How Temperature and Altitude Affect Micropipette Performance
How Temperature and Altitude Affect Micropipette Performance
Blog Article
The accuracy of your results can be directly impacted by a micropipette's performance in lab settings where accuracy is crucial. Temperature and altitude are two external environmental elements that are frequently disregarded, despite the fact that many other factors might influence how reliable liquid handling is. Knowing how these variables affect your micropipette is essential, regardless of whether you are working in a pharmaceutical lab that is sensitive to temperature changes or a high-altitude research facility.
Temperature's Effect on Micropipette Performance
The behavior of a micropipette is significantly influenced by temperature. Both the liquid being handled and the pipette's components may expand or shrink in response to a temperature change. Temperature variations can alter the density and pressure of the air cushion that air-displacement micropipettes use to work, which is located between the piston and the liquid.
For example, the air inside a micropipette contracts when it is utilized in a chilly environment. The device aspirates less liquid than planned as a result of this constriction. On the other hand, warmer temperatures cause the air to expand, which frequently results in more liquid being drawn than set. These seemingly insignificant adjustments can lead to serious mistakes, particularly when working with small volumes or in investigations that demand a high degree of precision.
Furthermore, temperature has an impact on liquid viscosity. While colder liquids become more viscous, warmer liquids typically flow more readily. If appropriate procedures are not followed, a micropipette may have trouble aspirating and dispensing more viscous materials, which could result in irregularities.
Problems with Air Pressure and High Altitude Conditions
Another variable introduced by altitude is air pressure. The air pressure is lower at higher elevations than it is at sea level. Micropipettes can perform differently in high-altitude settings because they are typically calibrated at or close to sea level.
The air cushion inside the micropipette has reduced resistance due to the decreased ambient pressure. As a result, more liquid may be aspirated by the pipette than was planned. This is especially problematic in high-elevation laboratories or hilly areas. The results of experiments can be changed and their reproducibility compromised by even a small increase in aspiration.
Furthermore, the rate at which volatile liquids evaporate rises with altitude. Air bubbles during pipetting may arise from this quick evaporation, leading to additional irregularities.
Examining Environmental Aspects in the Laboratory
Laboratory workers should take a few preventative measures to mitigate the effects of temperature and altitude. Before using, let the reagents and the micropipette come to room temperature. A micropipette should never be used right away after being taken out of an incubator or refrigerator since abrupt temperature changes can alter internal pressure.
Recalibrating your micropipette in accordance with local atmospheric conditions is something to think about if your lab is situated in an area with high elevation. Numerous manufacturers provide calibration services tailored to altitude or instructions on how to modify pipetting methods in such circumstances.
Additionally, maintaining ideal pipetting conditions in your lab requires regular environmental monitoring. If you observe inconsistent results, keep a record of temperature and pressure variations. Your experiments' dependability can be greatly increased by taking this simple step.
The Significance of Equipment Selection
Selecting the appropriate micropipette is also essential. Certain sophisticated electronic micropipettes are made to automatically adapt to variations in the temperature or pressure of their surroundings. These might work better in establishments where it is difficult to regulate the outside environment.
Additionally, as positive displacement pipettes are less impacted by changes in air pressure, they should be used for extremely delicate processes. Although they are not exactly micropipettes, they might provide better consistency in harsh environments.
Concluding remarks
The environment in which a micropipette is used has an impact on its performance in addition to its manufacturer and upkeep. To guarantee accurate and dependable results, laboratories working in high-altitude or temperature-variant environments should closely monitor these outside variables. Professionals can maintain the integrity of their research and adhere to the norms of scientific precision by making educated modifications based on their knowledge of how temperature and altitude impact pipetting.