Electronic Pipette (dPette)

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The Electronic Pipette (dPette) by DLAB is a motor-driven, digitally controlled single-channel electronic pipette designed to combine the lightweight, ergonomic feel of a manual pipette with the precision and effortlessness of an electronic system. Powered by a high-precision stepper motor, it delivers exceptional accuracy (with a systematic error of ≤ ±1.0% and precision (CV) of ≤ 0.8%, as validated in performance tests) and repeatability, eliminating common manual errors.
For the clinical laboratory scientist and molecular biologist, the dPette is an essential tool for high-throughput workflows, from PCR and qPCR setup to ELISA sample addition and serial dilutions. Its intuitive interface, with a large LCD screen and dual rotary knobs, makes setting parameters and switching between modes (pipetting, mixing, stepper, and dilution on the dPette+ model) exceptionally easy. The lightweight construction (approx. 110 g) and ergonomic design significantly reduce hand fatigue, helping to mitigate the risk of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) during extended use.
For the laboratory manager and patient, the dPette’s advanced features ensure efficiency and reliability. The rechargeable Li-ion battery and user calibration via a USB-enabled computer dramatically reduce equipment downtime and maintenance costs. The ability to autoclave the lower head components ensures a sterile working environment, and the device’s precision, with a documented relative standard deviation (RSD) of ≤ 0.5% for parallel sample pipetting, directly translates into more reproducible and trustworthy test results, accelerating clinical decision-making and improving patient outcomes.
Description

Electronic Pipette (dPette)

PRIMARY CLINICAL & DIAGNOSTIC USES

1. Motor-Driven Precision for Diagnostic Assays
  • Primary Use: Provides a motor-driven, digitally controlled single-channel electronic pipette that ensures high accuracy and repeatability for clinical diagnostic applications such as ELISA, PCR setup, and sample preparation.
  • How it helps: For the clinical laboratory scientist and molecular biologist, the dPette’s high-performance stepper motor eliminates manual pipetting errors caused by hand tremors or inconsistent speed, delivering systematic error of ≤ ±1.0% and precision (CV) of ≤ 0.8%. For the patient, this precision translates directly to reliable and reproducible diagnostic results, reducing the risk of pre-analytical errors and the need for repeat testing.
2. Ergonomic Design to Reduce Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
  • Primary Use: Features a lightweight (110 g) , streamlined, ergonomic design that combines the natural feel of a manual pipette with the effortless operation of an electronic system, significantly reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use.
  • How it helps: For the laboratory technician and healthcare worker, the ergonomic grip and minimal operation force help mitigate the risk of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), which is common in high-throughput labs where thousands of pipetting actions are performed daily. This design allows for fatigue-free, comfortable operation even during extended tasks like filling an entire 96-well plate. For the patient and the clinician, a comfortable and well-rested technician is better able to maintain focus and precision, ultimately supporting a higher standard of patient care.
3. Adjustable Speed for Versatile Liquid Handling
  • Primary Use: Allows users to independently adjust aspiration and dispensing speeds across multiple levels to accommodate a wide variety of liquid types and volumes, from viscous solutions to foaming reagents.
  • How it helps: For the pharmaceutical QC chemist and research scientist, this feature provides critical versatility. For instance, slower speeds can be set to handle high-viscosity liquids like serum or glycerol, ensuring accurate aspiration and preventing air bubbles, while faster speeds can be used for standard low-viscosity buffers to improve workflow efficiency. For the patient, this flexibility ensures that even challenging sample types are processed correctly, maintaining the integrity of diagnostic results.
4. Intuitive User Interface for Error-Free Operation
  • Primary Use: Equipped with a large LCD screen and dual rotary knobs, the interface replicates the familiar logic of a manual pipette, making it easy to set parameters and switch between functions without navigating complex menus.
  • How it helps: For the busy laboratory professional, the intuitive interface minimizes the learning curve and reduces the potential for operational errors. The dual knobs allow seamless control over volume adjustment, mode selection, and function settings, with all critical parameters displayed clearly on the screen. For the patient, this user-friendly design helps ensure consistent and reliable sample preparation across different operators, directly contributing to the accuracy of their diagnostic tests.
5. Rechargeable Battery and USB Connectivity for Continuous Operation
  • Primary Use: Features a built-in lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery that supports extended operation and can be conveniently recharged via a desktop stand or a USB cable, ensuring minimal downtime.
  • How it helps: For the laboratory manager, the dual charging options and long battery life provide operational flexibility, allowing the pipette to be used continuously throughout the day without interruption. The USB connectivity also facilitates automatic calibration via a computer, eliminating the need to send the device off-site. For the patient, this reduces the risk of process delays and ensures that laboratory equipment is always ready for use, supporting timely diagnostic workflows.
6. Multi-Functional Modes for High-Throughput Workflows
  • Primary Use: The advanced dPette+ model adds multi-functional capabilities beyond standard pipetting, including Mixing, Stepper (sequential dispensing), and Dilution modes.
  • How it helps: For the clinical researcher and high-throughput laboratory staff, these modes are designed to dramatically improve efficiency. For instance, the Stepper mode is ideal for preparing a series of dilutions across a row of tubes, while the Dilution mode streamlines complex protocol steps. According to validation data, using an electronic pipette to fill a 96-well plate can reduce the time from 7.5 minutes to less than 3 minutes, an efficiency increase of over 60%. For the patient, these efficiencies translate directly to faster turnaround times for diagnostic test results, enabling earlier clinical decision-making.

