A pipette is a tool used mainly in laboratories to transport a specific volume of liquid.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For some individuals using a pipette may be difficult due to:
- poor vision
- poor fine hand co-ordination
- poor hand dexterity
- poor pinch grip which involves gripping between the thumb and index finger.
Some strategies may assist individuals to use a pipette more easily and independently including:
- where possible ensure the individual has good postural and trunk stability to maximise hand use
- place items within easy reach to prevent over reaching
- consider the use of adaptive technology or equipment to minimise or eliminate the fine hand use required with some tasks.
There are various pieces of equipment to supplement the use of a pipette that may make its use more accessible to individuals with a physical or visual impairment including:
- a pipette aid which provides a larger bulb to squeeze and draw the fluid into the pipette
- a light guided pipetting system which uses LCD or LED monitors and provides a light source for more accurate pipetting. Some systems use voice, light, time and text cues to guide the individual through the steps of pipetting
- automatic pipettes which can be programmed to carry out pipetting, dispensing, and reverse pipetting
- ergonomic pipetting plates to avoid holding the pipette plate at an angle.
For those individuals who are no longer able to manipulate a pipette due to physical restrictions, there are pipette robots that enable the user to pipette accurately using technology.
Other information on how to make using equipment easier for individuals is available at the following links:
References
BioTx Automation Inc. 2006, WellAware Error-Free Light Guided Manual
Pipetting System is Now Application Based, BioTx Automation Inc., Texas, viewed 17 January 2011, http://www.pr9.net/pdf/3862may.pdf.
Corbett Life Science 2007, CAS-1200 Automated PCR Setup, Corbett Life Science, Sydney, viewed 17 January 2011, http://www.corbettlifescience.net/public/cas-1200%20prep-gene/product%20information/cas-1200_a4.pdf.
Fronine Laboratory Supplies 2011, Eppendorf Research Pro Automatic Pipette, Fronine Laboratory Supplies, New South Wales, viewed 17 January 2011,
http://www.fronine.com.au/eppendorf_research_pro_automatic_pipette.asp.
Monash University 2009, OHSE Hazard Alert - Glass Pipettes: A Source of Common Laboratory Injuries, Monash University, Melbourne, viewed 17 January 2011, http://www.adm.monash.edu.au/ohse/documents/hazard-alerts/glass-pipettes.html.