SOCOREX Acura 826 Adjustable Single-Channel Manual Pipette

Overview

The SOCOREX Acura 826 is a high-precision, single-channel manual pipette engineered for reproducible liquid handling across life science, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical laboratories. Designed and manufactured in Switzerland, it operates on the air displacement principle—relying on a calibrated piston-driven air cushion to aspirate and dispense defined volumes of aqueous or low-viscosity liquids. Its mechanical architecture prioritizes metrological integrity, ergonomic usability, and long-term stability under routine laboratory conditions. The Acura 826 conforms to ISO 8655 (Piston-operated volumetric apparatus), ensuring traceability to national standards and enabling compliance with GLP, GMP, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned workflows when integrated with validated calibration and documentation practices.

Key Features

• Ergonomic Optimization: Weighing less than 100 g (model-dependent), its contoured body and balanced center of gravity reduce operator fatigue during high-throughput pipetting—even when wearing gloves.
• Justip™ Tip Ejector System: A large, textured tip ejection button provides consistent mechanical advantage across users; adjustable ejector height accommodates diverse tip geometries—including non-OEM ultra-low retention and filter tips—without compromising seal integrity.
• Full-Autoclavable Construction: All components—including shaft, piston, spring, and housing—are rated for repeated sterilization at 121 °C, 1 bar, for 20 minutes, eliminating cross-contamination risks in sterile applications.
• Optimized Volume Display: Front-facing digital window with high-contrast numerals ensures rapid, parallax-free reading; color-coded volume range caps (e.g., yellow for 10–100 µL) support visual identification in multi-pipette workstations.
• Tool-Free Calibration: One-button access to CAL mode enables user-level adjustment without disassembly. Internal calibration mechanism maintains linearity across the full range via axial rotation of a precision-machined calibration sleeve.
• Modular Service Design: The aspiration unit (piston, seal, O-ring, and tip cone) is field-replaceable. Seals are lubricated with medical-grade silicone grease compatible with autoclaving and common solvents.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Acura 826 delivers certified performance with standard conical polypropylene tips (0.1–1000 µL), including filtered, low-retention, and extended-length variants. Optional Pasteur pipette adapters enable direct use with 2 mL or 5 mL glass capillaries, supporting viscous or volatile sample transfer where tip compatibility is constrained. All models carry CE marking per In Vitro Diagnostic Directive 98/79/EC and meet essential requirements of EN ISO 13485. Performance specifications—including accuracy (±0.5% at 1000 µL) and repeatability (≤0.2% CV)—are verified per ISO 8655-2 (gravimetric testing) using Class I analytical balances (0.01 mg resolution) and temperature-controlled distilled water (20 ±0.5 °C). Documentation supports audit readiness for ISO/IEC 17025, CLIA, and CAP-accredited facilities.

Software & Data Management

While the Acura 826 is a manually operated instrument, its calibration history and maintenance logs integrate seamlessly into laboratory quality management systems (QMS). Each unit ships with a unique serial number and calibration certificate referencing NIST-traceable standards. Users may record calibration events—including date, technician ID, reference standard used, and post-adjustment verification data—in accordance with internal SOPs or regulatory frameworks such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when electronic records are maintained in validated systems). SOCOREX provides downloadable calibration templates, ISO 8655 test protocols, and traceable calibration kits for in-house verification.

Applications

The Acura 826 supports critical workflows requiring volumetric fidelity: qPCR master mix preparation, ELISA plate loading, cell culture passaging, buffer formulation, and reference standard dilution in QC labs. Its low-volume variants (e.g., 0.1–2 µL) are routinely deployed in single-cell genomics and microfluidic assay setup, where dead volume minimization and tip seal consistency directly impact assay sensitivity. In clinical labs, its IVDD compliance and batch-certified performance support diagnostic reagent dispensing under harmonized European regulatory oversight.

FAQ

How often should the Acura 826 be calibrated?
Calibration is recommended every 6 months under normal usage. Intervals may be adjusted based on risk assessment per ISO/IEC 17025 or internal quality policy—but must not exceed 12 months.
Can I autoclave the pipette with the tip attached?
No. Tips must be removed prior to autoclaving to prevent thermal deformation and seal compromise.
What is the correct storage position after use?
Always store vertically in a dedicated pipette stand with volume set to maximum to relieve spring tension and maintain piston alignment.
Why does liquid leak during aspiration?
Common causes include worn tip cones, contaminated piston seals, insufficient tip seating, or use of non-certified tips—addressed via cleaning, relubrication, or replacement per SOCOREX Maintenance Guide.
Is the Acura 826 compatible with third-party tips?
It accepts most ISO-standard tips; however, optimal accuracy and seal integrity are guaranteed only with SOCOREX-certified consumables, particularly for sub-10 µL volumes.