VITLAB Piccolo1 & Piccolo2 Fixed-Volume Bottle Top Dispensers

Overview

The VITLAB Piccolo1 and Piccolo2 are precision-engineered fixed-volume bottle top dispensers designed for high-reproducibility liquid handling in life science, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical quality control laboratories. Unlike air-displacement pipettes, these devices operate on a positive displacement principle: a chemically inert piston directly contacts the liquid within a disposable or autoclavable syringe-like chamber, eliminating air cushion variability and ensuring consistent delivery across volatile, viscous, or dense solutions. This architecture delivers metrological traceability aligned with ISO 8655-3 (volumetric accuracy of piston-operated instruments) and supports GLP-compliant workflows where repeatability and operator independence are critical. The Piccolo series is specifically calibrated for use with standard GL28-thread reagent bottles—enabling rapid, contamination-minimized dispensing without disposable tips, thereby reducing plastic waste and consumables cost per operation.

Key Features

• Fixed-volume dispensing with certified accuracy per ISO 8655-3: ±1.0% at 1000 µL (Piccolo1), ±2.0% at 100 µL (Piccolo1), and ±1.0% across dual-range settings (Piccolo2)
• Ergonomic single-hand operation with low actuation force (<12 N), minimizing repetitive strain during high-throughput workflows
• 360° continuously rotatable PTFE/FEP-coated delivery tip for unobstructed access to narrow-neck vessels, centrifuge tubes, and microplate wells
• Chemically resistant fluid path constructed entirely from USP Class VI-certified materials: borosilicate glass barrel, platinum-iridium piston seal, and fluoropolymer (PTFE/FEP) wetted surfaces
• Autoclavable components (glass barrel, metal housing, piston assembly) validated for ≥20 cycles at 121°C, 2 bar saturated steam per DIN EN 285
• Integrated volume lock mechanism prevents accidental setting changes during transport or storage

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Piccolo dispensers accommodate aqueous buffers, organic solvents (including acetonitrile, DMSO, and ethanol), acids (up to 6 M HCl), and bases (up to 2 M NaOH) without degradation of wetted materials. Their all-glass and noble-metal construction ensures no leachables or extractables—critical for ICH Q5/Q3D-compliant bioprocess intermediate handling. Device calibration certificates include traceability to PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt) standards. The design conforms to ISO 7218 (microbiology), ISO 15195 (reference measurement systems), and supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when paired with VITLAB’s optional electronic logbook software (not included). All models meet CE marking requirements under Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/31/EU (Measuring Instruments Directive).

Software & Data Management

While the Piccolo1 and Piccolo2 are manually operated instruments, they integrate seamlessly into digitally auditable workflows. Each unit ships with a unique serial-numbered calibration certificate, including as-delivered accuracy verification data at two points across its range. Laboratories implementing electronic lab notebooks (ELN) or LIMS can assign instrument IDs and record usage logs—including date, operator, dispensed volume, and bottle lot number—for full chain-of-custody documentation. Optional VITLAB Calibration Manager software (sold separately) enables digital archiving of recalibration reports, trend analysis of long-term drift, and automated generation of ISO/IEC 17025-compliant calibration records.

Applications

• Preparation of standardized assay dilutions in ELISA, PCR master mix setup, and cell culture media supplementation
• Dispensing internal standards and QC samples in LC-MS/MS bioanalysis workflows
• Accurate volumetric addition of reagents in ASTM D6300 (petroleum product testing) and USP <1251> (volumetric apparatus verification)
• Controlled delivery of cytotoxic compounds in oncology research—minimizing aerosol generation and operator exposure
• High-frequency reagent replenishment in automated liquid handlers’ reservoir modules (e.g., Tecan Freedom EVO, Hamilton STAR)

FAQ

Are Piccolo dispensers compatible with non-GL28 bottles?
No—mechanical sealing and torque transmission require strict adherence to GL28 thread specifications (DIN 13-2). Adapters for other threads (e.g., GL32, GL45) are not offered by VITLAB and may compromise leak-tightness and accuracy.
Can the Piccolo be used for sterile applications?
Yes—autoclavable components support terminal sterilization. However, post-sterilization recalibration is recommended if piston seal compression exceeds manufacturer-specified limits (verified via included test certificate).
What maintenance is required between calibrations?
Daily rinsing with deionized water followed by air-drying is sufficient for aqueous use. For solvent applications, flush with compatible carrier solvent (e.g., isopropanol) and dry under nitrogen. Annual recalibration is advised per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7.2.
Is there a version with adjustable volume?
No—the Piccolo series is exclusively fixed-volume. For variable dispensing, VITLAB offers the Variolab line of adjustable bottle top dispensers, which maintain comparable material integrity and accuracy specifications.
How is accuracy verified during routine use?
Users perform gravimetric verification per ISO 8655-6 using Class E2 weights and an analytical balance (≤0.01 mg readability). VITLAB provides SOP templates and uncertainty budget calculators in the technical documentation package.