Proper pipetting technique
Micropipetting fundamentals
Micropipetting is a reliable method for accurately transferring small liquid volumes in test kit procedures. Luminultra equipment sets include micropipettors designed for use with all Luminultra test kits; however, any properly calibrated and well-maintained micropipettor may be used.
How do micropipettors work?
Most micropipettors operate using a plunger mechanism that draws liquid into the tip and dispenses it. Many models feature a two-stage plunger system:
- First stop: delivers the calibrated liquid volume
- Second stop: expels any remaining liquid from the tip (“blow-out”)
Other models may feature a single-stage plunger system:
- Lowest plunger stop; used to draw and dispense a calibrated volume of liquid
Pipetting best practices
- Always handle pipette tips by the wide end to avoid contamination
- Never use a tip that has contacted skin, dirt, or other contaminants.
- Before first use with a liquid, wet the tip by drawing up some of the liquid to be transferred into the tip of the micropipettor and pushing it back out at least once for best accuracy during the test.
- Always draw liquid up into the tip slowly to prevent bubbles or liquid entering the pipettor body.
- Use a new tip for each different liquid and for each transfer step of the testing protocol.
- Ensure the tip is securely attached to the micropipettor before use
- Keep the tip immersed long enough during aspiration to prevent dripping or air intake.
Operating fixed-volume micropipettors
Luminultra’s fixed-volume micropipettors are designed for simple and accurate liquid transfer in the field or lab.
Instructions for use
- Attach a new pipette tip of the correct size.
- Press the plunger.
- Immerse the tip in the liquid sample.
- Slowly release the plunger to aspirate the liquid.
- Move to the dispensing location.
- Press the plunger again to dispense the liquid.
Maintenance and replacement
Luminultra’s fixed-volume micropipettors are designed for at least one year of normal use. After this period, they should be checked for accuracy and performance.
Contact Luminultra if:
- The pipettor has been used for more than one year
- You suspect inaccurate dispensing or reduced performance
Important: Fixed-volume micropipettors cannot be recalibrated. Do not loosen the piston collar, as this may affect dispensing accuracy. If the collar becomes loose, tighten it before use.
Differences between previous and new micropipettors
Product comparison
-Single-stage plunger
-Included in PhotonMaster & PBM Equipment Set
-Two-stage plunger
- Included in Bugcount ONE ATP Analyzer Equipment Set
New micropipettor details
Luminultra has transitioned to a new micropipettor design for equipment sets used in test kit procedures. The new pipettors maintain compatibility with all existing test kits while improving ergonomics, precision, and dispensing reliability in both laboratory and field environments.
Two-stage plunger operation
The new pipettors feature a two-stage plunger system for improved dispensing accuracy.
Aspirating liquid
- Press the plunger only to the first stop
Immerse the tip in the liquid
Slowly release the plunger to draw liquid into the tip.
Dispensing liquid
- Press the plunger past the first stop to the second stop
- This ensures complete dispensing of the liquid from the tip
This differs from previously used single-stage pipettors, which only had one stop for both aspiration and dispensing.
Handle a range of volumes
Luminultra supplies the following micropipettor volumes with luminometer equipment sets:
- 100 µL
- 300 µL
- 1000 µL
The new pipettors are fully compatible with the pipette tips included in all Luminultra test kits. No procedure changes are required as a result of this update.