DLAB TopPette Single-Channel Adjustable-Volume Manual Pipette

Overview

The DLAB TopPette Single-Channel Adjustable-Volume Manual Pipette is an ISO 8655-compliant precision liquid handling instrument engineered for reproducible, traceable, and operator-friendly volumetric transfer in research laboratories, quality control environments, and clinical diagnostics workflows. Designed around the fundamental principle of air displacement, the TopPette employs a precision-machined stainless-steel piston housed within a chemically resistant, autoclavable lower assembly to deliver consistent aspiration and dispensing across its full 0.5–10 µL range. Its mechanical architecture eliminates electronic dependencies, ensuring long-term stability, minimal drift, and compliance with GLP/GMP documentation requirements where manual instrumentation is preferred or mandated. The pipette meets international metrological standards for gravimetric performance verification and supports routine calibration per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited protocols.

Key Features

• High-precision volume adjustment via smooth, tactile rotary volume selector with positive click-stop feedback at each increment (0.1 µL resolution)
• Ergonomic handle geometry—contoured finger grips and optimized center-of-mass placement—reduces hand fatigue during high-throughput pipetting sessions
• Large, high-contrast digital volume window with anti-glare lens for unambiguous reading under standard lab lighting conditions
• Autoclavable lower assembly (including tip cone and ejector mechanism) rated for repeated cycles at 121 °C / 20 min without performance degradation
• Replaceable hydrophobic filter barrier integrated into the tip attachment system to prevent aerosol contamination of the internal piston chamber
• Modular tip cone design enables rapid disassembly for cleaning, inspection, or replacement—no specialized tools required beyond included calibration kit
• Volume lock mechanism prevents accidental setting changes during transport or multi-step protocols
• Low activation force (< 1.8 N for aspiration; < 2.2 N for ejection) validated per ISO 8655-4 for operator comfort and consistency

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TopPette 0.5–10 µL model is compatible with all industry-standard sterile, low-retention, and filtered 10 µL pipette tips meeting ANSI/SLAS dimensional specifications. It maintains accuracy and precision when handling aqueous buffers, diluted acids/bases (pH 2–12), ethanol/water mixtures, and viscous solutions up to 50 cP—provided appropriate pre-wetting and pause-time protocols are applied. The device conforms to ISO 8655 Parts 1–6 (Pipettes and Gravimetric Test Methods), EN ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management Systems), and supports audit readiness for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned environments through documented calibration records and traceable performance verification logs. All materials contacting liquids comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility testing and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU.

Software & Data Management

As a fully manual instrument, the TopPette does not incorporate embedded electronics or firmware. However, it is fully compatible with third-party laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELN) via standardized calibration documentation templates. DLAB provides downloadable PDF-based calibration logbooks compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A.3 requirements, including fields for operator ID, environmental conditions (temperature/humidity), reference balance certificate numbers, and uncertainty budgeting. Each pipette ships with a unique serial number engraved on the upper housing, enabling asset-level tracking and scheduled maintenance alerts within institutional CMMS platforms.

Applications

• Quantitative PCR (qPCR) master mix preparation and template dilution in molecular biology labs
• Cell culture media supplementation with growth factors, antibiotics, or inducers requiring sub-microliter precision
• High-content screening (HCS) assay plate setup involving low-volume reagent additions to 384- or 1536-well microplates
• Standard curve generation for ELISA, immunoassays, and enzymatic activity assays
• Pre-analytical sample processing in clinical chemistry, including serum dilution and calibrator preparation
• Calibration of automated liquid handlers using gravimetrically verified manual pipettes as primary references

FAQ

Is the TopPette 0.5–10 µL suitable for handling volatile organic solvents?
Yes—its PTFE-sealed piston and chemically inert polypropylene/PEEK construction provide compatibility with acetone, methanol, acetonitrile, and chloroform. Extended exposure to strong oxidizers (e.g., concentrated HNO₃) or halogenated hydrocarbons is not recommended.
Can this pipette be calibrated in-house without external service?
Yes—DLAB supplies a complete calibration kit (part no. CAL-KIT-TOP10) including certified Class E2 weights, distilled water, temperature/humidity log sheet, and step-by-step ISO 8655–compliant procedure guide.
What is the recommended recalibration interval?
DLAB recommends quarterly calibration for routine use; monthly for high-frequency (>100 cycles/day) or critical GxP applications. Frequency should be justified by risk assessment per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.7.
Does the pipette meet ISO 8655 accuracy specifications across its entire range?
Yes—gravimetric test data per ISO 8655-6 confirms ±2.5% accuracy (±2.0% precision) at 10 µL, ±3.5% at 1 µL, and ±5.0% at 0.5 µL, all within published tolerances for Class A manual pipettes.
Are spare parts and service support available globally?
Yes—DLAB maintains authorized service centers in North America, Europe, and APAC regions. OEM-certified replacement seals, filters, and tip cones are stocked with 48-hour dispatch from regional distribution hubs.