Fisher Scientific Finnpipette User manual

1
Fisherbrand ®
®
Finnpipette
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
2000 PARK LANE
Pittsburgh PA 15275
800-766-7000
3 0 0

2
CONTENTS
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 3
PIPETTE OPERATION 4
PIPETTING TECHNIQUES 4, 5, 6
CALIBRATION 7, 8, 9
TROUBLE SHOOTING 10
MAINTENANCE 11
SPARE PARTS LIST 13
FIGURE 1 PARTS DIAGRAM 14, 15
CONVERSION TABLE 16

3
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Fisherbrand ®Finnpipette Digital, Multichannel, Manual Pipetter operates on the air
displacement principle and uses disposable polypropylene pipette tips. Five models
cover a volume range from 0.5µl to 300µl.
CONSTRUCTION
The tough polyamide and nylon pipetter handle stands up to volatile and aggressive
liquids. Its low thermal conductivity means it won’t absorb hand heat, which could
compromise pipetter performance. The PVDF tip ejector shaft and PVDF/polypropylene
tip cone provide extra corrosion resistance and are both autoclavable.
DESIGN
Designed for safe, one-hand operation even when dispensing infectious liquids. The
ribbed finger rest ensures a secure grip and correct pipetting angle, minimizing hand
strain. The tip ejector is separate from the operating piston, so there’s no danger of
accidentally discharging tips. The large digital display is easy to read—even while
holding the pipetter.
A shelf hanger is included for storing the pipetter. Pipetter hangs firmly from grippy finger
rest on the shelf hanger. Self-adhesive stickers attach the hanger securely to shelves,
counters, cabinets, and even existing pipetter stands.
PACKAGE
The Fisherbrand ®Finnpipette Digital is shipped in a specially designed package
containing the following items:
1. The Fisherbrand ®Finnpipette 4. Finntip sample 7. Calibration certificate
2. Service tool 5. Tube of grease 8. Shelf hanger
3. Maintenance pliers 6. Instruction manual 9. Two stickers for hanger
COMPATIBLE PIPETTE TIPS
Fisherbrand General-purpose Redi-Tip* Tips, Extended Length Tips, Stack-Rack Tips,
and Environmental Reload Tips (101–1000µl).
Finntip Universal Tips (for volumes under 1µl).
Fisherbrand Standardization Tips (0–200µl).
Fisherbrand Redi-Tip Reference Tips (0–300µl).
Fisherbrand Redi-Tip Reference Tips (101–1000µl).
Fisherbrand Standardization Tips (200–1300µl).
Finntip 62 Tips and Finntip 63 Tips.
Fisherbrand Aerosol-barrier and Low-retention Tips

4
SETTING THE DELIVERY VOLUME
To set the delivery volume, turn the thumb knob counterclockwise
to increase volume and clockwise to decrease volume. Make
sure the thumb knob clicks into place for the desired volume and
the digits are completely visible in the display window.
Note: Do not set volumes outside the pipetter’s specified volume
range.Forcing the thumb knob to turn outside the range may jam
the mechanism and eventually damage the pipetter.
PIPETTER OPERATION
TIP EJECTION
To avoid accidental tip ejection, the ejector button is separate from
the thumb knob. It is molded into the handle directly beside the
operating piston for comfort and ease of use. To release the tips,
point the pipetter at a suitable waste receptacle and press the tip
ejector with your thumb.
1 . 0 0
PIPETTING TECHNIQUES
Make sure that the tips, pipette and solution are at the same temperature.
Make sure that the tips are firmly attached to the tip cone. Check for foreign particles in the
tips. Hold the pipetter in an upright position while aspirating liquid. The grippy should rest
on your index finger.
Push and release the push button slowly at all times, particularly when working with high
viscosity liquids. Never allow the push button to snap back.
Before you begin your actual pipetting work, fill and empty the tips two to three times with
the solution that you will be pipetting.

