Labnet Labpette FX Single Channel Fixed Volume Pipettors Instruction Manual

Labnet Labpette FX Single Channel Fixed Volume Pipettors

Product Description

Labnet Labpette FX single-channel, fixed volume pipettor is a volumetric instrument designed to measure and transfer liquids precisely and safely. It can accommodate volumes from 2 µL to 1,000 µL depending on the model.

Labnet pipettors operate using an air-cushion (i.e., the aspirated liquid does not come into contact with the shaft or plunger of the pipettor). The liquid is drawn into the disposable tip attached to the pipettor.

Packing

The pipettors are delivered with the following:

• Instruction manual
• Quality control certificate
• Calibration key
• Shelf clip
• Lubricant

Pipettor Design

Model Identification
The volume of the pipettor is shown on its pushbutton.

Safety Recommendations

Long-term use of the pipettor relies on correct method of use. Please read and follow the instructions for use carefully.
NOTE

• The pipettor is designed for the transfer of liquids only using the tip. Do not aspirate liquids without the tip attached. The aspirated liquid should not enter the pipettor, as it may cause damage.
• Single-use tips reduce the risk of contamination of samples.
• Keep the pipettor clean, avoiding the use of abrasive or corrosive cleaning agents (e.g., acetone).
• Keep the pipettor upright when there is liquid in the tip.
• Only using the pipettor in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions ensures the correct pipettor parameters are maintained.
• After replacing the plunger or the shaft, the pipettor should be calibrated.
• In the case of incorrect operation, the device should be cleaned in accordance with the Instructions for Use or transferred to a service point.
• Ambient operating temperature is +5°C to 45°C.
• Ambient storage conditions (in the original packaging during transport and short storage) is -25°C to 55°C.

When working with the pipettor:

• Follow general work safety regulations regarding hazards related to work in the laboratory.
• Take special care when pipetting aggressive substances.
• Use appropriate protective attire (e.g., clothing, goggles, and gloves).
• Avoid pointing the pipettor at yourself or others during use.
• Only use parts and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.

Specifications

The pipettor is a high quality instrument which offers excellent accuracy and precision. The accuracy and precision (repeatability) of the liquid volume depends on the quality of pipet tips used. The values for accuracy and precision shown in the table below were obtained using manufacturer non-filter pipet tips. Those tips are recommended for use to ensure compatibility, accuracy and precision when pipetting.

The accuracy and precision were obtained gravimetrically using manufacturer tips performing at least 10 measurements of distilled water at a temperature of 20°C ± 1°C according to EN ISO 8655 standards.
The use of tips from other manufacturers or filter tips may result in incorrect liquid aspiration and require pipettor recalibration.
The design of the pipettor enables the user to recalibrate it according to the information presented in Section 9.

Pipettor Operation

Attaching the Tips

• Attach the correct tip corresponding to the model number displayed on the pipettor finger rest (Section 5).
• Position the pipettor vertically when attaching tips.
• Press the pipettor against the tip positioned in the rack box. The suspension system will ensure even and airtight sealing of the pipet tips.
• Hold down the tip ejector button in order to ensure a tighter fit of the tip.

NOTE

• Do not attach the tips with a rocking movement, as this may damage the shaft or plunger.
• Never draw liquids directly into the pipettor without the tip attached.

Ejecting the Tip

Place your thumb against the ejector pushbutton side and press it to the side.

Operating Instructions

Observing the following recommendations will ensure maximum possible accuracy and precision of liquid sampling.

• During operation, the volume setting should be locked, with black adjustment knob in the lower position.
• Ensure smooth and slow operation of the pipettor.
• Immersion of the tip into the sample liquid should be kept to a minimum depth, which should remain constant during aspiration. The recommended immersion depths are given in the table below:
• The pipettor should be held in a vertical position.
• The pipet tip should be changed whenever the volume setting is altered, and when a different liquid is to be aspirated.
• The pipet tip should be changed if a droplet remains on the end of the tip from the previous pipetting operation.
• Each new pipet tip should be pre-rinsed with the liquid to be pipetted.
• Liquid should never enter the pipettor shaft. To prevent this:
  • Press and release the pushbutton slowly and smoothly.
  • Never turn the pipettor upside down.
  • Never lay the pipettor on its side when there is liquid in the tip.
• Never force the volume setting beyond the recommended limits.
• When pipetting liquids with a different temperature from the ambient temperature, it is recommended to pre-rinse the tip several times prior to use.
• Do not pipettor liquids with temperatures above 70°C.

NOTE: When pipetting acids or corrosive solutions which emit vapors, it is recommended to disassemble the shaft and rinse the plunger and O-ring with distilled water after finishing the pipetting operation.

Aspiration and Dispensing Instructions

Aspirating Liquid

1. Press the pushbutton to the first stop point.
   Holding the pipettor vertically, immerse the pipet tip into the sample liquid to the recommended depth (for recommended values see Section 7). If the pipet tip
   is not immersed to the recommended depth or if the pipetting pushbutton is rapidly released, air may enter the pipet tip.

