minitube 23700/2200 Manual página 4

Robertson pipettes are used for laparoscopic insemination of ewes. There are two different
types available: Robertson pipette "Standard" and Robertson pipette "Donor Ewes". The
standard pipette has a needle length of 5 mm. The needle of the pipette for donor ewes has
a length of 7 mm and is used especially in ewes which are FSH stimulated and therefore
show thickened uterine horns.
The pipettes are provided non sterile and should be treated as follows prior to use.
Protocol for disinfecting of re-useable Robertson insemination
pipettes
1. Equipment (items required)

drying cabinet or incubator

solid wire with appropriate diameter to clean the needle

500 ml or 1000 ml measuring cylinders (deep enough to hold the entire length of the
pipettes)

25-50 cc disposable plastic syringes for rinsing pipettes, bidistilled water

Hexaquart (Ref. 21200/0000)

sterile, 0.9% (physiological) saline in bidistilled water
2. Procedure
1. Prepare a 1% solution of Hexaquart with tap water. Place in a measuring cylinder.
2. Clean the needle by using the wire. The needle has to be completely clear.
3. Place used pipettes into a cylinder of 1% Hexaquart solution, the tip showing upward.
Caution: be aware of injuries produced by the needle tip.
Place the protective sheaths in the solution separately..
Ensure that all pipettes are fully immersed and the cylinder is properly closed. Soak
overnight.
4. Rinse pipettes 7 times (using a syringe) with tap water and 3 times with bidistilled
water.
5. Dry pipettes overnight in a drying cabinet or incubator at maximum +40ºC.
Caution: higher temperature will damage the plastic.
Store pipettes completely dry before re-use.
6. Just before use, rinse each pipette with warm, sterile physiological saline.
7. Remove all residues from the pipette. The physiological saline is isotonic with semen
and will not harm the spermatozoa.
Take care not to damage the needle tip. Pipettes should be kept away
from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
4 Minitüb Manual 23700/220x