories are: Pipette Aids Pipette Tips Select the markers on the right to learn more. Pipette Aids Pipette aids can either be manual or electronic. Manual bulb: A device used to aspirate and dispense liquid inside a cylindrical pipette. Electronic aspirator/dispenser: The electronic equivalent of the manual bulb. This is more precise and easier to use. Pipette Tips Pipette tips should be compatible with the pipette being used. It is recommended to use high quality tips specified by the pipette manufacturer. Tips are designed for single use and should be securely sealed. Unfiltered tips are typically used for routine testing. Filtered tips are typically used when it is necessary to avoid contamination. Tips are further distinguished between sterile and non-sterile. Pipette Accessories Micropipettes are used when measuring very small volumes of liquid. The micropipette can be regarded as a system consisting of a pipette and tip, whose precision can only be judged as a whole system. When using a volumetric or serological pipette, the pipette and pipette aid are the pipetting unit. Calibration All pipettes need to be calibrated on a regular basis, usually every six months. Calibration ensures that the volume stated on the pipette is the volume that is actually being delivered. For calibration frequency, follow the pipette manufacturer’s recommendations, your laboratory Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), or any other applicable regulations. Calibration Routine calibration will help to minimize variability in pipetting and to ensure accurate, reproducible results. The calibration check measures the difference between the dispensed volume and the selected volume. Laboratories can perform the calibration themselves or they can send the pipettes to a company that will perform it. The calibration and the date that the calibration was performed should be documented. State pipette calibration recommendations Recall different pipetting techniques Identify common pipetting accessories Identify different types of pipettes and common uses Course Review Congratulations. You have completed the Pipetting Overview Online Training course. Select the objectives listed below to review the material before proceeding to the final assessment. 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 Course Review State pipette calibration recommendations For calibration frequency, follow the pipette manufacturer’s recommendations, your laboratory Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), or any other applicable regulations. Recall different pipetting techniques Some common techniques include: Meniscus Determination Reagent Considerations Pipette Volume Selection Delivery Positions Care of Pipettes Identify common pipetting accessories Some common pipette accessories are: Pipette Aids Pipette Tips Identify different type of pipettes and their common uses Some common types of pipettes include: Single Channel Pipettes Multi-Channel Pipettes Positive Displacement Pipettes Serological Pipettes Volumetric Pipettes Please note that the learning material is for training purposes only! For the proper use of the software or hardware, please always use the Operator Manual or Instructions for Use (hereinafter collectively “Operator Manual”) issued by Siemens Healthineers. This material is to be used as training material only and shall by no means substitute the Operator Manual. Any material used in this training will not be updated on a regular basis and does not necessarily reflect the latest version of the software and hardware available at the time of the training. The Operator's Manual shall be used as your main reference, in particular for relevant safety information like warnings and cautions. Note: Some functions shown in this material are optional and might not be part of your system. Certain products, product related claims or functionalities (hereinafter collectively “Functionality”) may not (yet) be commercially available in your country. Due to regulatory requirements, the future availability of said Functionalities in any specific country is not guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens Healthineers sales representative for the most current information. The reproduction, transmission or distribution of this training or its contents is not permitted without express written authority. Offenders will be liable for damages. All names and data of patients, parameters and configuration dependent designations are fictional and examples only. All rights, including rights created by patent grant or registration of a utility model or design, are reserved. Copyright © Siemens Healthcare GmbH 2021 Siemens Healthineers Headquarters\Siemens Healthcare GmbH\Henkestr. 127\ 91052 Erlangen, Germany\Telephone: +49 9131 84-0\siemens-healthineers.com Disclaimer Disclaimer Assessment This assessment will test your retention of the presented content. A passing score of 80% or higher is required to complete the course and earn your certificate. You may repeat the assessment as many times as needed. Start Assessment Select the best answer. Question 1 of 5 Name the type of pipette that is graduated down to the tip and must be blown out to deliver the entire volume of the pipette. Serological Volumetric marked TD Volumetric marked TC Multiple Choice Incorrect Incorrect. Volumetric pipettes do not have multiple graduations. Incorrect Incorrect. Volumetric pipettes are designed to deliver a fixed volume of liquid. Incorrect Select the best answer. Question 2 of 5 A viscous solution should be delivered using this type of pipette. Positive Displacement Single channel Multi-channel Multiple Choice Incorrect Incorrect. A multi-channel pipette is an air-displacement pipette and is used for nonviscous fluid. Incorrect Incorrect. A single channel pipette is an air-displacement pipette and is used for nonviscous fluid. Incorrect Select the best answer. Question 3 of 5 To avoid contamination which type of pipette tips should be used? Sterile filtered Non-sterile unfiltered Sterile non-filtered Non-sterile filtered Multiple Choice Incorrect Incorrect. Non-sterile tips can lead to contamination. Incorrect Incorrect. Non-filtered tips can lead to contamination. Incorrect Incorrect. Non-sterile tips can lead to contamination. Incorrect Select the best answer. Question 4 of 5 How should pipettes ideally be stored to preserve the calibration? In a pipette stand In a drawer On a bench Multiple Choice Incorrect Incorrect. Pipettes should not be stored on a bench. Incorrect Incorrect. Pipettes should not be stored in a drawer. Incorrect Select the best answer. Question 5 of 5 The frequency of pipette calibration should be determined by: Pipette manufacturer's recommendations, your laboratory Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), or any other applicable regulations Pipette manufacturer's recommendations, your laboratory Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), or after every use Pipette manufacturer's recommendations, your laboratory Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), or every 2 years Multiple Choice Incorrect Incorrect. Pipette should be calibrated more frequently than every 2 years. Incorrect Incorrect. Pipettes do not need to be calibrated after every use. Incorrect Assessment Results YOUR SCORE: PASSING SCORE: Review Retry Retry Continue Continue Continue %Results.ScorePercent%% %Results.PassPercent%% ? Assessment Results You did not pass the course. Take time to review the assessment then select Retry to continue. Congratulations. You passed the course.. Exit To access your Certificate of Completion, select the Launch button drop down on the course overview page. You can also access the certificate from your PEPconnect transcript. You have completed the Clinical Lab: Pipetting Overview Online Training. Completion HILS2197 | Effective Date: 19-MAR-2021 1.1 Welcome 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Pipette Types 1.4 Single Channel Pipettes 1.6 Multi Channel Pipettes 1.8 Positive Displacement Pipettes 1.10 Volumetric and Serological Pipettes 1.11 Pipetting Techniques 1.12 Pipette Accessories 1.13 Calibration 1.14 Course Review 1.15 Disclaimer 1.16 Assessment 1.23 Completion