IKA PETTE vario Adjustable & Fixed-Volume Single-Channel Manual Pipette

Overview

The IKA PETTE vario is a precision-engineered single-channel manual pipette designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, for high-reproducibility liquid handling in regulated and research-intensive laboratory environments. Based on the air displacement principle, it delivers consistent volumetric accuracy across its full adjustable range—from ultra-low volumes (0.1 µL) to high-capacity transfers (up to 10 mL)—while maintaining compliance with ISO 8655 Parts 1–6 for pipette performance, calibration, and verification. Its robust architecture integrates mechanical reliability with ergonomic intelligence: the piston system employs a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating for exceptional resistance to chemical corrosion and wear, ensuring long-term metrological stability even under repeated sterilization cycles. Unlike disposable or semi-disposable alternatives, the PETTE vario is built for sustained reuse—fully autoclavable without disassembly—and supports traceable calibration workflows required in pharmaceutical QC, clinical diagnostics, and academic bioscience applications.

Key Features

• Ergonomic tri-grip system: Includes three interchangeable handle sleeves (standard, large, soft-grip) to accommodate diverse hand sizes and minimize thermal transfer from operator hands to the pipette body—critical for maintaining volume accuracy at low µL ranges.
• Large, bottom-mounted volume display: High-contrast digital readout positioned at the base of the adjustment dial enables rapid, parallax-free reading without repositioning the pipette during benchtop workflows.
• One-button multifunction control: A single tactile key toggles between volume adjustment, volume lock (to prevent accidental setting changes), and tip ejection—reducing repetitive motion and improving procedural consistency.
• Color-coded volume identification: Each PETTE vario model features standardized ISO color bands (e.g., grey for 2 µL, yellow for 100 µL), enabling immediate visual recognition and minimizing selection errors in multi-pipette workstations.
• Tool-free maintenance & cleaning: Modular design allows full disassembly and reassembly without specialized tools; all components—including the DLC-coated conical tip cone and piston—are accessible for inspection, cleaning, or replacement.
• ISO 8655-compliant calibration: Factory-calibrated per ISO 8655-6 with documented uncertainty; users can perform in-house recalibration using standard gravimetric methods without proprietary software or service contracts.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PETTE vario is validated for aqueous, viscous, volatile, and mildly corrosive liquids—including ethanol, DMSO, PBS, cell culture media, and diluted acids/bases—thanks to its chemically inert DLC-coated piston and conical tip interface. It meets the mechanical and metrological requirements of ISO 8655-1 (general requirements), -2 (accuracy/precision specifications), -3 (calibration procedures), -4 (verification testing), -5 (materials and construction), and -6 (certification documentation). The device carries a CE marking under the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) Annex XVI for in vitro diagnostic use and supports audit readiness for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when paired with compliant electronic lab notebook systems) and GLP/GMP environments through traceable calibration records and user-accessible service logs.

Software & Data Management

While the PETTE vario operates as a fully manual instrument, its design supports digital integration within quality management ecosystems. Each unit ships with a factory-issued ISO 8655-6–compliant calibration certificate containing serial-numbered traceability to national standards (PTB, Germany). Laboratories may log calibration events, maintenance history, and usage logs in LIMS or ELN platforms using standardized templates aligned with ISO/IEC 17025. Optional IKA Calibration Manager software (sold separately) provides guided calibration workflows, deviation reporting, and PDF certificate generation compatible with internal audit documentation requirements.

Applications

• Quantitative PCR (qPCR) setup requiring precise sub-microliter dispensing of master mixes and primers.
• Cell-based assays involving serial dilution of growth factors or cytotoxic compounds across 96- and 384-well plates.
• Pharmaceutical stability studies where volumetric repeatability must be demonstrated over extended equipment lifecycles.
• Clinical microbiology workflows including inoculum preparation for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) per CLSI guidelines.
• Academic teaching labs needing durable, serviceable pipettes that withstand frequent student handling and autoclave cycles.

FAQ

Is the entire PETTE vario unit autoclavable?
Yes—the complete pipette, including housing, piston, spring, and tip cone, is rated for full-cycle autoclaving at 121 °C for 20 minutes without degradation or loss of calibration.
Does IKA provide NIST-traceable calibration certificates?
All PETTE vario units ship with an ISO 8655-6–compliant factory calibration report referencing PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt) traceability; optional NIST-traceable certification is available upon request.
Can fixed-volume PETTE fix models be recalibrated?
PETTE fix pipettes are factory-set and sealed; they are not user-adjustable but undergo full ISO 8655 verification prior to shipment and are intended for applications requiring absolute volume fidelity without field modification.
What is the warranty coverage for PETTE vario?
IKA offers a 2-year limited warranty plus an additional year upon product registration—totaling 3 years of comprehensive coverage for materials and workmanship under normal laboratory use conditions.
Are replacement parts available for long-term support?
Yes—DLC-coated pistons, O-rings, tip cones, and grip sleeves are stocked globally and supplied with full part numbers for seamless procurement and preventive maintenance scheduling.