Labnet BioPette A Series User manual

Labnet BioPette A
Single-channel, 8-channel,
and 12-channel Pipettors
Instruction Manual
This manual is available in additional languages
at www.labnetlink.com.

Table of Contents
1. Product Description ............................................................. 1
2. Packing........................................................................................ 2
3. Pipettor Design........................................................................ 2
4. Safety Recommendations .................................................. 3
 5. Specications........................................................................... 4
6. Pipettor Operation................................................................. 6
7. Operating Instructions ......................................................10
8. Aspiration and Dispensing Instructions.....................11
9. Checking Pipetting Accuracy Parameters
and Pipettor Recalibration................................................13
10. Pipettor Maintenance .......................................................16
11. Troubleshooting ...................................................................18
12. Spare Parts ..............................................................................20
13. Limited Warranty..................................................................23

Instruction Manual – 1
1. Product Description
The Labnet BioPette A single-channel pipettor is a volumetric
instrument designed to measure and transfer liquids
precisely and safely. It is available in volumes from 0.1 μL
to 10,000 μL.
The Labnet BioPette A 8-channel and 12-channel pipettors
aredesignedformicroplatelling.Thepipettorsenable
precise and simultaneous delivery of 8 or 12 preset
volumes of liquid. These pipettors are available in four
volume ranges: 0.5-10 μL, 5-50 μL, 20-200 μL, and 50-300 μL.
Nominal
Volume (µL) Cat. No.
Range of Pipettor
Volumes (µL)
Single-channel Pipettors
2 P3960-2A 0.1 - 2
10 P3960-10A 0.5 - 10
20 P3960-20A 2 - 20
100 P3960-100A 10 - 100
200 P3960-200A 20 - 200
1,000 P3960-1000A 100 - 1,000
5,000 P3960-5000A 1,000 - 5,000
10,000 P3960-10000A 1,000 - 10,000
8-channel and 12-channel Pipettors
8-10
12-10
P4608-10A
P4612-10A 0.5 - 10
8-50
12-50
P4608-50A
P4612-50A 5 - 50
8-200
12-200
P4608-200A
P4612-200A 20 - 200
8-300
12-300
P4608-300A
P4612-300A 50 - 300
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.

2 – LABNET BIOPETTE A PIPETTORS
2. Packing
The pipettors are delivered with the following:
Description Qty/Pk
Instruction manual 1
QualityControlcerticate 1
Calibration key 1
Identicationlabels 8
Lubricant (for single-channel pipettor) 1
Ejector spacers (for models up to P3960-1000A) 2
Ejector cap (for P3960-5000A and P3960-10000A models) 1
Filters (for P3960-5000A and P3960-10000A models) 3
Filters
The 5,000 and 10,000 μL pipettors include a replaceable
lter,ttedatthebottomoftheshaftwhichprevents
aspirated liquid from entering the shaft and contaminating
theinnersurfaceandplunger.Useofthelterisparticularly
important when aspirating and dispensing large volumes
ofliquid.Theltershouldbereplacedifitbecomeswet.
3. Pipettor Design
Single- and Multi-channel Pipettors
N
A1
A2
B
C
D
R
F

Instruction Manual – 3
A. Pipetting pushbutton: Consists of 2 parts:
the pushbutton (A1) and the knob (A2).
B. Volume adjustment knob: Used to set the volume.
C. Shaft: Manufactured using high quality plastic,
ensuring high chemical and mechanical strength.
D. Tip ejector: For multi-channel pipettors, the tips are
ejected sequentially, reducing the required force.
F. Shaft nut
N. Ejector pushbutton
R. Multi-channel manifold: Contains a set of plungers
andasetofexible-suspensionshafts,whichfunction
to reduce the force required to attach the tip.
Model Identication
The volume range of the pipettor is shown on the
pipetting pushbutton.
4. Safety Recommendations
Long-term use of the pipettor relies on correct method of use.
Please read and follow the instructions for use carefully.
Symbols used:
Danger, risk of injury.
NOTE Risk of damage to the pipettor or errors in pipetting.
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.