5
PIPETTING TECHNIQUES, Contd.
FORWARD TECHNIQUE
Fill a clean reagent reservoir with the liquid to be dispensed.
1. Depress the push button to the first stop.
2. Dip the tip under the surface of the liquid in the
reservoir to a depth of about 1cm and slowly
release the push button. Withdraw the tip from the
liquid, touching it against the edge of the reservoir to
remove excess liquid.
3. Deliver the liquid by gently depressing the push
button to the first stop. After a delay of about one
second, continue to depress the push button all
the way to the second stop. This action will empty
the tip.
4. Release the push button to the ready position. If
necessary, change the tip and continue pipetting.
REVERSE TECHNIQUE
The reverse technique is suitable for dispensing liquids
that have a high viscosity or a tendency to foam easily.
The technique is also recommended for dispensing
very small volumes.
Fill a clean reagent reservoir with the liquid to be
dispensed.
1. Depress the push button all the way to the
second stop.
2. Dip the tip under the surface of the liquid in the
reservoir to a depth of about 1cm, and slowly release the push button. This action
will fill the tip. Withdraw the tip from the liquid, touching it against the edge of the
reservoir to remove excess liquid.
3. Deliver the preset volume by gently depressing the push button to the first stop. Hold
the push button at the first stop. Some liquid will remain in the tip, and this should not
be included in the delivery.
4. The remaining liquid should either be discarded with the tip or pipetted back into the
container.
A = Ready position
B = First stop
C = Second stop
A
C
B
1 2 3 4
A
C
B
1 2 3 4

6
REPETITIVE TECHNIQUE
The repetitive technique offers a rapid and simple procedure
for repeated delivery of the same volume.
Fill a clean reagent reservoir with the liquid to be
dispensed.
1. Depress the push button all the way to the
second stop.
2. Dip the tip under the surface of the liquid in the
reservoir to a depth of about 1cm, and slowly
release the push button. This action will fill the tip.
Withdraw the tip from the liquid, touching against the
edge of the reservoir to remove excess liquid.
3. Deliver the preset volume by gently depressing the push button to the first stop. Hold
the push button at the first stop. Some liquid will remain in the tip, and this should not
be included in the delivery.
4. Continue pipetting by repeating steps 2 and 3.
PIPETTING WHOLE BLOOD
This technique is effective for certain specialized
applications, such as deproteinization in blood glucose
determination.
Use steps 1 and 2 of the forward technique to fill the tip
with blood.
Wipe the tip carefully with a dry, clean tissue.
1. Immerse the tip into the reagent and depress the
push button to the first stop, making sure the tip is
well below the surface.
2. Release the push button slowly to the ready position. This will fill the tip. Keep the tip
in the solution.
3. Depress the push button to the first stop and release slowly. Keep repeating this
procedure until the interior wall of the tip is clear.
4. Finally, depress the push button all the way to the second stop to completely empty
the tip.
A
C
B
1 2 3 4
A
C
B
1 2 3 4 5

7
CALIBRATION
All Finnpipettes are factory calibrated and adjusted to give the volumes as specified when
used with distilled or deion-ized water. Normally, the pipetters do not need adjustment,
but they are constructed to permit recalibration and adjust-ment for liquids of different
temperature and viscosity.
DEVICE REQUIREMENTS AND TEST CONDITIONS
An analytical balance must be used to accurately weigh the test samples. The scale
graduation value of the balance should be chosen according to the selected test volume of
the pipetter:
Calibration Test Volume Range Readable Scale Graduation
under 10µl 0.001mg
10–100µl 0.01mg
above 100µl 0.1mg
Test liquid: Distilled or deionized water, conforming to ISO 3696 requirements for “grade
3” water. Tests should be done in a draft-free room at a constant (±0.5°C) temperature of
water, pipetter and air between 20°C to 25°C.
The relative humidity must be above 55%. Especially with volumes under 50µl the air
humidity should be as high as possible to reduce the effect of evaporation loss. Special
accessories, such as the evaporation trap, are recommended.
CHECKING THE CALIBRATION
The pipetter is checked with the maximum (nominal) volume and with the minimum
volume (or 10% of maximum vol-ume, whichever is higher.) For example, Finnpipette
0.5–10µl is tested at 10µl and 1µl.
A new tip is first pre-wetted three to five times and a series of ten pipettings is done with
each volume. Each of the pipet-tings is dispensed into a tared weighing vessel on the
analytical balance. Weight of each sample is noted for calculating calibration results. If the
calculated results are within the limits given on Table 1 on the following page, the
calibration of the pipetter is correct. A pipetter is always adjusted for delivery of the
selected volume. Measuring volumes taken from the balance is not an acceptable
procedure for calibrating the Fisherbrand Finnpipette.