SECONDARY & SUPPORTIVE USES

1. Molecular Biology Setup (qPCR, PCR): Ideal for accurately dispensing master mixes, primers, and probes, ensuring consistency across thousands of reactions.
2. Immunoassay (ELISA) Processing: Suitable for sample and reagent addition in 96-well plate ELISA workflows, where reproducibility is critical.
3. Genotyping and Sequencing Library Prep: Employed in genomics workflows to prepare samples and reagents with high precision and parallelism.
4. Quality Control (QC) and Pharmaceutical Testing: Used for the precise preparation of standards, controls, and dissolution media in regulated QC laboratories.
5. Cell Culture and Media Exchange: Suitable for adding dosing reagents and aspirating cell culture media in biological research and production.
6. Toxicology and Drug Screening: Prepares calibration curves and dispenses extraction solvents for LC-MS/MS analysis.
7. Food and Beverage Quality Testing: Used in food safety labs for standard solution preparation and sample extraction.
8. Environmental Testing Laboratories: Ideal for preparing reagents for water and soil sample analysis protocols.
9. Educational and Academic Research: Serves as a versatile teaching tool for training students in accurate liquid handling techniques.
10. Veterinary Diagnostic Testing: Supports reagent preparation for assays used in animal health testing.
KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. BASIC IDENTIFICATION ATTRIBUTES

  • Device Type: A motor-driven, digitally controlled electronic pipette (single-channel) with a lightweight, ergonomic design for accurate and reproducible liquid handling.
  • Designation: dPette, dPette+ Electronic Pipette, Single-channel Electronic Pipette.
  • Key Components:
    • Drive Motor: High-precision step motor for accuracy and repeatability.
    • Piston Assembly: Glass or PTFE piston for chemical resistance.
    • Interface: Large LCD screen and dual rotary knobs for intuitive operation.
    • Power Source: Rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery with a long operation time.
    • Charging Options: USB cable and desktop stand charger.
    • Body Material: Lightweight, high-strength polymer.
    • Tip Ejector: Mechanical tip ejector with minimal force.
    • Calibration: Automatic via a USB-enabled balance and computer.

