Mastering Precision in Every Drop: Pipetting is the Foundation to Assay Reproducibility and Accuracy

At Ab Biotechnology, we don’t take pipetting lightly, it isn’t just a routine task — it’s a multi-faceted skill refined through rigorous training, science-driven methodology, and years of experience supporting high-sensitivity assays like ELISA , where even a 1 µL deviation can affect data; reproducibility and accuracy are non-negotiable. That’s why at Ab Biotechnology, we don’t just pipette — we perfect the art of liquid handling to deliver unmatched confidence in assay results.

How do we achieve this?

In-Depth Theoretical and Practical Training All Ab Biotechnology analysts undergo structured pipetting certification, combining an understanding of problematic liquids (viscous, foaming, volatile)  with intensive hands-on practice. Our programs are designed to eliminate user-to-user variability and ensure consistent, high-precision performance across all laboratories

Here are our Tips (excuse the pun)

· Ensure pipette tips are the correct size, properly mounted, and fitted securely To prevent air leaks and ensure accurate liquid delivery during aspiration and dispensing.
 

· Always select the pipette with a volume range closest to the target volume This ensures the pipette operates within its most accurate range, minimising volume deviation.
 

· When increasing the volume setting, pass the required value by one-third of a turn, then slowly decrease to the target volume This reduces mechanical backlash in the dial, aligning the plunger mechanism accurately for precise measurements.
 

· Pause briefly after aspiration to allow full solution uptake This ensures the complete intended volume is drawn into the tip, especially important for viscous or temperature-sensitive reagents.
 

· Pause after dispensing to allow residual liquid to collect at the tip before moving on This prevents under-delivery by allowing all liquid to drain from the tip.
 

· Control aspiration and dispensing speeds and apply consistent plunger pressure This minimises turbulence, eliminates air bubbles, and ensures reproducible volume delivery.
 

· Always pipette the largest volumes into the vessel before smaller volumes This helps optimise reagent mixing
 

· Use standardised immersion depths and vertical pipetting technique Consistent immersion prevents aspirating excess liquid or air, improving volume accuracy across wells.
 

· Equilibrate reagents to room temperature before pipetting This helps maintain consistent liquid viscosity and pipette performance, which can otherwise be affected by temperature variation.
 

· Follow consistent technique reinforced through SOPs and routine quality checks Standard operating procedures and ongoing monitoring ensure that every technician performs at the same high standard.
 

· After tip ejection, place the pipette down between sample deliveries Holding the pipette can transfer body heat, affecting internal temperature and potentially altering volume accuracy.
 

· UKAS-accredited engineers regularly service and calibrate pipettes to ISO8655 test specifications This provides traceable, industry-standard verification of pipette performance and ensures that any deviation is documented and corrected.
 

What This Means for assay validation and routine analysis
 

High Reproducibility – Consistent high rates of intra and inter-assay precision 

Low Coefficients of Variation (CV%) – Our precision pipetting translates to tight replicates, strong standard curves, and confident quantification. 

Low Risk of Cross-Contamination – With rigorous tip-changing protocols and aseptic handling, we ensure sample integrity from the first well to the last.

Please get in contact if you would like to see how we can support your projects.
enquiries@abbiotechnology.com