2. Release the pipetting pushbutton slowly and smoothly to aspirate the sample. Wait one second and then withdraw the pipet tip from the liquid.
   CAUTION: Do not touch the used tip.
   Dispensing Liquid

3. Place the end of the pipet tip against the inside wall of the vessel at an angle of 10° to 40°. Press the pushbutton smoothly to the first stop. Wait one second.

4. Press the pushbutton to the second stop to expel any remaining liquid. While keeping the pushbutton depressed, remove the pipettor from the vessel by drawing the pipet tip against the inside surface of the vessel.

5. Release the pushbutton to its starting position.

6. Eject the pipet tip by pressing the tip ejector pushbutton to the side (left or right).
   Remember to change the pipet tip whenever a different type of liquid is to be sampled.

Aspirating High-density Liquids

When pipetting liquids of higher viscosity or lower surface tension than water (e.g., sera or organic solvents), a film of liquid may be formed on the inside of the pipet tip which may produce erroneous results. As the film remains relatively constant in successive pipetting operations with the same tip, this error can be eliminated by pre-rinsing the tip and allowing a film to form before transferring the first sample. This is achieved by aspirating a sample and dispensing it back into the same vessel. Allowing a film to form prior to sampling ensures optimal accuracy and repeatability.
This pre-rinsing operation should be repeated when the volume to be aspirated is changed or when a new pipet tip is used.

NOTE: Normally the degree of error resulting from viscous liquids is negligible if pipetting is performed slowly and carefully, however can be minimized further by holding the pipet tip in position for at least 2 seconds after aspiration to allow the liquid time to react to the change in pressure before it is dispensed. If the above method does not result in accurate values, recalibrate the pipettor in accordance with Section 9. It is recommended to record recalibration and correction values, in order to facilitate reverse calibration to a standard liquid.

Checking Pipetting Accuracy Parameters and Pipettor Recalibration

The pipettors have been factory-calibrated using gravimetric methods with manufacturer pipet tips and distilled water, in accordance with ISO 8655 guidelines for the liquid volume drawn by the pipettor according to the values given (Section 5). The pipettors are designed to enable recalibration and adaptation to different pipetting techniques and liquid properties (e.g., temperature, density, and viscosity). Periodic checks of the operation of the pipettor are recommended at least once per year. Frequency of checks should be increased depending on workload, sterilization or autoclave processes, and frequency of replacement of component parts.
If during pipettor operation the accuracy error exceeds the permissible value given in the table in Section 5, pipettor recalibration should be carried out. Recalibration of the pipettor involves adjusting the settings according to the table on page 10.

Parameters for Checking the Pipetting Accuracy
The pipetting accuracy is influenced by factors such as: tips used, characteristics of the pipetted liquid (density, viscosity), and operating conditions (ambient temperature, pressure).
To determine the accuracy error of the pipettor, the following conditions should be met:

• Ambient temperature and temperature of the pipettor, pipet tips, and liquid should be within the range of 20°C to 25°C and stabilized during weighing within ±0.5°C.
• Measurements should be conducted using distilled water.
• Balance sensitivity should be suitable for the volume “V” to be measured.
  Volume Checked (V, µL)| Balance Sensitivity (mg)
  ---|---
  0.1≤V≤10| 0.001
  10≤V≤100| 0.01
  100≤V≤1,000| 0.1
• When calculating the liquid volume aspirated by the pipettor, the conversion factor (Z) [µL/mg] for distilled water or a liquid with comparable density should be taken into account. Sample values of conversion factors are given in the following table.
  Temperature|  | Pressure (kPa)|
  ---|---|---|---
  (°C)| 95.0| 101.3| 105.0
  20| 1.0028| 1.0029| 1.0029
  21| 1.0030| 1.0031| 1.0031
  22| 1.0032| 1.0033| 1.0033
  23| 1.0034| 1.0035| 1.0036
  24| 1.0037| 1.0038| 1.0038
  25| 1.0039| 1.0040| 1.0040

See ISO 8655 for the full table of conversion factors (Z).
NOTE: Pipetting should be performed in accordance with guidance described in Sections 7 and 8.

Checking the Pipetting Accuracy Parameters

• Set the preset volume depending on the pipettor volume according to the following table.
• Perform 10 aspirations, and calculate the average value in [mg].
• Calculate the volume in [µL] by multiplying the value in [mg] by the conversion factor Z [µL/mg].

If the average aspirated volume exceeds the permissible values of the range, the pipettor should be recalibrated.

Pipettor Recalibration

1. Remove the pipetting pushbutton.
2. Insert the calibration key into the calibration screw.
3. Turn the key clockwise to reduce the aspirated volume, or counter-clockwise to increase the aspirated volume Use the values given in the above table to precisely adjust the volume.
4. Remove the key and replace the pipetting pushbutton.

Determine the average aspirated volume. The average volume should be within the permissible range given in the table. If the volume exceeds the values stated, the recalibration procedure should be repeated.
When pipetting liquids with physical properties considerably different from those of water, follow the guidance given in Section 5.
More information on the calibration procedure can be found at www.labnetlink.com.

