MLA pipettes have been in use in science and medical laboratories for about 35 years. Prior to that, technologists and lab assistants used glass pipettes and mouth pipetting, which fell out of favor with the rising rates of hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS, and the need for greater precision and smaller volumes. MLA pipettes are a brand of automatic micro-pipettes which use a volume displacement method to accurately dispense a small amount of fluid, from 1 microliter to 10 milliliters. They use disposable tips, but the pipette body is a mechanical instrument and needs periodic repair and regular maintenance.
- Normal saline
- Distilled water
- Glass beakers
- Clean soft cloth
- Pipette lubricant
- Replacement parts: inner seals, nozzle attachment
- MLA calibration kit
- Optional:
- Gravimetric balance
- Hygrometer
Routine cleaning and maintenance of pipettes will help to prevent problems.
After each use, eject the tip.
Periodically rinse the pipette by pipetting normal saline, followed by distilled water; always use a tip.
Keep the outside clean by wiping with a clean damp cloth. Salt incrustation will destroy the accuracy of the pipette quite quickly.
Use of a dirty, leaking and therefore inaccurate pipette will invalidate all test or experimental data.
Check lab records to determine the need for repair. The most likely cause of problems is a leaking O ring or internal seal, or a loose plunger. Regular cleaning is mandatory after each use. Routine maintenance is required at least monthly.
Unscrew the body of the pipette according to the manufacturer's instructions and remove all parts. Inspect and replace the nozzle insert if required. Clean the inner seals and clean and lubricate the plunger mechanism. Replace inner seals if needed. Any other repairs will need professional servicing.
Replace all parts and clean off the outside of the pipette. A simple calibration check can be made by using the MLA calibration kit and comparing the results of the pipette against those obtained with a newly calibrated and certified pipette. If this result is not satisfactory, the pipette will need scientific calibration against known standards using gravimetric analysis.
Send the pipette to the manufacturer for scientific verification, calibration and repair if your laboratory is not suitably equipped. In-house calibration of the pipette can be performed if the laboratory is properly equipped with a gravimetric balance, a hygrometer, MLA calibration kit and a controlled environment.
Things You'll Need
Tips
Warnings
References
About the Author
Lorraine Rock has worked as a writer since 1978. She is a certified medical technologist with a Master of Health Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and journalism, as well as several health related diplomas. Rock has worked in health disciplines including laboratory medicine, anesthesia and pharmacy.
Photo Credits
pipette 3 image by Michael Wilkens from Fotolia.com