4 – LABNET BIOPETTE A PIPETTORS
• 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 Instruction Manual
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.
5. Specications
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-lterpipettips.Thosetipsarerecommendedforuseto
ensure compatibility, accuracy and precision when pipetting.

Instruction Manual – 5
Nominal
Volume
(µL)
Volume
(µL)
Accuracy
(%)
Precision
(%)
Non-lter
Tips (µL)
Single-channel Pipettors
2
Min. 0.1 ±40.0 ≤12.0
10
0.2 ±12.0 ≤6.0
1 ±2.7 ≤1.3
Max. 2 ±1.5 ≤0.7
10
Min. 0.5 ±4.0 ≤2.8
10
1.0 ±2.5 ≤1.8
5.0 ±1.0 ≤0.6
Max. 10.0 ±0.5 ≤0.4
20
Min. 2 ±3.0 ≤1.5
20010 ±1.0 ≤0.5
Max. 20 ±0.8 ≤0.3
100
Min. 10 ±1.6 ≤0.80
20050 ±0.8 ≤0.24
Max. 100 ±0.8 ≤0.20
200
Min. 20 ±1.2 ≤0.60
200100 ±0.8 ≤0.25
Max. 200 ±0.6 ≤0.20
1,000
Min. 100 ±1.6 ≤0.40
1,000500 ±0.7 ≤0.20
Max. 1,000 ±0.6 ≤0.15
5,000
Min. 1,000 ±0.6 ≤0.25
5,0002,500 ±0.6 ≤0.20
Max. 5,000 ±0.5 ≤0.15
10,000
Min. 1,000 ±2.5 ≤0.6
10,0005,000 ±0.8 ≤0.3
Max. 10,000 ±0.5 ≤0.2
8-channel and 12-channel Pipettors
8 - 10
12 - 10
Min. 0.5 ±10.0 ≤8.0
10
1 ±8.0 ≤6.0
5 ±4.0 ≤2.0
Max. 10 ±2.0 ≤1.2
8 - 50
12 - 50
Min. 5 ±4.0 ≤2.5
20025 ±3.0 ≤1.2
Max. 50 ±1.6 ≤0.6
8 - 200
12 - 200
Min. 20 ±3.0 ≤1.5
200100 ±1.5 ≤0.8
Max. 200 ±1.0 ≤0.6
8 - 300
12 - 300
Min. 50 ±1.6 ≤1.5
300150 ±1.2 ≤1.0
Max. 300 ±1.0 ≤0.6

6 – LABNET BIOPETTE A PIPETTORS
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lter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.
6. Pipettor Operation
Attaching the Tips
• Attach the correct tip corresponding to the model number
displayed below counter window (Section 5).
• Position the pipettor vertically when attaching tips.
• Single-channelpipettors:Pushthepipettiponrmly
using a slight twisting motion to ensure an airtight seal.
• Multi-channel pipettors: Press the pipettor against
thetipspositionedintherackboxuntiltheshaft
retractsapproximately1.5mmintothemanifold.The
suspension system ensures even and airtight sealing of
the pipet tips. The rocking motion does not have to be
performed to seal the pipet tips tightly.
✓✕ ✓✕
NOTE:
• Do not attach the tips with a rocking movement,
as this may damage the shaft or plunger. Observe this
rule particularly with single-channel pipettors of low
volume range.
• Never draw liquids directly into the pipettor without
the tip attached.

Instruction Manual – 7
Adjusting the tip ejector
The tip ejector can be adjusted by the user and can
accommodate most types of tips available on the market.
When using narrow tubes, it may be necessary to remove
the tip ejector.
2-1,000 µL pipettors
1. Tip ejector disassembly
• Press the tip ejector
pushbutton.
• Slide the ejector from the
arbor.
2. Tip ejector assembly
• Press the tip ejector
pushbutton.
• Line the metal tip ejector up
with the arbor.
• Slide the ejector on the
arbor.
3. Tip ejector adjustment
• Slide the ejector from the arbor.
• Remove “H0” spacer that is inserted on the ejector
arbor. To increase the ejector length use ”H” spacers,
which allow for regulating the length of tip ejector
by +1 mm (H1) or +2 mm (H2). The outside shape
identiesthespacers.
4

