Narishige HIK-5 Magnetic Pipette Holder

Overview

The Narishige HIK-5 Magnetic Pipette Holder is an ergonomically engineered laboratory accessory designed for precise, hands-free positioning and rapid exchange of glass or plastic pipettes during microscale biological and biomedical procedures. Unlike conventional clamps requiring mechanical tightening or bench-mounted brackets, the HIK-5 employs a rare-earth neodymium magnet integrated into its compact housing to achieve secure, non-damaging adhesion to ferromagnetic surfaces—such as stainless steel workbenches, magnetic whiteboards, or custom-fabricated iron plates. Its operational principle relies on consistent magnetic flux density across the base surface, ensuring stable retention force (≥1.2 N under standard ambient conditions) without slippage, even when supporting vertically oriented pipettes up to 200 mm in length and 8 mm in outer diameter. The device is purpose-built for integration into confined workspaces—including inverted microscope stages, laminar flow hoods, and electrophysiology rigs—where spatial efficiency and procedural continuity are critical.

Key Features

• Ultra-compact footprint (16 × 16 × 32 mm) and lightweight construction (21 g), minimizing interference with optical paths and stage travel in microscopy setups.
• High-strength sintered NdFeB magnet embedded flush within the base, delivering reliable adhesion to any clean ferromagnetic substrate without mechanical fasteners or drilling.
• Included adhesive-backed circular steel plate (Ø30 mm, 1 mm thick) enables permanent or semi-permanent mounting on non-magnetic surfaces—including aluminum microscope stages, acrylic enclosures, or polymer lab benches—expanding compatibility beyond standard steel workstations.
• Top-mounted flat surface accepts eight supplied color-coded vinyl labels (red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, black, white), facilitating visual identification of pipette orientation (e.g., “Injection Side”, “Fixed Side”, “Control”, “Test”) per GLP-compliant labeling practices.
• Chemically inert ABS housing resists common laboratory solvents (e.g., 70% ethanol, isopropanol, phosphate-buffered saline) and withstands repeated UV sterilization (254 nm, 30 min) without dimensional deformation or magnetic degradation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HIK-5 accommodates standard borosilicate glass pipettes (e.g., Drummond Nanoject, WPI Borosilicate Capillaries) and polypropylene serological pipettes (1–10 mL). It maintains positional stability during manual aspiration, pressure-driven injection, or motorized micromanipulator coupling. The device conforms to ISO 9001-certified manufacturing protocols at Narishige’s Saitama facility and carries CE marking for laboratory equipment (2014/30/EU EMC Directive, 2014/35/EU LVD Directive). While not classified as a medical device under MDR 2017/745, it supports workflows compliant with ISO 13485-aligned quality systems in IVD development labs and preclinical research environments governed by OECD GLP Principles (Series No. 1, 1998).

Software & Data Management

As a passive mechanical tool, the HIK-5 requires no firmware, drivers, or software integration. However, its standardized dimensions and repeatable mounting geometry support reproducible setup documentation in electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) such as LabArchives or Benchling. Users may log attachment coordinates (X/Y/Z relative to stage origin), label assignments, and pipette type/metric in audit-trail-enabled fields—ensuring traceability for method validation reports under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements where digital records are maintained.

Applications

• Microinjection in zebrafish, mouse oocyte, and C. elegans embryology studies.
• Single-cell patch-clamp recordings requiring simultaneous pipette access and vibration isolation.
• High-throughput cell culture workflows involving serial reagent addition via multi-channel pipettes.
• Microfluidic device priming and interface alignment using capillary-based delivery systems.
• Teaching laboratories emphasizing ergonomic pipetting technique and contamination control.

FAQ

Can the HIK-5 be used on non-magnetic surfaces such as aluminum or plastic stages?
Yes—via the included adhesive-backed circular steel plate, which provides a ferromagnetic interface for magnetic coupling.
Does repeated thermal cycling affect the magnet’s holding force?
No—the NdFeB magnet is rated for continuous operation between –20 °C and +80 °C; irreversible demagnetization occurs only above 150 °C.
Are replacement labels available separately?
Yes—Narishige part number HIK-LABEL-SET (8-color pack) is stocked globally through authorized distributors.
Is the ABS housing autoclavable?
No—autoclaving exceeds the material’s heat deflection temperature (HDT = 92 °C); surface decontamination via 70% ethanol wipe or UV-C exposure is recommended.
What is the maximum pipette outer diameter supported?
The jaw opening accommodates pipettes up to 8.0 mm OD; for larger diameters, contact Narishige Technical Support for custom bracket options.