How to Answer: Are you familiar with some errors that may occur when using a pipette? How would you prevent those errors?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Medical Laboratory Technician job interview.
28. Are you familiar with some errors that may occur when using a pipette? How would you prevent those errors?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Pipettes, also called pipets or chemical droppers, are small tubes of glass or plastic used to transfer a measurable amount of liquid from one container to another. They come in two forms: volumetric pipettes, used to transfer a single specific volume of liquid, and measuring pipettes, used to transfer varying, measured volumes. Share an example of a common error.
Written by Heather Douglass
Entry Level Example
"Unnecessary tip wiping can lead to sample loss, especially if wiping with absorbent materials, which can carry sample from the pipette tip."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Answer Example
"If pipette operators do not pre-wet the pipette tip prior to initial delivery, sample volume can be lost due to evaporation within the tip. Aspirating and expelling sample liquid at least three times before delivery can mitigate this risk, and is especially important when handling volatile solutions such as organic solvents."
Written by Heather Douglass
Experienced Example
"Pipetting at an angle can cause an error. Touching the pipette tip to the container sides during aspiration results in loss of sample. In addition, removing the pipette at an angle can cause volume variation due to surface tension effects, especially when pipetting small volumes. Pulling the pipette straight out of the container can minimize error."
Written by Ryan Brunner
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