SOCOREX Acura® 810 Dilution Pipette

Overview

The SOCOREX Acura® 810 Dilution Pipette is a precision-engineered, manually operated single-channel pipette designed specifically for standardized serial dilution workflows—most notably the 1:10 dilution protocol widely mandated in microbiological testing, food safety analysis (e.g., ISO 6887, ISO 7218), and environmental water quality assessment. Unlike conventional adjustable-volume pipettes, the Acura 810 features two factory-calibrated, fixed dispensing volumes—exactly 1.0 mL and 0.1 mL—enabling direct, repeatable transfer without volume re-setting or user adjustment between steps. Its operation relies on positive displacement mechanics via a calibrated air cushion and dual-stop piston actuation, ensuring metrological traceability to ISO 8655-2 and compliance with GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for volumetric accuracy in accredited laboratories.

Key Features

• Dual-Volume Fixed Calibration: Two independently certified dispensing volumes (1.0 mL and 0.1 mL) are pre-adjusted at the factory and verified per ISO 8655-3; eliminates volume drift and reduces operator-induced variability in repetitive dilution series.
• JUSTIP™ Adjustable Tip Ejector: Patented height-adjustable plunger mechanism ensures optimal tip seal and ejection force across a broad range of capillary tip geometries—including long-bore sterile polypropylene (PP) tips—enhancing compatibility and reducing tip drop-off during vertical aspiration from narrow-necked or flexible containers (e.g., stomacher bags).
• Capillary Tip Compatibility: Optimized for use with sterile, low-retention PP capillary tips (190 mm or 240 mm length, 4 mm outer diameter), enabling reliable sampling from deep or constricted sample vessels common in bacteriological enrichment and homogenization protocols.
• Tool-Free Calibration System: Each volume setting (1 mL and 0.1 mL) can be independently recalibrated using the integrated calibration screw—no external tools or disassembly required—supporting in-house verification per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4 and maintaining continuity of measurement uncertainty budgets.
• Ergonomic & Robust Construction: Machined stainless-steel body with chemically resistant anodized aluminum housing; designed for high-cycle durability in QC labs handling aggressive solvents, disinfectants, and biological matrices.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Acura 810 is routinely deployed in applications requiring strict adherence to standardized dilution schemes defined in ISO 6887-1 (microbiological examination of food and animal feeding stuffs), AOAC Official Method 990.12 (coliform enumeration), and USP (microbial enumeration tests). Its fixed-volume architecture eliminates inter-operator discrepancies associated with manual volume selection—a critical control point in FDA-regulated environments where audit trails and procedural reproducibility are enforced under 21 CFR Part 11. The instrument complies with ISO 8655 parts 1–5 for piston-operated volumetric apparatus, and its calibration documentation supports traceability to national standards (e.g., METAS in Switzerland, NIST in the U.S.).

Software & Data Management

As a fully manual, non-electronic device, the Acura 810 does not incorporate onboard software or digital interfaces. However, it integrates seamlessly into paper-based or LIMS-linked laboratory workflows through standardized calibration logs, maintenance records, and usage tracking templates aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.7 (control of equipment). Laboratories may document calibration events—including date, technician ID, reference standard used, and measured deviation—for each fixed volume in accordance with internal SOPs and regulatory audit requirements. Optional accessories such as the three-position stand (Part No. 320.340) support organized benchtop deployment and reduce accidental tip contamination.

Applications

• Preparation of tenfold serial dilutions in microbial load determination (e.g., total viable count, coliforms, E. coli, Salmonella screening)
• Standardized inoculum preparation for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) per CLSI M07-A11
• Environmental monitoring of water, wastewater, and surface swabs per EPA Method 1603 and ISO 9308-1
• Pharmaceutical raw material testing under USP and Ph. Eur. 5.1.4
• Quality control of probiotic formulations and fermented foods requiring precise dilution fidelity

FAQ

Is the Acura 810 suitable for use with viscous or volatile liquids?

Yes—its positive-displacement design and fixed-volume actuation minimize evaporation and liquid retention errors commonly observed with air-cushion pipettes when handling ethanol, glycerol, or bacterial suspensions.
Can the 0.1 mL and 1 mL settings be recalibrated separately?

Yes—the JUSTIP™ calibration system allows independent mechanical adjustment of each stop position using the dedicated calibration screw; full recalibration procedures are detailed in the ISO 8655-compliant user manual.
What tip types are validated for use with this pipette?

Sterile, low-binding PP capillary tips (Part Nos. 313.1119.40 and 313.2224.40) and hydrophobic PE filter barriers (Part No. 322.810) are factory-validated and listed in the Declaration of Conformity.
Does the Acura 810 meet requirements for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation?

Yes—when operated and maintained per SOCOREX’s documented procedures, including periodic calibration verification and traceable recordkeeping, it satisfies Clause 6.4 (equipment management) and Clause 7.7 (measurement traceability) of ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
Is there a service program available for international users?

SOCOREX-certified service centers operate globally through authorized distributors; calibration certificates issued by these centers include ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation statements where applicable.