Micropipette: Uses and How to Use It
Micropipette: Uses and How to Use It
A micropipette is a piston pipette for taking and transferring liquids accurately in microlitre (µL) volumes, e.g. 0.5–10 µL or 100–1000 µL. The liquid only touches a disposable plastic tip, and the volume is set by turning the knob at the top.
What is a micropipette used for?
- Transferring small, accurate volumes for PCR, ELISA and molecular biology.
- Making serial dilutions and small-volume standards.
- Filling plate wells or microtubes quickly (multichannel micropipettes).
Parts of a micropipette
- 1Plunger button – pressed to the first and second stop
- 2Volume display – shows the set volume
- 3Tip ejector – discards the tip without touching it
- 4Disposable tip – the only part that touches the liquid
How to use a micropipette
Set the volume within its range
Turn the knob until the display shows the required volume (1). Never turn beyond the pipette's range; choose a pipette for which the volume is 10–100% of capacity.
Fit a tip with a light press
Press the pipette end straight down into a tip in the rack with a slight twist (1). Do not bang it; jamming tips on makes them hard to eject and can damage the shaft.
Know the first and second stops
The plunger has two points of resistance: the first stop (1) measures the set volume and the second stop (2) blows out the remainder. For drawing up, press only to the first stop.
Draw up: first stop, shallow dip, slow release
Press to the first stop, dip the tip 2–3 mm below the liquid surface with the pipette upright (1), then release the plunger slowly. Wait about a second before lifting the tip.
Dispense: tip on the wall, press to the second stop
Touch the tip against the wall of the receiving vessel (1), press slowly to the first stop and on to the second stop to expel the rest. Lift the tip out while holding the plunger, then eject it with the ejector (2).
Common mistakes
- Letting the plunger snap back: liquid is sucked into the shaft and the volume is short.
- Laying a pipette with liquid in the tip flat or upside down: liquid runs into the piston and damages it.
Care and safety
- Store upright in a pipette stand and set it back to maximum volume after use to relax the spring.
- Wipe the outside with 70% ethanol; do not soak or autoclave the whole pipette unless the maker says it can be.
SOP for using a micropipette
A summary of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for a micropipette that your laboratory can adapt. Each step is explained in the how-to section above.
1Protective equipment
- A buttoned, long-sleeved lab coat.
- Nitrile gloves; safety glasses for hazardous liquids.
2Before use
- Choose a pipette whose range covers the volume (10–100% of capacity).
- Check the shaft end is clean and dry and the plunger moves smoothly.
- Use tips that fit the pipette; sterile or filter tips for PCR and infectious material.
- Let pipette, tips and liquid reach the same room temperature.
3Procedure
4After use
- Eject the tip into the correct waste container.
- Set the volume back to maximum and store upright in the stand.
- Wipe the outside with 70% ethanol after spills.
5Verification & calibration
- Quick daily or weekly check: weigh distilled water dispensed at nominal volume on an analytical balance.
- Gravimetric calibration to ISO 8655 every 6–12 months by a calibration lab, or after a drop.
6Emergencies
- Infectious spill: cover with tissue, add disinfectant, leave for the contact time, discard as infectious waste and decontaminate the pipette.
- Chemical on skin or in eyes: rinse with running water for at least 15 minutes (eyewash or safety shower), then report to the lab supervisor.
A print-ready version with purpose, scope, illustrated procedure, verification and sign-off boxes. Fill in your own document number and effective date.
Download the SOP (PDF, A4)Types and sizes
Common ranges are 0.1–2 µL, 0.5–10 µL, 2–20 µL, 10–100 µL, 20–200 µL, 100–1000 µL and 1–5 mL or 1–10 mL. They come in fixed and variable volume, single and multichannel (8 or 12 channels), manual and electronic. Positive-displacement pipettes are used for viscous or volatile liquids.
Micropipette at AMI Scientific
Examples of micropipette available in our store. Prices exclude VAT.
Mikropipet Autoklaf Penuh Joan Lab P SeriesFrom Rp636.000
Mikropipet 5–50 µL Semi Autoklaf Joan Lab M50From Rp674.000
Mikropipet Toppette 0,5–10 µL Channel Tunggal BiologixFrom Rp928.016Mikropipet Toppette 20–200 µL Channel Tunggal BiologixFrom Rp928.016
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the first and second stop?
The first stop measures the set volume and is used when drawing up. The second stop is used when dispensing to blow the last liquid out of the tip.
How often should a micropipette be calibrated?
Usually every 6–12 months by gravimetric testing to ISO 8655, and more often with heavy use or after a drop.
Related equipment
Compiled by the AMI Scientific team from standard laboratory practice. Illustrations: AMI Scientific. Updated: 06-11-2026.
Need a micropipette for your laboratory?
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Available at AMI Scientific
Mikropipet Autoklaf Penuh Joan Lab P Series
From Rp636.000