IKA Pette Multi 8-Channel Manual Pipette (10–100 µL)

Overview

The IKA Pette Multi 8-channel manual pipette is an engineered solution for high-throughput, precision liquid handling in regulated and research-intensive laboratory environments. Designed according to ISO 8655 standards for piston-operated volumetric instruments, it employs a gas-tight air displacement principle to deliver reproducible dispense volumes across all eight channels simultaneously. Its core architecture integrates a DLC-coated piston and conical tip interface—enhancing wear resistance, chemical inertness, and long-term dimensional stability. Unlike disposable or semi-disposable alternatives, the Pette Multi is built as a durable, serviceable instrument intended for daily use over multiple years under GLP, GMP, and ISO/IEC 17025-compliant workflows. The absence of electronic components ensures immunity to electromagnetic interference and eliminates battery dependency—critical for cleanroom applications and routine QC labs where operational continuity and traceability are non-negotiable.

Key Features

• Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating on piston and tip cone—resists abrasion from repeated tip ejection and exposure to organic solvents, acids, and bases.
• Full-unit autoclavability at 121 °C for 20 minutes—validated per ISO 17665-1; enables sterility assurance without disassembly or component replacement.
• Three modular, exchangeable ergonomic grips—engineered for anatomical fit across hand sizes and dominant-hand orientation (left/right), reducing repetitive strain injury (RSI) risk during extended plate-based assays.
• Tool-free volume adjustment via dual-action rotary dial—permits single-handed setting and mechanical lock to prevent accidental volume drift during transport or storage.
• Large, parallax-free volume display with raised numerals—mechanically coupled to the internal cam mechanism for direct visual confirmation before and during aspiration.
• Air-gap thermal insulation between barrel and grip—minimizes heat transfer from operator’s hand, mitigating temperature-induced volume deviation (particularly critical for viscous or temperature-sensitive samples).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The IKA Pette Multi is validated for use with standard conical polypropylene tips (ANSI/SBS footprint) and compatible with common assay formats including 96-well, 384-well, and deep-well microplates. Its mechanical design conforms to ISO 8655-2 (accuracy and precision requirements), ISO 8655-5 (testing methods), and EN ISO 13485 for medical device manufacturing environments. All calibration documentation—including gravimetric verification reports generated using IKA’s proprietary calibration software—supports audit readiness for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic records/signatures), EU Annex 11, and MHRA GxP expectations. Each unit ships with a factory-issued calibration certificate traceable to national metrology institutes (e.g., PTB, NIST).

Software & Data Management

IKA provides a dedicated, Windows-based calibration management software suite designed exclusively for Pette series pipettes. It supports scheduled calibration intervals, user-defined tolerance thresholds, automatic generation of calibration certificates (PDF/CSV), and secure audit trails with role-based access control. The software interfaces directly with IKA’s robotic calibration platforms (“Pit” and “Patty”), enabling fully automated gravimetric testing per ISO 8655-6. All calibration events—including date, operator ID, environmental conditions (temperature/humidity), and raw mass data—are timestamped and digitally signed, fulfilling ALCOA+ (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) data integrity principles.

Applications

This 8-channel pipette is routinely deployed in molecular biology (PCR setup, cDNA synthesis), clinical diagnostics (ELISA plate loading, serum dilution series), pharmaceutical QC (dissolution testing, reference standard preparation), and biomanufacturing (cell culture media dispensing, transfection reagent distribution). Its consistent channel-to-channel performance (<1.5% CV across 8 tips at 100 µL) makes it suitable for applications requiring inter-well uniformity—such as high-content screening, CRISPR library transfection, and multi-analyte immunoassays. The DLC surface also extends compatibility with aggressive solvents used in HPLC sample preparation and lipidomics workflows.

FAQ

Is the IKA Pette Multi compatible with third-party pipette tips?
Yes—provided they conform to ANSI/SBS dimensional standards and exhibit consistent conicity and sealing force. However, optimal accuracy and longevity are guaranteed only with IKA-certified tips.
Can individual tip cones be replaced without tools?
Yes—each of the eight tip cones is independently serviceable via a quarter-turn release mechanism, minimizing downtime and extending instrument lifecycle.
Does the pipette require annual recalibration?
Per ISO 8655 and most internal QA policies, recalibration is recommended at least annually—or after any event that may compromise mechanical integrity (e.g., impact, sterilization cycle deviation, or observed performance drift).
How does the thermal insulation reduce volume error?
By isolating the piston chamber from hand-contact heat, the air-gap design maintains stable internal air temperature, preventing expansion-related over-delivery—a documented source of up to ±0.5% error in unshielded manual pipettes.
Is the calibration software validated for regulated environments?
Yes—the software includes IQ/OQ documentation packages and supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance through electronic signatures, audit trail export, and password-protected configuration locks.