Pin handling

There are many publications about pin dependencies (differences in the amount of liquid transported by individual pins). Influence on the data quality is hazardous! In order to produce good data, handle the pins correctly:

• One pin is more than 400 Euro.
• Avoid any mechanical damage to the delicate pin tips!
• Queck the pin tips under a microscope. Pin tips that look different are not likely to transfer the same amount of liquid.
• Correct cleaning is important. Do not use 70% Ethanol for cleaning (precipiates DNA)nor for drying (water corrodes the pins)!
• Use the manufacturers protocol.
• Properly dry the pins before storage! You may use 100% EtOH for drying. In contrast to the water, EtOH will be gone in a minute, if you use the compressed air for drying the pins before storing them.

  
  Nov 8th, 2007