Artel PCS Single-Channel Pipette Calibration System
| Brand | Artel |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer | Artel, Inc. |
| Type | Imported |
| Model | PCS |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The Artel PCS Single-Channel Pipette Calibration System is a portable, traceable, and ISO/IEC 17025-aligned volumetric verification platform engineered for precision assessment of single-channel air-displacement pipettes across laboratory, clinical, and regulated manufacturing environments. Unlike gravimetric methods that rely on balance measurements and environmental corrections, the PCS employs Artel’s proprietary ratiometric photometric technology—based on dual-wavelength absorbance measurement of a stable dye solution—to directly quantify dispensed volume with minimal dependence on ambient temperature, humidity, or operator technique. This principle eliminates buoyancy, evaporation, and surface tension artifacts inherent in traditional weight-based calibration, delivering high reproducibility (CV < 0.4% at 100 µL) and metrological traceability to NIST-traceable standards. The system is designed for routine calibration, intermediate volume verification (IVV), and operator competency assessment in compliance with ISO 8655, CLSI EP15-A3, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
Key Features
- Portable benchtop design with integrated spectrophotometer, sample holder, and touchscreen interface—no external PC required for basic operation
- Ratiometric photometric detection using certified Artel Liquid Handling Test (LHT) standards, eliminating reliance on analytical balances and associated uncertainty sources
- Automated calibration workflows supporting volume verification across full pipette range (0.5 µL to 10 mL), with customizable test protocols per ISO 8655-6
- On-device pass/fail evaluation against user-defined acceptance criteria aligned with internal SOPs or regulatory thresholds (e.g., ±2% for Class A pipettes)
- Built-in audit trail with timestamped event logging, including operator ID, pipette ID, test date/time, measured volume, deviation, and result status
- Integrated barcode scanner for rapid pipette and operator identification, reducing manual entry errors and enabling full asset traceability
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PCS accommodates all standard single-channel pipettes using universal tip adapters (including low-retention and filtered tip formats). It supports verification of both forward and reverse pipetting techniques when validated per method. All LHT standards are manufactured under ISO 9001-certified processes and certified for stability, homogeneity, and concentration accuracy. The system complies with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for testing laboratories, satisfies GLP and GMP documentation requirements, and meets data integrity expectations outlined in FDA Guidance for Industry: Data Integrity and Compliance With Drug CGMP (2018). Full electronic records—including raw absorbance data, calculated volumes, and metadata—are retained in encrypted format and exportable in CSV or PDF/A-1b compliant reports.
Software & Data Management
When paired with ArtelWare™ software (Windows-based), the PCS transforms into a centralized pipette management platform. ArtelWare enables scheduled calibration campaigns, automated email notifications for upcoming due dates, dynamic inventory dashboards showing calibration status, IVV history, and operator certification timelines. Each pipette record stores full lifecycle data: purchase date, service history, calibration certificates, deviation trends, and corrective action logs. Software enforces role-based access control (RBAC), electronic signatures, and 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trails—including immutable records of user logins, report generation, and parameter changes. All exported reports include digital signatures and cryptographic hashes for long-term archival integrity.
Applications
- Regulated QC/QA laboratories requiring documented evidence of pipette performance for FDA, EMA, or MHRA inspections
- Pharmaceutical and biotech facilities performing assay development, potency testing, or cell therapy workflows where volumetric accuracy directly impacts product release decisions
- Clinical diagnostics labs adhering to CAP, CLIA, or ISO 15189 accreditation standards for pre-analytical sample handling
- Academic and contract research organizations implementing standardized liquid handling training and competency assessments
- Manufacturers conducting periodic instrument qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) of pipette fleets in accordance with ASTM E2758-21
FAQ
Is the PCS suitable for multi-channel pipettes?
No—the PCS is specifically designed and validated for single-channel pipettes only. Artel offers the MVS (Multichannel Verification System) for multi-channel and electronic pipettes.
Does the PCS require annual recalibration by Artel?
Yes. To maintain traceability and measurement confidence, Artel recommends annual factory recalibration of the photometer and verification of LHT standard lot certification. Calibration certificates include uncertainty budgets per ISO/IEC 17025.
Can PCS-generated data be integrated into a LIMS or ELN?
Yes. ArtelWare supports secure RESTful API integration and configurable ODBC connections for bidirectional data exchange with major LIMS and ELN platforms, including LabWare, Thermo Fisher SampleManager, and Benchling.
What training and support options are available?
Artel provides on-site or virtual installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and user training—including SOP development assistance and auditor readiness workshops—conducted by ISO/IEC 17025-accredited application scientists.
