Video. Removing the supernatant by pouring off the supernatant.
The supernatant is the solution above the solid that has
been forced to the bottom of the centrifuge tube. To remove the
supernatant, carefully pour or pipette the solution away from the solid.
If the solid becomes re-suspended as the supernatant is removed, centrifuge
the sample again.
Pouring
Turn the test tube so that the highest level of solid is away from the vessel to which you are transferring the supernatant, then carefully pour out the liquid.
Pipetting
Remove the supernatant with a pipet or medicine dropper. Squeeze the bulb to expel air, and place the tip of the pipette into the solution. Be careful to keep the tip of the pipette away from the solid. Slowly release pressure from the bulb to draw the supernatant into the dropper.
When removing the supernatant using suction, be careful to:
avoid expelling air bubbles into the solution and
keep the tip of the dropper away from the solid
Video. Removing the supernant with a pipet or dropper.
Video. Keeping the tip of the pipet away from the solid.