8 – LABNET BIOPETTE A PIPETTORS
5,000 and 10,000 µL pipettors
1. Tip ejector disassembly
• Remove the tip ejector pushbutton.
• Using a screwdriver, turn the metal arbor counter-
clockwise to unscrew the ejector from the arbor.
• Release the ejector.
2. Tip ejector assembly
• Remove the tip ejector pushbutton.
• Using a screwdriver, turn the metal arbor clockwise
to secure the ejector and adjust its length.
NOTE: Leave a space of at least 1 mm between the
shaft and tip ejector collar.
3. Tip ejector adjustment
• Remove the ejector pushbutton.
• Use the screwdriver to increase or decrease the
ejector length.
• Following ejector assembly or adjustment, ensure
the ejector pushbutton is relocated.
Ifthetipejectorcannotbeadjustedsufciently,orifthe
diameteroftheejectorisinsufcienttoejectthetip,it
may be necessary to attach the ejector cap “M”to the
ejector.

Instruction Manual – 9
In 2 and 10 μL pipettors place the cap, that can be
purchased separately, on the bottom of the pipettor shaft
and slide the cap upwards to the bottom of the tip ejector.
M
M
M
M
Volume Setting
Aspiration volume can be set by either
turning the pipetting pushbutton knob, or
the adjustment knob. The volume setting
is displayed as a three digit counter, which
should be read from top to bottom. The
smallest volume increment is printed on
the bottom counter drum.
Examples of counter indications
The decimal point in the
volume of aspirated liquid
(μL or mL) is indicated by
change in color of digits.
Black digits represent
integer numbers, and red
digits represent decimal
fractions (sizes up to
20 μL).
1
2
5
red
red
0
3
5
0
7
5
red
Volume Ranges 0.1-2 μL 5-50 μL 100-1,000 μL
Set Volume 1.25 μL 35 μL 750 μL (0.75 mL)
Increment 0.002 μL 0.2 μL 2.0 μL
Formaximumaccuracy,thesetvolumemustbeapproached
from a higher value by decreasing counter readings. Before
reaching the desired value, reduce the speed of turning
theadjustmentknobtoavoidinadvertentlyexceedingthe
desired value.

10 – LABNET BIOPETTE A PIPETTORS
7. Operating Instructions
Observing the following recommendations will ensure
maximumpossibleaccuracyandprecisionofliquidsampling.
• 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.
Model Volume Range (µL) Immersion Depth (mm)
0.1-1 ≤1
1-100 2-3
101-1,000 2-4
5,000 3-6
10,000 5-7
• 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 pipette 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
nishingthepipettingoperation.

Instruction Manual – 11
8. Aspiration and Dispensing Instructions
1. 2. 3. 5.4. 6.
Aspirating Liquid
1. Pressthepushbuttontotherst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
pushbutton is rapidly released, air may enter the pipet
tip.
2. Release the 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rst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.
Remember to change the pipet tip whenever a different
type of liquid is to be sampled.

12 – LABNET BIOPETTE A PIPETTORS
Aspirating High-density Liquids
When pipetting liquids of higher viscosity or lower surface
tensionthanwater(e.g.,seraororganicsolvents),alm
of liquid may be formed on the inside of the pipet tip
whichmayproduceerroneousresults.Asthelmremains
relatively constant in successive pipetting operations with
the same tip, this error can be eliminated by pre-rinsing
thetipandallowingalmtoformbeforetransferringthe
rstsample.Thisisachievedbyaspiratingasampleand
dispensingitbackintothesamevessel.Allowingalm
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, this 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.
Filters
The 5,000 and 10,000 μL pipettors include a replaceable
lter(L),ttedatthebottomoftheshaftwhich
prevents aspirated liquid from entering the shaft and
contaminating the inner surface and plunger. Use of
thelterisparticularlyimportantwhenaspiratingand
dispensinglargevolumesofliquid.Theltershouldbe
replaced if it becomes wet.

