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Medical Laboratory Technician Mock Interview

Question 28 of 40 for our Medical Laboratory Technician Mock Interview

Medical Laboratory Technician was updated by on October 31st, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 28 of 40

Are you familiar with some errors that may occur when using a pipette? How would you prevent those errors?

"Unnecessary tip wiping can lead to sample loss, especially if wiping with absorbent materials, which can carry sample from the pipette tip."

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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

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "An error that was common in my clinical chemistry laboratory course was the improper use of the pipette plunger. To prevent this, a quick demonstration on how to use the micropipette in the dispensing and aspiration of the solution would have been helpful."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      Great! Specific and focused.
      Show More Answers

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