Five ways to combat pain in manual pipetting

How to prevent, rather than cure RSI

What is RSI?

RSI, or repetitive strain injury, refers to a range of conditions resulting from repetitive motion or overuse of muscles, tendons, and nerves. Commonly affecting areas such as the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders, RSI can lead to pain, discomfort, and reduced function. It often arises from activities like typing, using a mouse, or other repetitive tasks, including laboratory ones. Treatments may involve rest, physical therapy, ergonomic adjustments, and in some cases, medication.

1. Choose the right pipette

It is important to make sure that a manual pipette has correct balance to combat RSI. Making sure that there is a good centre of gravity is key as if it is not balanced this could cause excess strain on the muscles. If a pipette is intended for daily use it should be as light as possible with a good centre of gravity. 

2. Consider forces required to adjust pipetting parameters

When manually pipetting with mechanical adjustments such as volume, you need dexterity. That being said, if the mechanical adjustments – such as the dial and the button to release the aspirated liquid requires an excessive amount of force, this can be a catalyst for RSI. Any mechanical aspects on a pipette should be easily operated, but not to the extent where accidental adjustment/use can take place.

3. Maximise the ergonomics of your pipetting station

Ergonomics is the practice of designing workspaces and tools to fit people’s needs, making them more comfortable and efficient while reducing the risk of injury.

The pipette 

The design of a pipette is vital to mitigate against RSI, when operating a pipette it should fit comfortably in the hand and should be an appropriate size so that most people can hold the pipette without needing to overly clench their hand, it could also include divots which follow the shape of your hand to increase comfort.

The workspace

The design of the pipette is important to prevent RSI for parts of the body such as hand and arms but making sure the workspace is correct will prevent RSI in other parts of the body such as neck and shoulders. 

Creating a good workspace is essential for a successful pipetting session. Paying attention to your environment helps you work comfortably and minimises movements that can lead to strain. You have the most control over how you arrange items on your workbench, like tubes, plates, reagents, tips, and disposal containers. Keep frequently used items near the edge of the bench to avoid unnecessary reaching or stretching. Less frequently used items, like a pipette stand or vortex, can be placed further away but should still be within easy reach.

Are you sitting at your workspace?

• Your knees are at a 90° angle to the ground
• You use a chair with a backrest
• Sit with a straight back and neck

Are you standing at your workspace?

• Use an aid such as an anti-fatigue mat
• Your workbench should be at waist height
• Keep your back straight
• Only bend the neck slightly
• Elbows should be slightly higher than the workbench

4. Posture! Posture! Posture!

No pipette can make up for poor posture. Sit or stand with your back straight and shoulders relaxed, keeping your elbows close to your body to avoid overreaching. Position your work at a comfortable height so you’re not bending or twisting awkwardly to access samples. If your workstation setup doesn’t allow for proper posture, consider using an adjustable chair, workbench, or wrist supports to help maintain ergonomic alignment. Good posture not only reduces the risk of RSI but also promotes long-term comfort during repetitive tasks like pipetting.

5. Take frequent breaks

When possible, take short regular breaks when manually pipetting, this will help reduce the risk of RSI. If you’re a microbiologist, use those long incubation times to step away from pipetting and stretch, or, better yet, let the intern take a turn!