Thermo Fisher Scientific Finnpipette COLOUR Series Single-Channel Manual Pipette

Overview

The Thermo Fisher Scientific Finnpipette COLOUR Series Single-Channel Manual Pipette is a precision-engineered liquid handling instrument designed for routine and demanding laboratory workflows requiring reliable volumetric transfer in the 1–5 mL range. Based on positive displacement air-cushion aspiration and dispensing principles, the COLOUR pipette delivers consistent performance across its full adjustable volume range, adhering to the metrological requirements defined in ISO 8655-2:2022 for manual piston-operated pipettes. Its robust polymer construction, integrated ergonomic mechanics, and calibrated spring-loaded plunger system ensure reproducible operation with minimal operator-induced variability—critical for applications governed by GLP, GMP, or ISO/IEC 17025-accredited quality systems.

Key Features

• Color-coded volume identification: Distinctive handle hues correspond to predefined volume ranges (e.g., blue for 1–5 mL), enabling rapid visual verification and reducing protocol errors in multi-pipette environments.
• Full autoclavability: Entire unit—including shaft, tip cone, and piston assembly—can be sterilized at 121°C for 20 minutes under 1 bar saturated steam pressure, supporting stringent biosafety and contamination control protocols.
• AVG (Automatic Volume Guidance) mechanism: A proprietary mechanical linkage ensures synchronized adjustment of volume setting and internal piston travel, minimizing calibration drift and enhancing long-term repeatability.
• Ergonomic dual-control thumbwheel: Separate coarse and fine adjustment rings allow precise volume setting with tactile feedback and reduced hand fatigue during high-throughput operations.
• Large, high-contrast digital display: White-on-black engraved scale provides unambiguous volume readout even under low-light or glove-wearing conditions.
• Chemical-resistant polypropylene housing and PTFE-coated piston: Ensures durability against common solvents (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol, dilute acids/bases) and supports extended service life in diverse assay environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The COLOUR Series is validated for use with standard conical polypropylene pipette tips (ISO 8655-3 compliant) and compatible with aqueous buffers, cell culture media, serum, and viscous solutions up to ~50 cP. It meets the dimensional and functional specifications outlined in ISO 8655-2 (performance testing) and ISO 8655-5 (calibration procedures). The pipette’s traceable calibration certificate option supports compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with documented calibration logs and user access controls in regulated laboratories. All materials comply with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and are free of phthalates and BPA.

Software & Data Management

While the COLOUR Series is a manually operated device without embedded electronics, it integrates seamlessly into digital lab ecosystems through companion calibration management tools. Thermo Fisher’s Pipette Calibration Manager (PCM) software enables creation of electronic calibration records, generation of ISO/IEC 17025-compliant certificates, and audit-trail tracking of calibration history per instrument ID. When used with certified reference weights and gravimetric test stations (e.g., Mettler Toledo XP series), the pipette supports fully documented calibration workflows satisfying GLP Annex 11 and GMP Annex 11 requirements for instrument qualification.

Applications

This pipette is routinely deployed in molecular biology for buffer preparation and reagent dilution; in clinical diagnostics for sample aliquoting prior to ELISA or PCR setup; in pharmaceutical QC labs for dissolution medium preparation and standard solution dispensing; and in academic teaching labs where intuitive operation and visual volume coding support student training in Good Laboratory Practice. Its 1–5 mL range makes it particularly suited for tasks such as media filling in T-flasks, serial dilution of stock solutions, and volumetric transfer into centrifuge tubes or deep-well plates—where accuracy within ±12% aligns with typical tolerance thresholds for non-critical bulk transfers.

FAQ

Is the entire COLOUR pipette autoclavable?
Yes—every component, including the tip cone, piston, and body housing, is rated for full-cycle autoclaving at 121°C, 20 min, 1 bar.

Does it require factory recalibration after autoclaving?
No. The AVG mechanism and thermal-stable materials maintain volume fidelity post-sterilization; however, users should verify performance using gravimetric checks per ISO 8655-6 before critical use.

Can it be used with low-retention or filtered tips?
Yes—compatible with all ISO-standard conical tips, including low-binding and filter types, provided tip geometry matches nominal volume class (e.g., 5 mL tips for 1–5 mL setting).

What is the recommended recalibration interval?
Per ISO 8655-5, recalibration is advised every 3–6 months depending on usage frequency, environmental conditions, and regulatory requirements—more frequently in GMP environments.

Is there a traceable calibration certificate available?
Yes—Thermo Fisher offers UKAS-accredited calibration certificates (ISO/IEC 17025) upon request, including uncertainty budgets and measurement traceability to NIST standards.