DLAB Levo E Manual Pipette Aid
| Brand | DLAB |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Model | Levo E |
| Compatible Pipette Volumes | 2 mL (blue), 5 mL (yellow), 10 mL (green), 25 mL (red) |
| Material Compatibility | Resistant to common acids and bases |
| Operation Mechanism | Precision roller-controlled vacuum regulation |
| Cleaning | Autoclavable components (per manufacturer specifications) |
| Regulatory Compliance | Designed for GLP-compliant lab environments |
Overview
The DLAB Levo E Manual Pipette Aid is an ergonomically engineered, hand-held vacuum-assisted liquid handling device designed for precise, repeatable, and fatigue-free operation with glass or plastic serological pipettes. Unlike motorized or electronic pipette controllers, the Levo E operates on a purely mechanical principle—leveraging calibrated roller-based vacuum modulation to deliver consistent aspiration and dispensing control across four discrete volume ranges. Its design adheres to fundamental fluid-handling principles rooted in controlled negative pressure generation and laminar flow management, ensuring minimal operator-induced variability during routine pipetting tasks. The device is intended for use in academic research laboratories, clinical diagnostics support workflows, quality control settings, and teaching labs where reliability, chemical compatibility, and intuitive operation are prioritized over programmability.
Key Features
- Color-coded volume identification system: Distinctive color coding—blue (2 mL), yellow (5 mL), green (10 mL), and red (25 mL)—enables rapid visual selection and minimizes misapplication errors in high-throughput or multi-user environments.
- Roller-controlled vacuum regulation: A precision-machined rotary dial provides smooth, stepless adjustment of suction force, allowing fine-tuned control over aspiration speed and volume delivery—critical for viscous, volatile, or foaming liquids.
- Chemical resistance: Constructed with polypropylene and silicone elastomer components rated for compatibility with common laboratory reagents including diluted hydrochloric acid (≤1 M), sodium hydroxide (≤0.5 M), ethanol, isopropanol, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS).
- Modular and serviceable architecture: Filter housing is accessible without tools; hydrophobic PTFE membrane filters (0.2 µm) prevent aerosol ingress and protect internal mechanisms. All wetted parts are compatible with standard autoclaving cycles (121 °C, 15 psi, 20 min) per ISO 17664 guidelines.
- Ergonomic form factor: Balanced weight distribution and textured grip surface reduce hand fatigue during extended use, supporting compliance with ISO 10075-3 recommendations for manual handling equipment in laboratory settings.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Levo E is validated for use with Class A and Class B borosilicate glass serological pipettes (ISO 648, ISO 1042) and certified polypropylene disposable pipettes up to 25 mL capacity. It does not require electrical power or compressed gas supply, eliminating risks associated with electrical safety (IEC 61010-1) or pneumatic line contamination. Device labeling conforms to GHS hazard communication standards where applicable. While not individually certified to ISO/IEC 17025, its performance characteristics support traceable calibration practices when used with NIST-traceable pipettes and gravimetric verification protocols (e.g., ASTM E538, USP ).
Software & Data Management
As a manually operated, non-electronic instrument, the Levo E does not incorporate embedded firmware, connectivity interfaces, or data logging capabilities. This design intentionally avoids complexity related to cybersecurity, software validation, or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requirements—making it suitable for environments where regulatory simplicity and audit transparency are essential. User training records, maintenance logs, and filter replacement documentation may be maintained externally in accordance with GLP (21 CFR Part 58) or ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.6 requirements.
Applications
- Cell culture media preparation and passaging using sterile glass or plastic pipettes
- Standard solution dilution series in analytical chemistry workflows
- Reagent transfer in ELISA, PCR setup, and immunoassay protocols
- Teaching laboratory instruction for foundational pipetting technique development
- QC sampling in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments where electronic devices are restricted near classified areas
FAQ
Is the Levo E compatible with plastic Pasteur pipettes?
No—Levo E is specifically engineered for rigid-walled serological pipettes (glass or rigid polypropylene). Flexible plastic transfer pipettes lack structural integrity under vacuum and are not supported.
Can the device be sterilized in a dry-heat oven?
Dry-heat sterilization is not recommended. Only autoclaving (steam, 121 °C) is validated for reusable components. Silicone seals and PTFE filters degrade above 100 °C in dry environments.
What filter type is required for routine use?
A 0.2 µm hydrophobic PTFE membrane filter (DLAB part #7013300005) must be installed prior to first use and replaced after each 20 hours of cumulative operation or immediately following accidental liquid ingress.
Does DLAB provide calibration certificates for the Levo E?
No—calibration is not applicable to this class of mechanical aid. Performance verification is conducted via user-performed gravimetric testing of associated pipettes per ISO 8655-6.
Is the Levo E suitable for use with organic solvents such as chloroform or acetone?
Acetone is acceptable for brief contact during cleaning. Chloroform, THF, and other halogenated or strong ketonic solvents are not recommended due to potential degradation of silicone O-rings and polypropylene housing.
