FORTUNA SMART Manual Pipette

Overview

The FORTUNA SMART Manual Pipette is a high-precision, ergonomically engineered liquid handling instrument designed for reproducible volumetric delivery in regulated laboratory environments. Built upon the mechanical principles of air displacement, the SMART series employs a precision-machined stainless-steel piston coupled with a chemically inert PTFE sealing system to ensure consistent aspiration and dispensing across its full operational range—from 0.1 µL to 10 mL. Its fully autoclavable architecture (121°C, 20 minutes, full submersion) supports strict sterility requirements in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical QC workflows. Unlike disposable or semi-disposable alternatives, the SMART pipette maintains metrological integrity after repeated sterilization cycles—validated per ISO 8655–2022 Annex D for thermal stability and post-autoclave performance. Each unit ships with an individual ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration certificate, traceable to PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt) reference standards, enabling direct integration into GLP and GMP documentation systems.

Key Features

• Fully autoclavable construction—entire body, including shaft, tip cone, and internal piston assembly—meets DIN EN 285 steam sterilization requirements.
• Ergonomic thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) grip coating minimizes thermal transfer from hand to pipette body, mitigating temperature-induced volume drift during extended use.
• Four-digit LED volume display remains optically unobstructed throughout pipetting motion—positioned for parallax-free reading by both left- and right-handed users.
• Click-Stop volume adjustment mechanism prevents accidental volume changes during operation; tactile feedback confirms secure setting engagement.
• PTFE-coated piston ensures low-friction, wear-resistant operation and compatibility with aggressive solvents (e.g., chloroform, DMSO, ethanol).
• Soft-Touch tip ejection reduces thumb fatigue and eliminates lateral force on pipette tips—critical for maintaining tip seal integrity with low-retention or filtered tips.
• UV-stabilized polycarbonate housing resists degradation under prolonged exposure to germicidal UV-C (254 nm), supporting use in cleanroom and biosafety cabinet environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SMART pipette accommodates standard conical polypropylene tips (including low-retention, filter, and sterile variants) across all ISO-defined nominal volumes. Its piston seal and internal surfaces are validated for compatibility with aqueous buffers, organic solvents, viscous glycerol solutions (up to 50% v/v), and dilute acids/bases (pH 2–12). Regulatory compliance includes full adherence to ISO 8655–2022 (volumetric performance testing), ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (for calibration laboratories issuing certificates), and EU Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 on accreditation. While not electronic, its calibration documentation supports 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when paired with compliant LIMS or ELN platforms that capture and archive certificate metadata.

Software & Data Management

As a manual pipette, the SMART does not incorporate embedded firmware or wireless connectivity. However, its calibration infrastructure is fully compatible with digital lab quality management systems. Each unit’s unique serial number links to a downloadable PDF certificate containing measurement uncertainty values, environmental test conditions (20.0 ± 0.5°C, 45–65% RH), and traceability statements to national metrology institutes. Certificates may be imported into electronic lab notebooks (e.g., LabArchives, Benchling) or QMS platforms (e.g., MasterControl, Veeva Vault) as auditable records. Optional SAS-01 rotating storage stand enables organized benchtop deployment while preserving calibration integrity through consistent orientation and dust protection.

Applications

The SMART pipette serves critical functions across multiple regulated domains: quantitative PCR setup and NGS library preparation (sub-microliter accuracy); cell culture media dispensing and transfection reagent handling (viscosity-compensated delivery); pharmacopeial assay preparation per USP Analytical Instrument Qualification; and raw material sampling in API manufacturing where equipment qualification requires documented metrological traceability. Its multi-channel variants support parallel processing in ELISA plate filling and 96-well cytotoxicity assays—reducing inter-operator variability through standardized actuation force and tip ejection kinetics.

FAQ

Is the SMART pipette suitable for handling corrosive solvents such as hydrochloric acid or acetone?
Yes—its PTFE piston seal and UV-stabilized polycarbonate housing provide verified resistance to short-term contact with common laboratory solvents and diluted mineral acids (tested per ISO 8655 Annex F). Prolonged immersion is not recommended.
Can I recalibrate the pipette in-house without sending it to an external lab?
Yes—the SMART features a two-point mechanical calibration system accessible via supplied hex key; procedures align with ISO 8655–6 and require only certified gravimetric standards and climate-controlled weighing environment (ISO 17025-compliant balance, 20.0 ± 0.5°C).
Does the autoclaving process affect long-term accuracy?
No—accelerated life testing (100+ autoclave cycles) confirms no statistically significant deviation (p > 0.05, t-test) in accuracy or repeatability when following validated sterilization parameters (121°C, 20 min, saturated steam).
What documentation accompanies each unit?
Each SMART pipette ships with an individual ISO/IEC 17025 calibration certificate, ISO 8655 verification report, CE Declaration of Conformity, and autoclave validation summary—all digitally archived and available upon request.
Is the SAS-01 stand required for calibration maintenance?
No—the SAS-01 is an organizational accessory; however, storing pipettes vertically in the stand minimizes gravitational deformation of internal springs and supports consistent pre-use inspection protocols.