Instruction Manual – 13
9. 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maximum(nominal)liquidvolumedrawnbythe
pipettorandfor10%ofthemaximumorminimumliquid
volume 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 (the
difference between the real aspirated volume and the
presetvolume)exceedsthepermissiblevaluegiven
in the table in Section 5, pipettor recalibration should be
carried out.
Recalibration of the pipettor involves volume adjustment
based on the value obtained by weighing. Recalibration of
the pipettor is performed only for one liquid volume drawn
by the pipettor.
The recommended volume for recalibration is 10% of
themaximum(nominal)valueorminimumvolume
depending on which of these values is greater. See table on
page 16 for more details.
Parameters for Checking the Pipetting Accuracy
Thepipettingaccuracyisinuencedbyfactorssuchas:
tips used, characteristics of the pipetted liquid (density,
viscosity), and operating conditions (ambient temperature,
pressure).

14 – LABNET BIOPETTE A PIPETTORS
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
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
(°C)
Pressure (kPa)
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.

Instruction Manual – 15
Checking the Pipetting Accuracy Parameters
• Set the preset volume depending on the pipettor
volume according to the following table.
Nominal
volume
(µL)
Preset
volume
(µL)
Permissible
values (µL)
Volume Change ΔV (μL)
for a Turn of a Calibration
Key by
1 Turn 1 Increment
Single-channel Pipettors
2 0.2 0.176 - 0.224 0.06 0.0025
10 1 0.975 - 1.025 0.33 0.0137
20 2 1.94 - 2.06 0.63 0.0262
100 10 9.84 - 10.16 2.50 0.104
200 20 19.76 - 20.24 6.30 0.262
1,000 100 98.4 - 101.6 25.00 1.04
5,000 500 494 - 506 125.00 5.2
10,000 1,000 975 - 1,025 250.00 10.4
8-channel and 12-channel Pipettors
10 1 0.92 - 1.08 0.33 0.0137
50 5 4.8 - 5.2 1.67 0.070
200 20 19.4 - 20.6 6.30 0.262
300 50 49.2 - 50.8 10.00 0.42
• 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.

16 – LABNET BIOPETTE A PIPETTORS
K
Pipettor Recalibration
K
1. Remove the pipetting pushbutton.
CAUTION: The pipetting pushbutton consists of 2 parts:
the knob and the pushbutton. After removal of the
pushbutton, both parts are separated.
2. Insert the calibration key into the calibration screw.
3. Holding the volume setting knob to prevent rotation,
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 by
rstreplacingtheknob,thenthe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.
1.
K
K
K
2. 3. 4.

Instruction Manual – 17
10. 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, handgrip, shaft nut, and adjustment
knob 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
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:
• Unscrew the shaft nut slightly in the P3960-2A
to P3960-1000A pipettors, and unscrew the shaft
slightly in the P3960-5000A and P3960-10000A. After
autoclaving these parts should be screwed tight again.
• 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.
• The shaft of the P3960-5000A and P3960-10000A
modelsshouldbeautoclavedwithoutthelter.
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rst,
third,andfthautoclavingcyclesandthenafterevery
10 autoclaving cycles.

18 – LABNET BIOPETTE A PIPETTORS
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.
11. 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.
Problem Cause Solution
Droplets of
liquid remain
in the pipet
tip.
The pipet tip is emptied
too fast.
Decrease the speed
of pressing the
pipettor pushbutton.
The pipet tip wettability
has increased due to
extensiveuse.
Replace the tip with
a new one.
Droplets
of air appear
in the liquid
aspirated
into the pipet
tip.
The pipet tip immersion
depth is too shallow.
Immerse the tip
to the recommended
depth according to the
instructions.
The pipet tip is incorrectly
pressed onto the pipettor
shaft.
Press the pipettor
tiprmlyontothe
pipettor.
The tip is damaged or
wornoutduetoextensive
use.
Replace the tip with
a new one.
The pipettor
incorrectly
aspirates
the liquid
or the liquid
drops out
from the tip.
The pipettor tip is
incorrectly pressed onto
the pipettor shaft.
Press the pipet tip
rmlyontothe
pipettor.
The shaft surface is
damaged or contaminated
at the sealing site.
Clean the shaft or
replace it with a new
one.