Electronic pipettes are extremely useful tools in the lab because they can repeat dispense, or multiple archive after one aspiration. This feature increases productivity as users can pipette faster with fewer errors. However, the first and last dispense must be discarded to ensure the best results are achieved when performing repeat dispense.
When the electronic pipette has aspirated the liquid and repeat dispense is required, the mechanics inside the pipette must change direction from aspiration to dispense. This could mean that the first dispense is too low in volume. The first dispense should be discarded and typically released into the source vessel to prevent this effect. This is usually 3-5 % of the pipette's total volume and is referred to as the pre-dispense. All subsequent dispenses can be used, but no pipette is 100 % accurate. Each dispense could deviate slightly from the target volume, and these errors may accumulate.
Regarding the final dispense, the liquid in the tip may not be the same amount the user expects. The final dispense, like the first, should be discarded to eliminate this problem. This waste is typically 3-5 % of the pipette's total volume and is known as the post-dispense. The overall results will be significantly improved with the pre- and post-dispense discarded.
How to use a pipette: Pre- and post-dispense
Video Credit: INTEGRA Biosciences
About INTEGRA Biosciences
INTEGRA provides innovative solutions for Liquid Handling and Media Preparation applications which serve the needs of their customers in research, diagnostics and quality control laboratories.
Their instruments and plastic consumables are developed and manufactured in Zizers, Switzerland and Hudson, NH USA. In order to remain close to their customers, they maintain a direct sales and support organization in North America, the UK, France and Germany, as well as a network of over 100 highly trained distribution partners worldwide.
In recent years they have focused on developing a new and technologically advanced range of handheld electronic pipettes which are simple to use and meet the ergonomic needs of their customers.
Today they are proud to offer the widest range of electronic pipettes in the market spanning a range from single channel pipettes up to 384 channel bench-top instruments.
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