VistaLab MLA Micro D-Tipper Fixed Volume Pipette User Manual

VistaLab MLA Micro D-Tipper Fixed Volume Pipette

Product Information: MLA Micro D-Tipper Fixed Volume Pipette

Description

The MLA Micro D-Tipper is a fixed volume pipette that is factory calibrated to dispense the volume engraved on the pipette. It is designed to provide accurate and precise measurements, and has a verification and calibration adjustment feature that allows for compensation when samples with viscosity or specific gravity significantly different from distilled water are measured. The pipette comes with a Lifetime Warranty.

Performance Specifications

Recommended Tips

The standard MLA small tip is recommended for use with the Micro D-Tipper, and is available in stacked, bulk or EconoPak form. Trace metal, individually wrapped sterile and pyrogen-free sterile tipsare also available for special applications. Recommended Vistalab tips include:

• Cat. # 4060-9025
• 9025
• 9022
• 4058-2000
• 4025
• 4225
• 2025
• 2027
• 4060-2004
• 4060-2132
• 4060-2332

Calibration Adjustment

The Micro D-Tipper is factory calibrated, but it is possible to make easy in- lab adjustments if necessary. The adjustment procedure is as follows:

1. Insert the provided allen key into the push button end of the pipette.
2. While holding the plunger steady, turn the key clockwise to increase volume, or counter-clockwise to decrease volume. Hold the plunger button while turning the key. See table for volume change per turn of allen key.
3. Retest pipette by same method to determine volume.

Service and Maintenance Information

The internal parts of the pipette (plunger, seals, etc.) are lubricated with a silicone grease during factory assembly. Cleaning, replacement of seals and nozzle inserts, and lubrication should be necessary only every 6 months. If the pipette is used with corrosive chemicals or solvents, or roughness in the plunger movement is observed, cleaning and lubrication may be necessary more often. Refer to Maintenance and Repair Kits for proper replacement parts to have on hand.

Product Usage Instructions

To use the Micro D-Tipper, follow these steps:

1. Select the appropriate tip for your application.
2. Set the volume using the adjustment procedure if necessary.
3. Immerse the tip in the liquid to be dispensed.
4. Depress the plunger to the first stop to draw up the liquid.
5. Withdraw the tip from the liquid.
6. Depress the plunger to the second stop to dispense the liquid. After the first dispense, keep the tip in the receiving vessel and aspirate and dispense several times. Perform blow-out and slide tip out along the vessel wall to prevent inaccurate dispensing.
7. Dispose of used tips appropriately.

PIPETTE OPERATION

Pipette Tips
The pipette is a precision instrument. System performance depends on the pipette and tip system used. Using tips which were not used to calibrate the pipette may effect accuracy and precision. For best results, use VistaLab recommended tips.
Aspirating/Filling

1. Securely attach the appropriate, unused pipette tip.

2. Press plunger button down to the first stop.

3. Hold pipette vertically and immerse the tip approximately 3 mm into the sample solution.

4. Gently and slowly return the plunger button to up position. Do not let it snap back.

5. Withdraw the tip from the liquid so that no drops remain attached on the outside of the tip. Should any liquid remain, wipe the outside of the tip with a lint-free tissue, taking special care not to touch the tip opening.
   Dispensing/Emptying

6. Place the tip against the side wall of the receiving vessel.

7. Depress the plunger slowly to the first stop. Pause.

8. Depress the plunger further to the second stop (blow out) or bottom of stroke, dispensing all liquid from tip.

9. With the plunger still fully depressed, slowly withdraw the tip while sliding along the wall of the vessel. Release plunger to up position.

10. Eject tip by lifting the tip ejector bonnet.

Special Notes

• Do Not pre-wet tips.
• Use a new tip for each aspirate/dispense.
• Dispensing must be performed along the vessel wall or directly into liquid. Perform blow-out stroke, hold plunger down, and withdraw pipette from vessel.
• With small sample volumes, results can be optimized by rinsing the tip after dispensing. After the first dispense is performed, keep the tip in the receiving vessel and aspirate and dispense several times. Perform blow-out and slide tip out along the vessel wall.

Operational Limitations and Precautions

• Consistent technique and smooth, steady movements are key to precision.
• Keep the pipette in a vertical position at all times when in use.
• Always depress the plunger to the proper stop before putting the tip into liquid to avoid air and incorrect volume intake.
• Differences in the temperature of the pipette and solution can result in inaccurate dispensing.

RECOMMENDED VISTALAB TIPS

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION

During factory assembly, the internal parts of the pipette (plunger, seals, etc.) are lubricated with a silicone grease. Normally, cleaning, replacement of seals and nozzle inserts, and lubrication should be necessary only every 6 months. If the pipette is used with corrosive chemicals or solvents, or roughness in the plunger movement is observed, cleaning and lubrication may be necessary more often.

Cleaning
The pipette should be checked each day of use for dirt and dried liquids on the outside surfaces of the pipette. Wipe clean with soapy water and lint-free cloth. If stronger cleaning agents are used, rinse well with water and wipe dry. Inspect the nozzle insert for cleanliness. Remove and rinse clean if debris is seen. Dry with jet of air.

Maintenance
Every six months, or as required, replace seals and lubricate. Refer to Maintenance and Repair Kits for proper replacement parts to have on hand.

