What are pipetting stations?

Pipetting stations are benchtop liquid handling systems that allow a user to pipette into 96- and 384-well plates with far fewer steps and greater accuracy than when using single, 8- and 12 multichannel pipettes.

Pipetting stations range from manual and semi-automated to fully automated liquid handling options. In general, manual and semi-automated stations are more appropriate for research labs, while fully-automated liquid handling systems are more common in production environments. As a general rule, labs that prepare more than five plates a day will benefit from a pipetting station. 

How can I reduce the risk of contamination when pipetting multiple reagents in a high-throughput environment?

High-throughput workflows can amplify small errors, making contamination control essential. Use fresh tips for each reagent, opt for filtered tips to prevent aerosol carryover, and organize your workflow so that you minimize pipette handling and sample mixing. Periodically spray the pipette exterior with ethanol and wipe it down to maintain cleanliness throughout the run. Rainin 8-, 12- and high-throughput 96-channel pipettes are designed for reliability and quick tip changes to help you uphold strict contamination standards while processing large numbers of samples efficiently.