Scientist Solutions - Pipetors (help is needed)

Oh, the joys of repetitive stress syndrome!

I tried just about every brand of pipettor, to varying degrees of success. The best for me (and I'm sorry, I can't remember the brand) was one that had a magnetic mechanism to reduce the pressure need to depress the plunger and required less resistance when raising the plunger (ie aspirating). The best feature was the tips slipped gently over the shaft. I had found that most of my damage came from having to apply such strong pressure to secure the tips, often slamming them into the rack. This new tip design required alomst no pressure and actually leaked less...these were "new" in about 2000, so maybe they are standard equipment by now...I think it was a Gilson...

Some people claim a positive displacement pipet helps with this problem, but I could never get used to pipetting "backwards".

In most cases, the pain can be managed with some behavior modifications. Here are some tips, based on my personal experience:

1) Rest your hand frequently when performing lots of repetivie motions. Lay your hand flat and spread your finger and relax for a few seconds. Stretch your arm and shoulders, too.

2) Make sure your seat height is adjusted correctly for your arm length. If you are "scrunching your shoulder, you may defer pain to your wrist.

3) Alternate between thumb and forefinger when possible.

4) Anti-inflammatory therapy (low dose for several weeks) works miracles. Aside from easing the pain, the anti-inflammatory effects may help promote healing. Be very careful not to overdo it while you are taking pain-killers. You could make it worse.

5) If the pain lingers after work, you might consider sleeping with a wrist brace to help stretch and relax the nerves and tendons.

6) If the pain is persistent or severe, consult your doctor or your occupational health and safety officer. Be judicious, this can be a workmen's compensation issue, but bosses and PI's don't like to hear that...

Good Luck.