1. Hold the pipette around the sleeve and pull the nozzle away from the sleeve to expose the spring cap assembly.
2. Grasp the spring cap with your thumb and forefinger and unscrew the nozzle. Remove the nozzle and sleeve.
3. Unscrew and remove the spring cap assembly.
4. Remove and discard old seals. Note: The 2µL, 3µL and 4µL pipette models includes a separate part, a metering seal housing, with two small “O” rings. This housing should stay on the plunger when the nozzle assembly is removed. If metering seal housing remains in the spring cap assembly, remove it, the two “O” rings and the quad ring from the spring cap assembly, using a small straight pin. Remove the two “O” rings from the seal housing and discard seals.
5. Depress and hold the button plunger to advance the plunger mechanism. Wipe exposed surface with soft clean cloth. Lubricate with a thin film of lubricant from inside seal bag.
6. Carefully place new pre-lubricated seals on plunger. Note: When replacing the “O” rings for 2µL, 3µL and 4µL pipette models assemble both “O” rings, then the metering seal housing and then the quad ring onto plunger.
7. Reassemble pipette being careful while inserting plunger and seals into nozzle assembly.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR KITS

Cat. # Description

• 9075 Seal Kit for 2μL
• 9076 Seal Kit for 3μL & 4μL
• 9077 Seal Kit for 5μL – 10μL
• 8066 Nozzle Insert
• 9030 Seal Lubricant

CALIBRATION
The pipettes have been calibrated at the factory to perform within the specifications in table. Ordinarily the pipettes do not need to be calibrated but they are designed to permit easy in-lab calibration. (Warning: Experience and proper training is required to accurately perform calibration using gravimetric method. All procedures are to be performed under controlled environment conditions.)
Calibration Verification
Verification of pipette calibration is recommended every six months. This should be performed after the routine maintenance is completed. Some laboratories may not have access to facilities capable of performing the gravimetric method. In these instances, you may consider using the VistaLab Pipette Verification Calibration Kit or returning the pipettes to VistaLab Technologies for calibration and/or repair.

DESCRIPTION

The Micro D-Tipper™ Fixed Volume Pipettes are general purpose pipettes for sampling and dispensing liquids when accuracy, precision and convenience are required. The Micro D-Tipper pipettes are available in nine volumes ranging from 2µL to 10µL and use a standard MLA small tip. Micro D-Tipper pipettes are piston stroke, air displacement instruments with tip ejection. The Micro D-Tipper is a two stroke pipette with overblow, enhancing the accuracy and precision at volumes below 10µL. The first stop is the measuring stroke. The second stop is the dispense and blow-out stroke. The Micro D-Tipper is factory calibrated to dispense the volume engraved on the pipette. Calibration can be verified and easy in- lab adjustment is possible.  This feature is useful for compensation when samples with viscosity or specific gravity significantly different from distilled water are measured. The standard MLA small tip is recommended for use with the Micro D-Tipper. These are available in stacked, bulk or EconoPak. Trace metal, individually wrapped sterile and pyrogen- free sterile tips are also available for special applications. Like all MLA mechanical pipettes, the Micro D-Tipper has a Lifetime Warranty.

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Pipettes are factory calibrated and verified gravimetrically using distilled water and analytical balance. Water temperature and ambient conditions are stabilized and controlled in accordance with documented procedures. Statistical process control is used to ensure consistent lot to lot quality.

CALIBRATION ADJUSTMENT

In the event that adjustment of the calibration is required, we recommend the gravimetric method under controlled environment, or an authorized calibration service. Pipettes can be returned to VistaLab Technologies for recalibration and repair as part of the Lifetime Warranty. It is highly recommended that the pipettes be returned to the manufacter for recalibration using controlled conditions and procedures consistent with ISO and NCCLS standards which are important to achieve accuracy at microvolume ranges.
Adjustment Procedure
Determine the pipette delivered volume by gravimetric test procedure. A minimum of five weighings are required. If out of specification, allow pipette and materials to equilibrate to ambient temperature, and retest. If still out of range, proceed to adjust volume. The range of adjustment is ±10%.

1. Insert the provided allen key into the push button end of the pipette. (See Figure 4)
2. While holding the plunger steady, turn the key clockwise to increase volume, or counter-clockwise to decrease volume. Hold the plunger button while turning the key. See table for volume change per turn of allen key.
3. Retest pipette by same method to determine volume.

WARRANTY

Your new Micro D-Tipper pipette is the only pipette available with a Lifetime Warranty. Complete the registration card enclosed or go to www.vistalab.com to activate your new pipette warranty. Once the pipette has been registered, the lifetime warranty becomes effective. VistaLab Technologies, Inc. guarantees that your new pipette will be free from defects in materials and workmanship. Should the pipette be received in any other condition, please contact VistaLab Technical Services at 1-888-652-6520 immediately for Return Authorization. Should the pipette fail to operate or require repair, go to www.vistalab.com for details on returning your pipette to the VistaLab Technologies.
2 Geneva Road
Brewster, NY 10509 USA
888-652-6520 or 914-244-6226

References

• Adjustable Ergonomic Ovation Pipettes – Accuracy & Precision – Think Differently

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