Pipettor Maintenance

Depending on the applications and intensity of use, the pipettor requires periodic maintenance. The components exposed to corrosive vapors, such as shaft elements, should be regularly checked and cleaned. Do not use sharp tools for pipettor maintenance. It may cause damage to the device and affect the user’s safety.

Cleaning
External surfaces of the pipettor such as the pushbutton, ejector pushbutton and handgrip, may be cleaned using a cloth dampened in isopropyl alcohol. The remaining parts removed from the pipettor during pipettor disassembly may be washed with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.

NOTE: Before using cleaning agents other than those recommended by the manufacturer, check the compatibility charts and consider chemical resistance of the following plastics which form components of the pipettor: PP, PC, POM, PA, PPS, PVDF.

Sterilization

Sterilization using an autoclave
Sterilization using an autoclave The pipettor can be sterilized in an autoclave at 121°C for 20 minutes. Sterilization under other conditions may cause damage to the pipettor. It is recommended to:

• Sterilize the pipettors using an autoclave with an initial vacuum and drying cycle.
• After sterilization, the pipettor should be dried and cooled to room temperature.

Precision and accuracy should not alter if the pipetting processes including autoclaving are carried out as described in this manual. If a change in accuracy occurs, it is recommended to:

• Check the calibration of the pipettor after the first, third, and fifth autoclaving cycles and then after every 10 autoclaving cycles.

Ultra Violet (UV) Sterilization
The pipettors are UV resistant. The distance from the radiation source to the exposed element of the pipettor should be at least 50 cm. Prolonged or intense UV exposure can cause discoloration of pipettor parts but does not affect its performance.

Troubleshooting

If a problem is encountered during pipettor operation, use the following table to identify and eliminate the fault following the instructions provided. Replacement of parts should be required only occasionally and should not be required with normal pipettor use.

If the problem persists after carrying out the above steps, contact our regional representative.
Before returning the pipettor, please ensure the pipettor is completely free of any chemical, radioactive, or microbiological contamination which could pose a threat during transport and repair.

Spare Parts

Contact our Customer Service to inquire about availability of spare parts. Pipettor model and name of the part required should be specified. The most common parts are depicted below.
NOTE: The replacement of the plunger requires conducting the calibration procedure according to Section 9.

(red)

| SP9175| 1
 |  | 40 – 200

(yellow)

| SP9176| 1
 |  | 250 – 1,000

(green)

| SP9177| 1
C, F,| Shaft Kit| 2 – 20| SP9095| 1
F1|  | 40, 50| SP9140| 1
 |  | 70 – 200| SP9031| 1
 |  | 250 – 500| SP9141| 1
 |  | 1,000| SP9032| 1
D| Tip ejector| 2 – 200| SP9178| 1
 |  | 250 – 1,000| SP9161| 1
I, J| Seal, O-ring and Bush| 2 – 10| SP9054| 1
 | set| 20| SP9055| 1
 |  | 40, 50| SP9132| 1
 |  | 70 – 100| SP9070| 1
 |  | 120 – 200| SP9073| 1
 |  | 250 – 500| SP9133| 1
 |  | 1,000| SP9076| 1
K| Calibration key| All| SP9174| 1

Limited Warranty

Corning Incorporated (Corning) warrants that this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of three (3) years from date of purchase. CORNING DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Corning’s sole obligation shall be to repair or replace, at its option, any product or part thereof that proves defective in material or workmanship within the warranty period, provided the purchaser notifies Corning of any such defect. Corning is not liable for any incidental or consequential damages, commercial loss or any other damages from the use of this product.
This warranty is valid only if the product is used for its intended purpose and within the guidelines specified
in the supplied instructions manual. This warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, neglect, misuse, improper service, natural forces or other causes not arising from defects in the original material workmanship.
This warranty does not cover the O-ring, or shaft.
Claims for transit damage should be filed with the transportation carrier.
In the event this product fails within the specified period of time because of a defect in material or workmanship, contact Corning Customer Service at: CSEurope@corning.com,
visit www.labnetlink.com, or contact your local support office.
Corning Customer Service will help arrange local service where available or coordinate a return authorization number and shipping instructions. Products received without proper authorization will be returned. All items returned for service should be sent using prepaid postage in the original packaging or other suitable carton, padded to avoid damage. Corning will not be responsible for damage incurred by improper packaging. Corning may elect for onsite service for larger equipment.
Some states do not allow limitation on the length of implied warranties or exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other rights which vary from state to state.
No individual may accept for, or on behalf of Corning, any other obligation of liability, or extend the period of this warranty.

For your reference, make a note of the model number, serial number, date of purchase, and supplier here.

Model No. Serial No. ____ Date Purchased Supplier

Warranty/Disclaimer: Unless otherwise specified, all products are for research use only. Not intended for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Corning makes no claims regarding the performance of these products for clinical or diagnostic applications.
Product availability may vary per region.

For additional product or technical information, visit www.labnetlink.com or contact your local sales office.

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