Ensure the Success of Your Research with Good Pipetting Practice

In life science research the majority of experiments require careful handling of precise volumes of liquid, which is why pipettes are an essential tool. It is vital that they are both accurate and precise for producing good quality results. However, pipettes cannot be considered alone when evaluating the accuracy of experimental data. Pipetting skill, pipette maintenance and calibration are just a few of the many factors that can influence the accuracy, quality and reproducibility of the generated data. The pipette, pipette tip and pipette user are what makes a complete pipetting system. Therefore the effect that all three elements can have on experimental outcome must be considered as a whole when trying to produce good, reliable results. A good understanding of your liquid handling workflows and the equipment you need for each task is essential to ensure the success of your research. How well are your pipettes maintained? What impact could this have on your results? These are things you need to consider, as well as your pipetting technique and if you are at risk of Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI). Anachem, Rainin and METTLER TOLEDO have created Good Pipetting Practice (GPP) to help and advise you. Comprised of risk analyses, educational materials and seminars the GPP is a specially developed five step programme. The series is designed to help you understand and reduce the risks involved in your workflow process for liquid handling and for you to improve the consistency of your results. The five components are:- • Evaluation & Selection – to help you to understand your options and select the right instruments for your requirements • Training –to advise you how to optimise your workflow through good technique and knowing which techniques to use for various liquids. • Calibration & Routine Operation – to help you to understand your risks in order to alleviate them and the importance of keeping pipettes well maintained. By implementing a Good Pipetting Practice programme in your laboratory everyone on your team will learn how to: Carefully choose their pipetting instruments Optimise their liquid handling workflows Use the correct technique Recognise the risk associated with out-of-calibration pipettes and the role of routine checks A good place to start is www.mt.com/gpp where you can find out what your pipetting risk is with the Free GPP Risk Check tool. It is a confidential online tool that takes just five minutes to complete. Upon completion, a link is offered for a detailed analysis of your pipetting risks and practical tips on how to minimise them. Our specially-written white paper - "The Effect of Pipetting on Experiment Outcome" - examines scientific papers that have shown how pipetting errors affect experimental results and the importance of routine checks and proper maintenance. Email us at response@anachem.co.uk for your free copy. If you would like further information on the GPP programme visit http://www.anachem.co.uk/pipetteservice and choose the Good Pipetting Practice option on the right hand side of the page, or email response@anachem.co.uk. Anachem Ltd., now a METTLER TOLEDO company is the leading specialist supplier of liquid handling products and services to the laboratory community in the UK and Ireland. We have over forty years of technical expertise and innovation serving scientists in major pharmaceutical, industrial, university and research institutes. Our mission is to provide our customers with scientific laboratory supplies that improve the quality of their results, provide time and cost savings and increase efficiency. In addition we strive to source, develop and supply products that improve laboratory safety and ergonomics and minimise the impact on our environment. Anachem Ltd., Anachem House, 1 & 2 Titan Court, Laporte Way, Luton, LU4 8EF, UK. Registered in England 974301 Tel: 01582 456256, Fax: 0116 2346704, email:response@anachem.co.uk, web: www.anachem.co.uk

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