DLAB TopPette Single-Channel Adjustable-Volume Pipette

Overview

The DLAB TopPette Single-Channel Adjustable-Volume Pipette is an engineered solution for precise, repeatable liquid handling in academic research laboratories, clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical QC, and industrial R&D environments. Based on positive displacement air-cushion mechanics, the TopPette delivers consistent volumetric delivery across its full operational range—from 0.1 µL to 5000 µL—without requiring electronic components or external power. Its mechanical design adheres to ISO 8655-2 (2022) standards for piston-operated volumetric apparatus, ensuring traceability and metrological integrity when used with certified calibration tools and reference liquids (e.g., distilled water at 20 °C). The pipette’s robust polymer housing, chemically resistant lower assembly, and precision-machined stainless-steel plunger mechanism collectively support long-term stability under routine benchtop use.

Key Features

• Rotary volume adjustment dial with tactile feedback and visual digital window—enabling rapid, error-resistant setting changes without line-of-sight obstruction.
• Ergonomically contoured finger grips and optimized mass distribution (≤110 g for 100–1000 µL model) reduce operator fatigue during high-throughput workflows, validated per ISO 7250-1 anthropometric guidelines.
• Autoclavable lower assembly—including tip cone, ejector sleeve, and O-ring seals—rated for repeated sterilization at 121 °C / 20 min (EN 285 compliant), eliminating cross-contamination risks in molecular biology and cell culture applications.
• Replaceable hydrophobic filter barrier integrated into the tip attachment system, preventing aerosol ingress into the internal chamber and protecting the piston from corrosive or viscous samples.
• Tool-free disassembly of the tip cone assembly for routine maintenance and calibration verification—compatible with standard DLAB calibration kits (Cat. No. CAL-KIT-TOP).
• Tip ejection force optimized below 15 N (per ISO 8655-5), minimizing wrist strain during extended use; single-action push-button actuation ensures consistent tip release across all volume settings.
• Volume lock mechanism prevents accidental adjustment during transport or storage, maintaining setpoint integrity between calibration intervals.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TopPette series accommodates a broad spectrum of aqueous, organic, and mildly aggressive reagents—including ethanol, isopropanol, PBS, Tris-HCl buffers, and diluted acids/bases—thanks to its PTFE-coated plunger seal and chemically inert polypropylene housing. All models comply with RoHS 2011/65/EU and REACH SVHC regulations. While not FDA-cleared as a medical device, the pipettes are routinely deployed in GLP- and GMP-aligned laboratories where instrument qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) protocols are implemented per ASTM E2915-22 and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements. Documentation packages—including Certificate of Conformance, calibration certificate templates, and maintenance logs—are provided to support audit readiness.

Software & Data Management

As a fully manual, non-electronic instrument, the TopPette does not incorporate onboard memory, Bluetooth connectivity, or software interfaces. However, it integrates seamlessly into digitally governed lab environments through compatibility with third-party electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) such as LabArchives and Benchling, and LIMS platforms including Thermo Fisher SampleManager and LabVantage. DLAB provides downloadable PDF-based calibration record templates aligned with 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 expectations—supporting handwritten or digitally signed entries with defined retention periods. Traceability is maintained via engraved serial numbers and optional barcode-labeled asset tags (available upon request).

Applications

• Quantitative PCR (qPCR) setup requiring accurate dispensing of master mix, primers, and cDNA templates in the 0.5–20 µL range.
• Cell culture passaging and assay plate seeding across 96-well and 384-well formats using multi-channel variants.
• HPLC and LC-MS sample preparation involving solvent dilutions, internal standard addition, and derivatization reagent transfer.
• Clinical chemistry workflows including ELISA plate coating, substrate addition, and calibrator dilution series.
• Quality control testing of raw materials and finished products per USP <1251> and EP 2.6.12 volumetric accuracy guidelines.
• Environmental testing labs performing nutrient analysis (e.g., nitrate, phosphate) in water samples via spectrophotometric methods.

FAQ

Is the TopPette suitable for handling volatile or viscous liquids?
Yes—when used with low-retention filtered tips and appropriate pipetting technique (pre-wetting, reverse pipetting), the TopPette achieves reliable performance with glycerol solutions up to 50% v/v and acetone, methanol, and chloroform. For highly viscous or dense media (e.g., >1000 cP), consider the DLAB TopPette Plus series with enhanced plunger damping.
Can I autoclave the entire pipette?
No—only the lower assembly (tip cone, ejector, and seal components) is autoclavable. The upper body contains polycarbonate and elastomeric elements not rated for steam sterilization. Disassembly prior to autoclaving is mandatory.
What calibration frequency is recommended?
DLAB recommends quarterly calibration for daily-use instruments, or before critical experiments. More frequent verification (e.g., gravimetric checks every 24 hours) is advised in regulated environments per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.6.
Are replacement parts available globally?
Yes—DLAB maintains authorized distribution networks across North America, EMEA, and APAC. Critical spares—including O-rings, plungers, and filter barriers—are stocked with lead times under 5 business days.
Does the pipette meet ISO 8655 certification requirements?
The TopPette is manufactured to conform with ISO 8655-2:2022 specifications for mechanical accuracy and repeatability. Full compliance documentation—including test reports from accredited third-party labs—is available upon request for validation projects.