What Happens When You Autoclave a Micropipette by Mistake? A Lab Horror Story

What Happens When You Autoclave a Micropipette by Mistake? A Lab Horror Story

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Not all of the most memorable lessons learned in a laboratory come from textbooks, but rather from our unexpected mistakes. That moment for me occurred during a standard lab cleanup. I was new, eager to do everything correctly, and trying to help. However, a precision tool valued at thousands of rupees was destroyed due to a single, minor mistake. That error? accidentally autoclaving a micropipette. A combination of panic, shame, and a great deal of education ensued.

Related: Also check micropipette to learn more.

The Day It Went Wrong

We were in our molecular biology lab on a Friday afternoon. The team was busy cleaning up after a demanding week of working on ELISA and cell culture. The autoclave room was busy, equipment was being sorted, and dishes were being cleaned. I was cleaning plastic and reusable glassware as part of my work. I was given a foil-wrapped tray by a senior, who asked if I could put it in the autoclave. I did not ask any questions. I simply added it to the remaining items for sterilization as directed.

I began unloading after the autoclave cycle was finished and the contents had cooled. At that moment, I became aware of something strange. One of the wrapped objects had the appearance of a micropipette. Not just any micropipette, but a high-end, fully-assembled model with adjustable volume. It was distorted. The adjustment dial would not turn, the plunger was jammed, and the plastic casing appeared to have partially melted. I became aware of what I had done at that point.

What the Heat Did to the Micropipette

Unless they are specially made for it, micropipettes are not made to withstand the high heat and pressure of an autoclave, and even then, only specific parts are intended to be placed inside. Delicate mechanical parts are found in the majority of micropipettes. These consist of lubricants that function within exact tolerances, springs, pistons, and O-rings. Those parts start to malfunction when they are subjected to autoclave conditions, which are usually 121°C at high pressure.

The damage in this instance was obvious. The entire device was useless, the internal mechanism had stopped working, and the plastic was warped. Even the tip ejector had moved from its original alignment, the accuracy dial was stuck, and the plunger would no longer depress smoothly. What was once a precise instrument was now just costly laboratory waste.

How It Affected Our Work

That micropipette was frequently used for delicate processes like ELISA and PCR preparation. We had to change our schedules and share pipettes amongst researchers after losing it, which raised the possibility of contamination. There were some ongoing experiments that had to be stopped. Additionally, we had to postpone data analysis and wait two weeks for the order and delivery of a replacement. Time, trust, and resources were all disrupted, in addition to a workflow.

Internal tension was also brought on by the error. Though it was not totally my fault, I felt guilty and ashamed. No one had informed me which instruments should or should not be autoclave sterilized, and the pipette had no label stating that it wasn't. I did, however, take the duty seriously. I asked for advice, stayed late to assist with the rework, and ensured that the mistake would not occur again. It was a challenging experience that pushed me to develop as a lab member rapidly.

What I Learned from the Mistake

In retrospect, the assumption proved to be more problematic than the autoclave or even the pipette. I figured I could sterilize everything in that tray. I assumed that everyone was aware of what could be autoclaved. If something was in foil, I figured it had been examined. These presumptions were costly in addition to being incorrect. The true takeaway from this is that lab equipment needs to be handled carefully and that everyone, especially newcomers, needs to understand the procedures.

Following the incident, our lab made a few minor but significant adjustments. We put stickers on all of the micropipettes; some said "autoclavable parts only," while others said "do not autoclave." We made a brief manual on how to handle delicate instruments for new interns. I started examining the calibration logs and consulting user manuals whenever I had questions. Our team's communication improved along with the culture surrounding equipment care.

Why It Still Matters

Years later, every time I pass the autoclave room, I still think about that broken micropipette. It makes me realize how easily a single mistake can result in irreparable harm. It also makes me realize how crucial it is to foster an atmosphere in which people feel free to ask questions. It might have been prevented if I had felt comfortable asking questions prior to loading the tray, or if someone had gone over micropipette care with me during my orientation.

Precision in scientific research involves respecting all tools, no matter how tiny, and goes beyond numbers and procedures. Despite being a standard tool in the lab, the micropipette bears the responsibility of precision, dependability, and trust. I learned how easily that trust can literally melt away when I accidentally autoclaved it.

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