OLA DURING/PCMH LABORATORY, SIERRA LEONE ABMU HEALTH BOARD, SWANSEA UK LINK. Standard Operating Procedure: Using an adjustable- volume pipette

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1 Ola During Children s / Princess Christian Maternity Hospitals Abertawe BroMorgannwg University Health Board Link CLINICAL LABORATORY SERVICES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OLA DURING/PCMH LABORATORY, SIERRA LEONE ABMU HEALTH BOARD, SWANSEA UK LINK Standard Operating Procedure: Using an adjustable- volume pipette Version: #01; January 12 th, This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been developed by the Ola During Children s / Princess Christian Maternity Hospitals, Freetown, Sierra Leone Abertawe BroMorgannwg Health Board, Swansea, UK Link. The Clinical Laboratory Services Development Project was funded by the International Health Links Funding Scheme supported by the British Council and Department for International Development, UK. This SOP was developed by: Borbor Sam Aliyah, Mohammed Mansaray and Umar Kamara, Ola During Children s Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone and Angela Allen, Stephanie Allen and Stephen Allen, Abertawe BroMorgannwg University Health Board, Swansea, UK. This SOP is one of a series of resources developed to support clinical laboratories in low resource settings. These resources are available from the Ibadan- Swansea Partnership website: see We hope that this SOP will be helpful in ensuring the quality of laboratory practice. The information is based on the manufacturer s instructions and, to our knowledge, is correct. However, please note that the responsibility for the use of this SOP rests with individual laboratories and their staff. We are keen to further develop our resources so that they are as helpful as possible. Please do let us know of any comments, suggestions or feedback from using these resources. Please contact Angela Allen: aallengm@yahoo.co.uk Authorised signature: Number: Date: Standard Operating Procedure: Using an adjustable- volume pipette

2 Ola During Children s / Princess Christian Maternity Hospitals Abertawe BroMorgannwg University Health Board Link CLINICAL LABORATORY SERVICES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Why is this important? The measurement and delivery of the correct volumes of reagents, controls, standards and samples ensures accuracy of laboratory tests and results. Step 1: Choose the appropriate pipette SL 20 Measures 2-20μl Tens of μl μl Decimals Pipette set at 20.0 μl SL 200 Measures μl Hundreds of μl Tens of μl μl Pipette set at 200 μl SL 1000 Measures μl (0.1-1ml) Thousands of μl (ml) Hundreds of μl Tens of μl Pipette set at 1000 μl (1 ml) Remember! 1000μl = 1 ml

3 Ola During Children s / Princess Christian Maternity Hospitals Abertawe BroMorgannwg University Health Board Link CLINICAL LABORATORY SERVICES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Step 2: Adjust pipette volume Step 2.1: If the pipette has a lock, unlock. Lock Step 2.2: Set pipette to required volume by turning the plunger Turn plunger anti- clockwise to increase volume Plunger Turn plunger clockwise to decrease volume Step 2.3: After setting the volume, lock (if pipette has a lock)

4 Ola During Children s / Princess Christian Maternity Hospitals Abertawe BroMorgannwg University Health Board Link CLINICAL LABORATORY SERVICES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Step 3: Attach suitable tip Step 3.1: Choose the right- sized tip for your pipette 1ml 200μl 20μl Step 3.2: Place tip firmly on end of the pipette 1ml 200μl or 20μl Step 4: Prime pipette before each use Step 4.1: Push plunger down to the first stop to expel air from tip Step 4.2: With plunger still depressed, insert tip into reagent or sample

5 Ola During Children s / Princess Christian Maternity Hospitals Abertawe BroMorgannwg University Health Board Link CLINICAL LABORATORY SERVICES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Step 4.3: Slowly release plunger to take up liquid Step 4.4: Check that there are no air bubbles Air bubble Step 4.5: Push plunger all the way down to expel reagent or liquid and then release plunger Your pipette is now primed. The inside of the tip has been coated with reagent or sample. It is now ready to measure an accurate volume.

6 Ola During Children s / Princess Christian Maternity Hospitals Abertawe BroMorgannwg University Health Board Link CLINICAL LABORATORY SERVICES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Step 5: Taking- up the reagent or sample Step 5.1: Push plunger down to the first stop Step 5.2: Place tip in reagent or sample. Release plunger. Step 5.3: Check that there are no air bubbles. Wipe the pipette tip with tissue to remove excess liquid. Step 5.4: Push plunger all the way down to release reagent or sample.

7 Ola During Children s / Princess Christian Maternity Hospitals Abertawe BroMorgannwg University Health Board Link CLINICAL LABORATORY SERVICES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Finally, if it is a viscous reagent or sample, push and release the plunger a few times ( flushing ) to make sure that all of the reagent or sample has been dispensed. This is illustrated with a blood sample. Some of blood sample remains in tip Step 5.5: Remove tip and discard appropriately. Do not discard tips into plastic bags as the tip can puncture that plastic causing a potential health hazard. All of sample dispensed after flushing

8 Ola During Children s / Princess Christian Maternity Hospitals Abertawe BroMorgannwg University Health Board Link CLINICAL LABORATORY SERVICES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT General care of pipettes Wipe the barrel of the pipette with absorbent towel soaked in 70% alcohol after use. When not in use, store in a safe place Never leave your pipette protruding from the work bench Never leave a used tip on the end of the pipette Look after your pipettes well and they will give you years of reliable service. Make sure that every pipette is serviced and calibrated by an engineer regularly (usually once a year).