IKA Pette Multi 8-Channel Manual Pipette, 0.5–10 µL

Overview

The IKA Pette Multi 8-Channel Manual Pipette (0.5–10 µL) is an ergonomically engineered, precision-crafted liquid handling instrument designed for high-reproducibility multichannel dispensing in microtiter plate workflows—particularly 96-well and 384-well formats. Operating on a positive displacement principle with a spring-loaded piston mechanism, it delivers consistent volumetric transfer across all eight channels without reliance on electronic components or external power sources. Its mechanical volume display—featuring large, unambiguous digits—ensures immediate readability during operation, minimizing user-induced reading errors. Engineered in Germany to meet stringent ISO 8655-2:2022 requirements for manual pipettes, the device integrates thermal isolation via an air-gap insulated grip and shaft housing, mitigating heat transfer from the operator’s hand—a known contributor to thermal expansion-related volume drift in low-volume applications.

Key Features

• Ergonomic modular grip system with three interchangeable handle shapes and materials—optimized for left- and right-handed users, as well as varying hand sizes—to reduce repetitive strain injury (RSI) risk during extended use.
• Single-hand volume adjustment via a multifunctional rotary dial; volume lock prevents accidental setting changes during benchtop transport or storage.
• DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon)-coated conical tips and piston surfaces—resistant to UV exposure, chemical corrosion (including ethanol, acetone, and common lab solvents), and mechanical wear—ensuring long-term dimensional stability and seal integrity.
• Tool-free disassembly: The piston assembly—including O-rings and sealing components—can be fully removed, cleaned, and reassembled in under 60 seconds without specialized tools.
• Independent tip cone replacement per channel extends service life and maintains channel-to-channel consistency without requiring full unit replacement.
• Autoclavable entire body (121°C, 20 min, saturated steam)—validated per ISO 17664 for reprocessing of medical devices—supporting GLP/GMP-compliant environments where sterility assurance is mandatory.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Pette Multi 8 x 0.5–10 µL is compatible with standard universal low-retention and filtered tips meeting ISO 8655-3:2022 dimensional specifications. It supports aqueous solutions, buffers, cell suspensions, and viscous reagents up to 10 mPa·s (e.g., glycerol–PBS mixtures at ≤10% v/v). All units undergo factory calibration traceable to national metrology institutes (PTB, Germany) and are supplied with a certificate of conformity per ISO/IEC 17025:2017. The design complies with ISO 13485:2016 for medical device manufacturing and supports audit readiness for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–enabled environments when paired with IKA’s optional calibration software and electronic logbook integration.

Software & Data Management

While the pipette itself is fully manual, IKA provides the standalone Pette Calibration Manager software suite—compatible with Windows 10/11—for scheduling, executing, and documenting calibration procedures per ISO 8655-6:2022. The software generates PDF reports with pass/fail status, uncertainty budgets, environmental condition logging (temperature/humidity), and digital signatures compliant with ALCOA+ principles. Optional integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) enables automated import of calibration history and maintenance records. All calibration data—including those performed by IKA’s proprietary robotic calibration platforms “Pit” and “Patty”—are stored with full version-controlled audit trails.

Applications

This 8-channel pipette is routinely deployed in quantitative molecular biology workflows including qPCR master mix preparation, ELISA assay setup, CRISPR guide RNA complexing, and high-throughput screening (HTS) plate replication. Its sub-microliter accuracy makes it suitable for applications requiring tight coefficient-of-variation control (<1.5% CV at 1 µL), such as single-cell lysis buffer distribution or nanoliter-scale enzymatic reaction assembly. It is also widely used in quality control laboratories performing USP analytical instrument qualification (AIQ) for liquid handling systems and in academic core facilities supporting shared-resource plate-based assays.

FAQ

Is this pipette suitable for handling DMSO or other highly volatile solvents?
Yes—the DLC-coated internal surfaces and chemically resistant seals provide compatibility with DMSO, methanol, acetonitrile, and most organic solvents commonly used in assay development.
Can individual channels be calibrated independently?
No—calibration is performed across all eight channels simultaneously per ISO 8655-6; however, channel-specific performance verification (e.g., gravimetric testing per channel) is supported using IKA’s calibration software and certified weights.
What is the recommended recalibration interval?
Annual recalibration is advised for routine use; more frequent intervals (e.g., quarterly) are recommended in regulated GxP environments or after mechanical impact or sterilization cycles exceeding 50 autoclave runs.
Does the pipette include a certificate of calibration upon delivery?
Yes—each unit ships with a factory-issued, traceable calibration certificate valid for 12 months from date of manufacture.
Are replacement parts available separately?
Yes—DLC-coated tip cones, piston assemblies, O-ring kits, and ergonomic grips are stocked globally and shipped with serialized part numbers for full traceability.