METTLER TOLEDO Quantos QA Automated Liquid Dispensing System

Overview

The METTLER TOLEDO Quantos QA Automated Liquid Dispensing System is an integrated precision dispensing platform engineered for laboratories requiring traceable, operator-independent preparation of standard solutions, reference materials, and multi-component calibration mixtures. Unlike conventional volumetric dispensers or manual pipetting workflows, the Quantos QA operates on a gravimetric principle—directly measuring mass during liquid delivery using high-resolution analytical balance technology (0.1 mg readability) as its core metrological foundation. This ensures inherent accuracy independent of liquid density, temperature-induced volume expansion, or viscosity-related flow variability. The system is purpose-built for regulated environments where documentation integrity, method reproducibility, and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, USP , and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 are mandatory. Its architecture centers on closed-loop mass feedback control, enabling real-time compensation for evaporation, nozzle wetting, and dynamic weighing instability—critical for low-mass transfers (<10 mg) of volatile solvents such as acetonitrile, methanol, or chloroform.

Key Features

• Gravimetric dispensing with 0.1 mg resolution and ≤1 mg repeatability across the full 1 mg–10 g range, validated per OIML R 76 and ASTM E898
• Integrated RFID and 2D barcode reader for unambiguous identification of vials, standards, solvents, and operators—enabling full chain-of-custody tracking
• Touchscreen-driven QWB (Quantos Workflow Builder) software with pre-validated methods for single- and multi-analyte standard preparation, stock dilution series, and matrix-matched calibration blends
• Modular design compatible with METTLER TOLEDO XP and XPE analytical balances—allowing seamless upgrade from manual weighing to automated liquid handling without infrastructure overhaul
• Dynamic error compensation algorithms that auto-adjust target mass based on solvent volatility, ambient humidity, and container tare stability—minimizing systematic bias in final concentration
• Compact footprint (W × D × H: 420 × 530 × 480 mm) optimized for fume hood integration and Class A/B cleanroom deployment

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Quantos QA handles a broad spectrum of laboratory liquids—including aqueous buffers, organic solvents (e.g., acetone, THF, DMSO), and viscous carriers (e.g., glycerol-water mixtures up to 1,000 cP)—via interchangeable precision nozzles calibrated per ISO 8655-5. All contact materials comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility and EU 10/2011 food-contact regulations. Data integrity meets ALCOA+ principles: attributable, legible, contemporaneous, original, accurate, complete, consistent, enduring, and available. Audit trails record every dispensing event—including balance stabilization time, environmental drift correction, user authentication, and electronic signature—all exportable in CSV or PDF/A-2 format for regulatory submission.

Software & Data Management

QWB software provides role-based access control (RBAC), electronic signatures compliant with 21 CFR Part 11, and embedded method validation templates aligned with ICH Q2(R2). Each dispensing run generates a structured metadata file containing instrument ID, balance serial number, calibration certificate expiry, environmental logs (temperature/humidity), and raw mass-vs.-time acquisition data at 10 Hz sampling rate. Data synchronization supports direct integration with LIMS (e.g., LabWare, Thermo SampleManager) and ELN platforms via secure RESTful API or OPC UA protocol. Backup and recovery follow NIST SP 800-33 guidelines, with encrypted local storage and optional cloud archiving under ISO/IEC 27001-certified infrastructure.

Applications

• Preparation of certified reference material (CRM) dilutions for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs
• Multi-level calibration curves for LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, and GC-FID quantification workflows
• High-precision spiking of internal standards in environmental residue analysis (EPA Method 1694)
• Formulation of pharmaceutical working standards per USP and Ph. Eur. 2.2.47
• Automated generation of QC check standards for daily instrument performance verification (IPV)
• Trace-level fortification of food safety samples (e.g., mycotoxin standards in cereal extracts)

FAQ

Does the Quantos QA require external calibration before each use?
No. The system performs automatic internal calibration upon startup and triggers user-guided recalibration only when environmental drift exceeds ±0.5 °C or humidity shifts >10% RH—per documented SOPs compliant with ISO 9001 clause 7.1.5.
Can it dispense into non-standard containers such as HPLC vials or custom microtiter plates?
Yes. The XYZ robotic stage accommodates containers ranging from 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes to 100 mL volumetric flasks, with programmable height adjustment and collision-detection logic.
Is method transfer between different Quantos QA units supported?
All QWB methods are portable via encrypted USB key or network share, retaining full parameter history, validation status, and audit trail linkage—ensuring identical performance across distributed lab networks.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term metrological stability?
Daily cleaning of dispensing nozzles; quarterly balance sensitivity verification using certified test weights; annual full metrological verification by METTLER TOLEDO Field Service Engineers with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration certificates.