Final answer:
To settle liquid in an ampule, tap or flick it to move liquid from the top to the bottom. During transfers, hold containers at an angle and flame the opening before and after to minimize contamination. Practice pipetting with water first, using proper aseptic methods and ensuring level measurements.
Step-by-step explanation:
To settle the liquid in the bottom of the ampule before opening it, a standard practice involves tapping the ampule or using a flicking motion with the fingers to move any liquid from the top of the ampule to the bottom. One key aspect in the transfer process is holding tubes or bottles at an angle to minimize the risk of airborne contaminants entering the opening. Furthermore, passing the opening of the tube or bottle briefly through a flame before and after the transfer can greatly reduce the chance of contamination. All these steps should be done using aseptic techniques to maintain sterility.
For pipetting practice, it is essential to use a graduated pipette and a pipette aid (pipump) correctly. Start by using water in a beaker to practice drawing liquid and dispensing it in measured increments. Once comfortable, replicate this with water in a capped media bottle. Always ensure you hold the pipette correctly and follow the aseptic technique.
When handling the ampule or any volumetric instrument, it's crucial for accuracy to have the instrument level and ensure your eye is in line with the top of the liquid for correct measurement. It's also important to work with pre-sterilized pipettes for transferring specific volumes of sterile liquids, further emphasizing the importance of proper technique to avoid contamination of sterile solutions.