Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a potentially serious form of strain in small muscle groups, caused by carrying out a highly repetitive task for extended periods without a break. Symptoms usually emerge gradually over several months or even years; in serious cases RSI may cause long-term injury to nerves, muscles, tendons or joints.

Because of the repetitive nature of manual liquid handling and its everyday use in biomedical laboratories, pipetting is considered a potential cause of RSI, with associated pain in the finger, thumb, forearm, elbow, shoulder, neck or lower back. 

Factors affecting the development of RSI include the weight of the pipette, the effort required for operation, and the user's posture, technique and work environment.

Learn more about RSI - Download our white paper at www.eppendorf.co.uk/rsi