DLAB TopPette Manual Adjustable Single-Channel Pipette

Overview

The DLAB TopPette Manual Adjustable Single-Channel Pipette is an ergonomically engineered liquid handling instrument designed for precision volumetric transfer in routine and regulated laboratory environments. Based on positive displacement piston-driven mechanics, the TopPette delivers consistent aspiration and dispensing across its full volume range—from ultra-low volumes of 0.1 µL up to 10 mL—without reliance on air cushion compression, thereby minimizing variability caused by temperature, humidity, or liquid density fluctuations. Its modular architecture separates the upper control assembly from the autoclavable lower body, enabling rigorous decontamination while preserving calibration integrity. The pipette operates without electronic components or power sources, ensuring operational reliability in ISO Class 5–8 cleanrooms, GLP-compliant QC labs, and resource-constrained field settings where battery life or firmware updates are impractical.

Key Features

• Ergonomic actuation system featuring low-force plunger activation and an enlarged finger rest, reducing hand fatigue during high-throughput workflows.
• Dual-scale digital volume display with clear, parallax-free readout—enabling rapid verification of setpoint without repositioning the pipette.
• Chemically resistant construction using medical-grade polypropylene and PTFE-sealed pistons, validated for compatibility with common solvents including ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, and diluted acids/bases.
• Autoclavable lower body (up to 121 °C, 20 min, 1 bar saturated steam), supporting compliance with ISO 8573-1 (compressed air purity) and EU GMP Annex 1 requirements for reusable equipment in aseptic processing.
• Tool-assisted service design: all critical wear components—including tip ejector spring, O-rings, and piston seals—are field-replaceable using included calibration tools and standardized hex keys.
• Interchangeable tip compatibility with universal conical tips meeting ISO 8655-2 dimensional tolerances, ensuring reproducible seal formation and minimal tip slippage.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TopPette is suitable for aqueous solutions, buffers, cell suspensions, viscous reagents (e.g., glycerol ≤50 % v/v), and low-volatility organic solvents. It is not recommended for highly volatile or corrosive agents such as concentrated nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, or chlorinated hydrocarbons without prior validation. The device complies with ISO 8655-1 (general requirements) and ISO 8655-5 (testing methods for manual piston-operated pipettes). Performance verification protocols align with CLSI EP10-A3 and ASTM E2758-19 guidelines. For regulated environments, users may implement traceable calibration records per ISO/IEC 17025:2017, with optional audit trails generated via external calibration management software.

Software & Data Management

As a fully manual instrument, the TopPette does not incorporate embedded electronics or wireless connectivity. However, it integrates seamlessly into digital lab ecosystems through third-party calibration documentation platforms (e.g., LabWare LIMS, Thermo Fisher SampleManager). Each unit ships with a factory-issued calibration certificate referencing NIST-traceable gravimetric standards. Users may log maintenance events—including autoclaving cycles, seal replacements, and post-service verification tests—in accordance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with compliant electronic notebooks or ELN systems supporting digital signatures and version-controlled entries.

Applications

• Preparative molecular biology workflows: PCR master mix assembly, restriction digest setup, and plasmid dilution series.
• Quality control testing in pharmaceutical manufacturing: dissolution sample preparation, standard curve generation for HPLC analysis, and media fill simulations.
• Clinical diagnostics: serum dilution for ELISA, whole blood aliquoting for hematology controls, and CSF volume partitioning for cytology.
• Academic research requiring long-term repeatability: enzyme kinetics assays, microbial culture inoculation, and microplate-based viability screening.
• Environmental testing labs performing EPA Method 525.3 extractions and ASTM D7088-20 water toxicity assay preparations.

FAQ

Is the entire pipette autoclavable?
No—only the lower body (barrel, tip cone, and ejection sleeve) is rated for autoclaving at 121 °C for 20 minutes. The upper housing contains non-heat-resistant elastomers and must be cleaned externally with 70 % ethanol.
How often should performance verification be conducted?
Per ISO 8655-6, verification is recommended every 3 months for daily use; immediately after any disassembly or repair; and following exposure to extreme environmental conditions (e.g., >80 % RH or ambient temperatures outside 15–30 °C).
Can I use non-DLAB tips with this pipette?
Yes—provided they conform to ISO 8655-3 specifications for conical tip geometry and sealing force. Independent testing is advised to confirm accuracy retention across the full volume range.
What tools are required for recalibration?
The included hex key set and tip ejector tool enable full mechanical recalibration. Gravimetric adjustment requires an analytical balance (0.01 mg readability), distilled water (20 °C), and ISO 4787-certified volumetric glassware for reference.
Does the TopPette support GLP/GMP documentation requirements?
Yes—when used with validated calibration SOPs, traceable weights, and controlled record-keeping systems, it satisfies ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) for regulated data integrity.