Aliquoting

What is Aliquoting?

Aliquoting is the term used for describing the distribution of a fraction of a substance, which, in a lab, is commonly done with a micropipette. Micropipettes are important when aliquoting very precise, and relatively small amounts of liquids with near zero uncertainty. Although I have had experience using micropipettes prior to my time in the lab, it was helpful to watch a video to review how and how not to handle one. (If you are interested, the video is attached.)

Using Micropipettes

Micropipettes measure in micro liters (μL), and they can measure a maximum or either 2, 20, 200, or 1000 μL. The Moore lab utilizes all four of these pipettes. When using a micropipette, it is important to use a different pipette tip for every sample the pipette is utilized in to ensure minimum contamination. Something I also learned while in the lab was that if I put a tip on my micropipette then hold it for a while while doing something else, it is best to get a new one so that no bacterium or particles from the air enter the solution. Before and after using a micropipette it should be thoroughly wiped down with a solution of 70% ethanol and a Kimwipe; ethanol: to kill bacteria and sterilize the pipette, and Kimwipe: as a softer alternative to the paper towel so that the pipette is not scratched.