8
Procedure:
1. Do 10 pipettings with the min. volume.
2. Do 10 pipettings with the max. volume.
3. Calculate the accuracy (A) and precision (cv) of both series (See formulas below.)
4. Compare the results to the limits in Table 1 on the following page.
If the results are within the limits given, then the calibration of the pipetter is correct.
Otherwise, the pipetter must be adjusted and checked again.
ADJUSTMENT
Adjustment is done with the service tool.
1. Place the service tool into the openings of the
calibration nut at the top of the handle.
2. Turn the service tool clockwise to increase, or counter
clockwise to decrease the volume.
3. After adjustment check the calibration according to the
instructions above.
FORMULAS FOR CALCULATING RESULTS
Conversion of mass to volume
V = (w + e) x Z V = volume (µl) e = evaporation loss (mg)
w = weight (mg) Z = conversion factor for mg/µl conversion
Evaporation loss can be significant with low volumes. To determine mass loss, dispense
water to the weighing vessel, note the reading and start a stopwatch. See how much the
reading decreases during 30 seconds (e.g., 6mg = 0.2mg/s)
Compare this to the pipetting time from taring to reading. Typical pipetting time might be 10
seconds with a mass loss of 2mg (10s x 0.2mg/s) in this example. If an evaporation trap
or lid on the vessel is used the correction of evaporation is usually unnecessary.
The factor Z is for converting the weight of the water to volume at test temperature and
pressure. A typical value is 1.0032µl/mg at 22°C and 95 kPa. See the conversion on
page 16 of this manual for Z values at other temperatures and air pressures.

9
Accuracy (systematic error)
Accuracy is the difference between the dispensed volume and the selected volume of a
pipette.
A = V - V0A = accuracy V = mean volume V0= nominal volume
Accuracy can be expressed as a relative value: A% = 100% x A / V 0
Precision (random error)
Precision refers to the repeatability of the pipettings. It is expressed as standard deviation
(s) or coefficient of variation (cv)
S = standard deviation V = mean volume
n = number of measurements v = variance
cv is the relative value of standard deviation:
cv = 100% x S / v .
1
)( 2
-
-
=
n
VV
S
i
S
i=1
n
TABLE 1
ACCEPTABLE CALIBRATION RESULTS
Test Volume Max/Min Accuracy Precision
Range Volumes (µl) µl % Standard Coefficient of
Deviation(µl) Variation (%)
0,5-10µl /8ch 10 ±0.24 ±2.4 0.16 1.6
1 ±0.12 ±12.0 0.08 8.0
5-50 µl/8ch 50 ±0.75 ±1.5 0.35 0.7
5 ±0.25 ±5.0 0.10 2.0
50-300µl/8ch 300 ±3.0 ±1.0 0.9 0.3
50 ±2.3 ±4.6 0.8 1.5
0.5-10µl/12ch 10 ±0.24 ±2.4 0.16 1.6
1 ±0.12 ±12.0 0.08 8.0
5-50µl/12ch 50 ±0.75 ±1.5 0.35 0.7
5 ±0.25 ±5.0 0.10 2.0
50-300µl/12ch 300 ±3.0 ±1.0 0.9 0.3
50 ±2.3 ±4.6 0.8 1.5

10
CAUTION!
The Fisherbrand ®Finnpipette is designed to allow easy in-lab service. If you
would prefer to have Fisher Scientific service your pipetter, make sure that it
has been decontaminated before shipping.
Please note that the postal authorities in your country may prohibit or restrict
the shipment of contaminated material by mail.
Solution
Attach firmly
Clean tip cones attach
new tips
Clean and grease O-ring
and cylinder.
Grease accordingly
Change the O-ring
Follow instructions carefully
Attach firmly
Recalibrate according
to instructions
Recalibrate with
the liquids in question.
Defect
Leakage
Inaccurate dispensing
Inaccurate dispensing
with certain liquids
TROUBLE SHOOTING
The table below lists possible problems and their solutions.
Possible reason
Tip incorrectly attached
Foreign particles
between tip and tip cone
Foreign particles between the
piston, the O-ring and the
cylinder
Insufficient amount of grease
on cylinder and O-ring
O-ring damaged
Incorrect operation
Tip incorrectly attached
Calibration altered: caused
by misuse, for example
Unsuitable calibration.
High viscosity liquids may
require recalibration.

