Liquid handling is a foundational technique in every laboratory, across all levels of research. The term refers to the use of liquids in experimentation. Liquid handling most commonly involves pipetting liquid consumables like chemical reagents or biological or radioactive samples. More broadly, it can also involve large fluid quantities, e.g., culture flasks and chemical reactions.

Liquid handling requires the use of modern pipettes, disposable tips, and glassware. Newer techniques involve robotic pipette tips, microplate dispensers, and other automated liquid handling systems to improve safety and prevent musculoskeletal injuries from prolonged pipette use.