Which statement about micropipettes is accurate?

Which statement about micropipettes is accurate?

• A. They should be used without tips to save time
• B. They have built-in scales to measure volume
• C. Use a fresh tip every time
• D. They are only used for measuring liquids heavier than water

Answer: (C)

Using a fresh disposable tip for every transfer is essential when working with micropipettes. The tip creates a clean barrier between samples and prevents cross‑contamination; reusing a tip can leave residue that alters the actual volume delivered and risks contaminating subsequent samples. Micropipettes are set to a chosen volume and use a plunger to aspirate and dispense liquid, but they don’t measure volume themselves with a built‑in scale—the tip is the interface through which the liquid is drawn and expelled. They can handle a wide range of liquids, so density isn’t a limiting factor, and the idea of using a tipless approach to save time compromises accuracy and safety.

Using a fresh disposable tip for every transfer is essential when working with micropipettes. The tip creates a clean barrier between samples and prevents cross‑contamination; reusing a tip can leave residue that alters the actual volume delivered and risks contaminating subsequent samples. Micropipettes are set to a chosen volume and use a plunger to aspirate and dispense liquid, but they don’t measure volume themselves with a built‑in scale—the tip is the interface through which the liquid is drawn and expelled. They can handle a wide range of liquids, so density isn’t a limiting factor, and the idea of using a tipless approach to save time compromises accuracy and safety.