11
DISASSEMBLING MULTICHANNEL PIPETTERS
1. Press down the tip ejector.
2. Insert the maintenance pliers under the tip ejector bar to release the tip ejector.
3. Remove the tip cone module by pressing it with the maintenance pliers
4. Press the spring and remove the locking pieces from the groove. Remove the spring
and spring support
5. Place the maintenance key in the adapter groove and pull off the adapter.
6. Pull out the tip ejector adapter. Lift the upper end of the tip ejector bar slightly and push
it back. Lift out the module spring.
7. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws in the module cover and lift off the cover.
8. Remove the piston bar and clean the pistons with a dry, napless cloth.
9. Clean the tip cones.
10. If needed, replace the seal by carefully releasing the cover ring from its snap joint
with the screwdriver. Remove all the parts from the tip cone. Clean all the parts.
Reassemble the tip cone.
SHORT-TERM CHECKING
The pipetter should be checked at the beginning of each day for dust and dirt on the
outside surfaces. Particular attention should be paid to the tip cone. No other solvents
except 70 % ethanol should be used to clean the pipetter.
Note: When the Fisherbrand ®Finnpipette Digital Multichannel is not in use, make sure it
is stored in an upright posi-tion. We recommend a Finnpipette stand for this purpose.
LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE
If the pipetter is used daily, it should be checked every three months. The servicing
procedure starts with the disassembly of the pipetter.
MAINTENANCE

12
ASSEMBLING MULTICHANNEL PIPETTERS*
5–50 µl and 50–300 µl: Take one piston. Slide cover ring (32) (larger hole), spring (33),
support ring (35), (o–ring (37) bigger 5-50µl) and o–ring (36) (smaller) onto the piston.
Grease the o–ring with the lubricant provided in the pipette package. Slide all the parts into
the tip cone and close the snap joint of the cover ring.
0.5–10µl: Take one piston. Slide cover ring (32) (larger hole), support (35), o-ring
(36)(bigger), o-ring (37) (smaller) and o-ring support (38) onto the piston. Then slide spring
(39), spring support (40) (sharp edges first) and o-ring (41) onto the o-ring support (38).
Grease the o-rings with the lubricant provided in the pipetter package. Slide all the parts
into the tip cone and close the snap joint of the cover ring.
11. Grease cleaned pistons with the lubricant provided in the pipetter package.
12. Install the piston bar with pistons and tip cones in the cover and close the cover with
the four/six screws.
13. Place the tip ejector and module spring on the neck of the module. Press the spring
below the tip ejector. Close the tip ejector with the tip ejector adapter.
14. Use the maintenance key to slide the adapter to wider groove in the module neck.
15. Slide the o-ring, spring support and spring onto the piston bar and lock with the
locking pieces.
16. Attach the tip cone module to the handle and the tip ejector adapter to the tip ejector bar.
* See the spare parts diagram on pages 10–12 for reference numbers given here in
parentheses.

13
13
SPARE PARTS
See figure 1 for spare parts and reference numbers
12-channel
10. 1058180
12. 10593260
14. 10593750
15. 10593740
16. 2205980
17. 10594590
18. 10594580
19. 1131430
20. 0202041
21. 0202021
22. 1131930
23. 10594600
All
1. 2900580
2. 10593720
3. 10594540
4. 1131820
5-50 µl
5. 1057490
6. 2206700
7. 10594527
8. 1054015
11. 1131890
30. 10589520
31. 2205950
32. 10589490
33. 1131400
34. 1131790
35. 10589500
36. 1030480
37. 1030160
42. 2208850 1 pcs
42. 2209080 8 pcs
42. 2209090 12 pcs
50-300 µl
5. 1057500
6. 2206710
7. 10594528
8. 1054014
11. 1130720
30. 10589160
31. 2205960
32. 10589490
33. 1131400
34. 1131790
35. 10589510
36. 1030140
42. 2205270 1 pcs
42. 2207080 8 pcs
42. 2207090 12 pcs
Shelf hanger
2206740
Module
8-ch 0,5-50 µl 2207180
8-ch 5-50 µl 2206750
8-ch 50-300 µl 2206760
12-ch 0,5-10 µl 2207190
12-ch 5-50 µl 2206770
12-ch 50-300 µl 2206780
0,5-10 µl
5. 1057480
6. 2206650
7. 10594521
8. 1054015
11. 1131890
24. 10594760
30. 10593240
31. 2205860
32. 10589490
33. 10593510
34. 1131790
35. 10593280
36. 1030380
37. 1030060
38. 10593290
39. 1131900
40. 10593360
41. 1030170
42. 2205870 1 pcs
42. 2207910 8 pcs
42. 2207920 12 pcs
8-channel
10. 1058180
12. 10593260
13. 1030590
14. 10593750
15. 10593740
16. 2205970
17. 10594560
18. 10594550
19. 1131430
20. 0202041
21. 0202021
22. 1131930
23. 10594570