2. TECHNICAL & PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES

  • Volume Ranges (Single-Channel): 0.5-10 μL, 5-50 μL, 30-300 μL, 100-1000 μL.
  • Resolution (Increment): 0.01 μL for 0.5-10 μL model; 0.1 μL for 5-50 μL model; 1 μL for 30-300 μL and 100-1000 μL models.
  • Systematic Error (Accuracy, e.g., for 0.5-10 μL model): ±1.00% (10 μL).
  • Random Error (Precision, e.g., for 0.5-10 μL model): ±0.50% (10 μL).
  • Channels: 1 (single-channel) (8-channel multi-channel models also available).
  • Functional Modes (Modes vary by model; dPette+: Pipetting, Mixing, Stepper, Dilution).
  • Speed Control: Adjustable for both aspiration and dispensing speeds (3 or more steps).
  • Autoclavable: Lower head components are autoclavable (121°C, 20 min).
  • Display: Large LCD screen for clear parameter visibility.
  • Battery: Rechargeable Li-ion battery, up to several days of normal use.
  • Weight: Lightweight (approx. 110 g).
  • Calibration: User calibration possible with a USB connection.

3. PHYSICAL & OPERATIONAL PROPERTIES

  • Construction: Lightweight, ergonomic, and streamlined body design for a comfortable and secure grip.
  • Operation: Dual rotary knobs and a large LCD screen for intuitive navigation and control.
  • Power System: High-performance Li-ion battery and USB/stand charging ensure continuous operation.
  • Maintenance: Easy to maintain with user-serviceable seals and the ability to autoclave parts.
  • Safety/GLP Features: Large digital display for easy reading of set volume mode and battery level; USB calibration supports documentation.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with standard universal pipette tips.

4. SAFETY & COMPLIANCE ATTRIBUTES

  • Regulatory Status: General Laboratory Equipment for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) use.
  • Ergonomic Safety: Lightweight, streamlined design reduces the risk of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).
  • Sterilization: Autoclavable lower head components to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Calibration Compliance: Compliant with ISO 8655 standards for piston-operated volumetric apparatus.
  • Battery Safety: Built-in Li-ion battery with over-charge protection.
  • Electrical Safety: Low-voltage operation for user safety.

5. STORAGE & HANDLING ATTRIBUTES

  • Storage: Can be stored upright on a bench or in a provided stand. The stand can be used for convenient storage and charging.
  • Operation: The lower section can rotate 360°, accommodating both right- and left-handed users and allowing for comfortable operation without tube disturbance.
  • Cleaning: Wipe down the external surfaces with 70% isopropyl alcohol. The lower head can be autoclaved for sterilization.
  • Calibration: Perform periodic calibration checks using a balance; user self-calibration can be performed using a USB-enabled balance and computer.

6. LABORATORY & CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

  • Primary Application: Precise and reproducible liquid handling for clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics (PCR, qPCR), immunoassays (ELISA), pharmaceutical QC, and general research.
  • Clinical Role: Essential liquid handling equipment for reagent preparation, sample transfer, and assay execution in modern clinical, research, and industrial laboratories.
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

  • Chemical Compatibility: Always verify that the pipette components are compatible with the specific solvents, acids, or reagents being used.
  • Physical Inspection: Inspect the pipette tip, piston, and seals for damage, wear, or debris before each use.
  • Proper Use: Always use laboratory-grade pipette tips and ensure they are securely attached to prevent leakage or inaccurate volume aspiration.
  • Autoclaving: Only the lower head components are autoclavable. The main electronic unit must not be autoclaved.
  • Charging: Use only the provided USB cable or approved charging stand to charge the Li-ion battery.
  • Prevent Contamination: When withdrawing highly infectious samples, use filter tips to prevent aerosol contamination of the pipette interior.

2. FIRST AID MEASURES

  • Chemical Splash: If a chemical or biological sample splashes into the eyes, flush immediately with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. If a splash contacts the skin, wash immediately with soap and water.
  • Mechanical Failure: If the pipette jams, does not operate smoothly, or fails to aspirate/dispense correctly, do not force it. Discontinue use and contact the manufacturer's service department for professional repair.
  • Battery Malfunction: If the battery shows signs of swelling, excessive heat, or leakage, discontinue use immediately, place the device in a safe, non-flammable area, and contact the manufacturer's service department.

3. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

  • Flammability: The plastic and electronic components may melt or burn if exposed to flame or high heat. The Li-ion battery can be a serious fire hazard if damaged.
  • Fire Response: Use a class ABC fire extinguisher (dry chemical) suitable for electrical fires.