Pipetting is one of the most frequent and essential tasks in molecular biology, diagnostics, and quality control workflows. Yet even minor deviations during repetitive liquid handling can propagate through entire experiments, affecting reproducibility, assay reliability, and downstream results. As labs handle more viscous, volatile, or enzyme-rich reagents, achieving consistent pipetting becomes increasingly critical—not just for accuracy, but also for operator wellbeing.

The Hidden Challenge: Variability in Repetitive Pipetting

Studies show that repetitive pipetting introduces two primary sources of variability:

1. Operator Fatigue – A 2023 ergonomics analysis in Applied Laboratory Efficiency found that extended pipetting sessions could reduce volume accuracy by up to 15%. Strain accumulates in the thumb and wrist, and errors increase in the latter stages of long runs.
2. Sample Properties – Viscous or volatile reagents, including master mixes and enzyme solutions, can amplify volume inconsistencies, particularly when using manual air-displacement pipettes.

For workflows such as PCR prep, ELISA plate setup, IVF sample handling, and QC testing in regulated labs, these factors can meaningfully impact reproducibility and compliance.

Electronic Repeating Pipettes: A Practical Solution

Electronic positive-displacement repeating pipettes have emerged as effective tools to improve both precision and ergonomics in repetitive workflows. Their key benefits include:

• Stable micro-dispensing, even with viscous reagents or volatile solvents.
• Reduced physical strain, lowering thumb and wrist effort during high-volume runs.
• Consistency across operators and plates, supporting ISO, CAP, and CLIA compliance.

A multi-lab workflow study reported that electronic repeaters reduced cumulative error across three consecutive 96-well plates by over 20%, improving reproducibility and meeting stringent QC standards.

“In high-volume workflows, even minor pipetting drift compounds quickly. Electronic repeaters helped us stabilize throughput without increasing error-correction steps.”
— Applied Genomics Laboratory, Workflow Precision Review, 2023

Practical Implications for Your Lab

Focusing on reproducible, ergonomically optimized pipetting delivers tangible benefits:

• Improved reproducibility across operators and shifts
• Fewer assay reruns and reduced reagent waste
• Stronger compliance documentation for regulated environments
• Less operator fatigue, increasing workflow efficiency and staff wellbeing

Electronic repeaters like the BrandTech HandyStep Touch provide a bridge between traditional manual pipetting and fully automated systems, offering high-precision performance for mid-throughput labs or teams transitioning toward more efficient workflows.

Conclusion

Reproducible pipetting is about more than equipment—it’s about workflow design, operator ergonomics, and selecting tools that support both. Labs that invest in reliable repeating pipettes can reduce error, improve consistency, and protect staff from fatigue, all while maintaining high-quality results in demanding environments.

Learn More: BrandTech HandyStep Touch – Next-Generation Repeating Pipette

Sources:

• SLAS Technology, 2024 – Comparative Analysis of Repetitive Dispensing Accuracy
• Applied Genomics Laboratory – Workflow Precision Review, 2023
• Applied Laboratory Efficiency – Ergonomics in High-Throughput Liquid Handling, 2023