14
6
1
2
12
14
15
10
11
12-channel
4
3
5
12
14
15
8-channel
10
11
8
7
Figure 1

15
19
20
18
22
23
42
31
32
33
30
34
36
35
50-300 µl
5-50 µl
31
32 33
30
34
35
36
42
23
16
17
20
18
19
16
17
22
21
0,5-10µl
31
33
34
32 35 36
37
38 39
40
41
30
42
20 21
24
37

16
CONVERSION TABLE
Value of the conversion factor Z (µl/mg), as a function of temperature and pressure, for
distilled water.
For customer service, call 1-800-766-7000.
To fax an order, use 1-800-926-1166.
To order online: www.fishersci.com
©2000 Fisher Scientific Litho in U.S.A. BN
Temper- Air pressure
ature °C hPA (mbar)
800 853 907 960 1013 1067
15 1.0018 1.0018 1.0019 1.0019 1.0020 1.0020
15.5 1.0018 1.0018 1.0019 1.0020 1.0020 1.0021
16 1.0019 1.0020 1.0020 1.0021 1.0021 1.0022
16.5 1.0020 1.0020 1.0021 1.0022 1.0022 1.0023
17 1.0021 1.0021 1.0022 1.0022 1.0023 1.0023
17.5 1.0022 1.0022 1.0023 1.0023 1.0024 1.0024
18 1.0022 1.0023 1.0024 1.0024 1.0025 1.0025
18.5 1.0023 1.0024 1.0025 1.0025 1.0026 1.0026
19 1.0024 1.0025 1.0025 1.0026 1.0027 1.0027
19.5 1.0025 1.0026 1.0026 1.0027 1.0028 1.0028
20 1.0026 1.0027 1.0027 1.0028 1.0029 1.0029
20.5 1.0027 1.0028 1.0028 1.0029 1.0030 1.0030
21 1.0028 1.0029 1.0030 1.0030 1.0031 1.0031
21.5 1.0030 1.0030 1.0031 1.0031 1.0032 1.0032
22 1.0031 1.0031 1.0032 1.0032 1.0033 1.0033
22.5 1.0032 1.0032 1.0033 1.0033 1.0034 1.0035
23 1.0033 1.0033 1.0034 1.0035 1.0035 1.0036
23.5 1.0034 1.0035 1.0035 1.0036 1.0036 1.0037
24 1.0035 1.0036 1.0036 1.0037 1.0038 1.0038
24.5 1.0037 1.0037 1.0038 1.0038 1.0039 1.0039
25 1.0038 1.0038 1.0039 1.0039 1.0040 1.0041
25.5 1.0039 1.0040 1.0040 1.0041 1.0041 1.0042
26 1.0040 1.0041 1.0042 1.0042 1.0043 1.0043
26.5 1.0042 1.0042 1.0043 1.0043 1.0044 1.0045
27 1.0043 1.0044 1.0044 1.0045 1.0045 1.0046
27.5 1.0044 1.0045 1.0046 1.0046 1.0047 1.0047
28 1.0046 1.0046 1.0047 1.0048 1.0048 1.0049
28.5 1.0047 1.0048 1.0048 1.0049 1.0050 1.0050
29 1.0049 1.0049 1.0050 1.0050 1.0051 1.0052
29.5 1.0050 1.0051 1.0051 1.0052 1.0052 1.0053
30 1.0052 1.0052 1.0053 1.0053 1.0054 1.0055
1506750-03