Course Offerings

Micropipettes are common laboratory devices used to accurately dispense small volumes of liquid samples. This course focuses on the principles of micropipetting used in biotechnology and other laboratory settings. Testing of pipetting skills is made at the entry of the class and at the end of the course to assess the student's improvement in micropipetting skills. Practical tips and techniques are discussed and practiced to increase accuracy and precision of pipetting. Ergonomics is discussed as it relates to the prevention of injuries due to repetitive motions in laboratory situations, with particular emphasis on pipetting activities.

Course Objectives

Introduce the basic skills of micropipette operation

Provide experience with a variety of micropipettes that are commonly encountered in laboratory situations

Discuss and practice techniques used to increase pipetting performance

Provide students with a way to quantify their pipetting skills and measure gains in those skills acquired during this course

Provide an introduction to the dilution of laboratory reagents/samples and the calculations needed to make those dilutions

Introduce the topic of ergonomics as it applies to laboratory procedures and the prevention of workplace injuries

Outline of Instruction

Course Introduction
1.1. Lecture: Use and function of micropippetors
1.2. Lab: Testing of initial micropipetting skill levels (Artel method)
1.3. Lecture: Discussion of factors affecting pipetting performance
1.4. Lecture: Discussion of methods to measure micropipette performance
1.5. Lecture: Guide to Dilutions

Technical Instruction
2.1. Lab: Practice micropipetting
2.2. Lecture: Tips for better pipetting
2.3. Lecture: Ergonomics and Micropipetting
2.4. Lab: Practice pipetting and Gravimetric method of measuring pipetting performance
2.5. Lab: Practice pipetting with glass, serological and digital pipettes

Assessment
3.1. Lab: Final test of pipetting performance (Artel method)

Conclusions and Final Discussion
4.1. Open floor for additional questions and feedback

Contact Hours

6

CEUs

1

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

None

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

N/A

Learning Supplies Needed

Micropipettes, different pipettes, training handouts, different solutions, micropipette tips, beakers, test tubes, test tube racks, straws, colored water and ARTEL unit and unit supplies

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

N/A

Requirements for Successful Completion

95% attendance
Coefficient of variation (CV) < 1% with micropipettes in two attempts or fewer

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

Bioprocess technicians, lab technicians, QC lab technicians and environmental monitoring technicians

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

N/A

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

N/A

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

Laboratory technician

Bioprocessing technician

Related Courses

BTC-3200A7

Course Contact Information

[email protected]