How to Clean a Pipette
A pipette is a device used to collect water and other liquid samples. The function is similar to an eye dropper because liquid is held in the pipette by pressure. To avoid cross-contamination when using the pipettes they need to be periodically cleaned. This requires washing and rinsing to remove residue of old liquids and possible contamination, followed by sterilization. To do this you must use a pipette cleaning kit.
Instructions
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1
Empty pipettes by draining their contents into a sink (or a safe disposal method, if the contents are hazardous).
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2
Place empty pipettes into the pipette basket.
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3
Open the lid for the pipette washer and place the pipette basket inside. Place two Alco tabs at the bottom of the pipette washer.
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4
Connect one end of the rubber tube to the inlet on the pipette washer. Connect the other end of the tube to a tap water faucet.
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5
Place the flexible drain tube from the pipette washer into the sink. Turn on the handle for the hot water.
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6
Allow the hot water to flow into the pipette washer until it is full. Turn off the hot water and allow the water to drain. Turn on the hot water to refill and drain. Repeat this process for at least 30 minutes for the Alco tabs to dissolve and to rinse the pipette washer.
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7
Remove the pipette basket from the pipette washer. Take the pipettes out of the pipette basket and place them in pipette cans.
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8
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the pipette cans in the oven and let them bake overnight or for at least 12 hours. This will sterilize the pipettes.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not overbake the pipettes because this can warp the glass.
References
- Photo Credit Siri Stafford/Photodisc/Getty Images
