DLAB Levo Me Advanced Electric Single-Channel Pipettor

Overview

The DLAB Levo Me is an advanced electric single-channel pipettor engineered for high-precision, high-volume liquid handling in demanding laboratory environments. Unlike conventional manual or semi-automated pipetting systems, the Levo Me employs a brushless DC motor coupled with closed-loop speed control to deliver consistent aspiration and dispensing performance across its full 0.1–100 mL range. Its operational principle relies on positive displacement actuation—where motor-driven piston movement generates precise vacuum and pressure differentials—to ensure reproducible volumetric transfer without reliance on operator technique. Designed specifically for routine tasks involving serological pipettes, the Levo Me eliminates fatigue-related variability associated with prolonged manual pipetting, particularly during repetitive transfers of cell suspensions, culture media, reagents, or buffer solutions. The device complies with fundamental ergonomic and functional requirements outlined in ISO 8655-2 (Pipettes – Part 2: Piston-operated volumetric apparatus) for mechanical pipetting aids, and supports traceable workflows under GLP and GMP-aligned quality systems.

Key Features

• Independent dual-button control: Upper button governs aspiration speed; lower button regulates dispensing speed—enabling fine-tuned adaptation to viscosity, surface tension, and container geometry.
• Integrated 0.45 µm hydrophobic sterilizing filter prevents aerosol ingress and protects internal mechanisms from corrosive or biological contaminants during reverse aspiration or volatile solvent handling.
• Lightweight architecture (200 g) with balanced center-of-gravity design ensures stable one-handed operation, even during extended use sessions.
• High-capacity lithium-ion battery provides >8 hours of intermittent runtime—sufficient for multi-shift lab operations—with rapid 2–3 hour recharge via micro-USB interface.
• Universal compatibility with standard conical serological pipettes (0.1–100 mL), including both borosilicate glass and autoclavable polystyrene variants.
• No calibration tools or software required for basic operation; built-in motor feedback ensures long-term consistency without drift under normal environmental conditions (20–25 °C, 30–70% RH).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Levo Me accommodates all commercially available sterile and non-sterile serological pipettes rated for 0.1–100 mL volumes, including those conforming to ASTM D1298 (Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density, or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products) and ISO 648 (Laboratory glassware — One-mark pipettes). Its filtration system meets ISO 13408-1 requirements for sterilizing-grade hydrophobic membranes used in aseptic liquid transfer. While not certified for IVD or clinical diagnostics use per FDA 21 CFR Part 820, the device supports documentation-ready workflows when integrated into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) through standardized log export protocols.

Software & Data Management

The Levo Me operates as a standalone instrument without embedded firmware-based data logging. However, its mechanical repeatability (±0.1% accuracy at nominal volume) and consistent cycle timing enable integration into validated electronic lab notebook (ELN) or LIMS environments via external time-stamped observation logs. For laboratories requiring audit trails compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, optional third-party hardware timers or video-based process recording may be deployed alongside the device to capture operator actions, pipette type, volume settings, and session timestamps.

Applications

• Cell culture maintenance: Accurate, low-shear transfer of adherent and suspension cells using wide-bore pipettes.
• Media and buffer preparation: Reproducible bulk dilution and aliquoting across multiple flasks or bioreactor feed lines.
• Quality control testing: High-throughput sampling for pH, conductivity, osmolality, or turbidity assays where volume precision directly impacts result validity.
• Teaching laboratories: Demonstrating volumetric principles and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) fundamentals without introducing inter-operator variability.
• Environmental and food safety labs: Handling viscous samples such as soil extracts, dairy emulsions, or fruit concentrates where gravity-only dispensing proves insufficient.

FAQ

Is the Levo Me compatible with filtered pipette tips?
No—the Levo Me is designed exclusively for use with open-end serological pipettes (glass or plastic), not tip-based systems. Filtered tips are incompatible with its piston-driven aspiration mechanism.
Can the device be autoclaved?
No—the main unit contains electronic components and a lithium-ion battery and must not be exposed to steam sterilization. Only the removable 0.45 µm hydrophobic filter cartridge (P/N 17000103) is autoclavable up to 121 °C for 20 minutes.
What maintenance is required?
Routine cleaning of the pipette holder and external surfaces with 70% ethanol is recommended after each use. Motor and gear assembly require no user-serviceable parts and are sealed against particulate ingress.
Does it support programmable dispensing sequences?
No—the Levo Me does not feature programmable memory or multi-step protocols. It is optimized for intuitive, real-time manual control rather than automated script execution.
How is accuracy verified?
Accuracy verification follows ISO 8655-6 gravimetric test procedures using Class A distilled water at 20 °C. Users should perform initial verification upon installation and annually thereafter—or after any impact event affecting mechanical integrity.