1. Introduction and Overview
The Gilson Pipetman F100 is a fixed-volume, air-displacement pipette designed for precise liquid handling in laboratory settings. This model is specifically calibrated for a 100µl volume range, ensuring consistent and reliable results for routine testing, clinical diagnostics, and quality control applications. Its fixed-volume mechanism eliminates the risk of volume-selection errors during standard operation.
While primarily fixed, the pipette's volume can be adjusted by qualified users in a laboratory environment to accommodate for specific fluid properties, such as dense or viscous liquids. Once reset, the new volume remains fixed and cannot be accidentally altered during use.
Figure 1: The Gilson Pipetman F100 fixed-volume pipette. This image displays the blue main body with the 'Pipetman' logo, a yellow plunger mechanism visible at the top, and a white tip ejector rod extending downwards. A clear disposable pipette tip is shown separately, ready for attachment.
2. Setup
- Unpacking: Carefully remove the Pipetman F100 from its packaging. Inspect the pipette for any visible damage that may have occurred during transit.
- Initial Inspection: Ensure all components are present and securely attached. The pipette should feel solid and free of loose parts.
- Tip Attachment: Select a high-quality, compatible pipette tip. Firmly press the pipette shaft into the opening of the tip with a slight twisting motion until a secure seal is formed. Avoid excessive force, which can damage the tip cone or affect accuracy.
- Volume Verification (Optional): Although fixed, it is recommended to perform an initial gravimetric check with distilled water to confirm the pipette's accuracy, especially if it is new or has been stored for an extended period. Refer to standard laboratory procedures for gravimetric calibration.
3. Operating Instructions
The Gilson Pipetman F100 is designed for straightforward operation due to its fixed-volume nature. Follow these steps for accurate liquid transfer:
- Attach a Tip: Securely attach a new, clean pipette tip to the tip cone as described in the Setup section.
- Pre-wetting (Recommended): For optimal accuracy, especially with volatile liquids, aspirate and dispense the liquid once or twice before transferring the actual sample. This saturates the air space in the tip with vapor, reducing evaporative loss during the actual transfer.
- Aspiration:
- Depress the plunger smoothly to the first stop.
- Immerse the tip into the liquid to a depth of 2-3 mm.
- Slowly release the plunger to allow the liquid to be drawn into the tip. Wait 1-2 seconds after the plunger reaches its resting position to ensure the full volume is aspirated.
- Withdraw the tip from the liquid, touching it against the edge of the reservoir to remove any excess droplets.
- Dispensing:
- Place the tip against the inner wall of the receiving vessel at a slight angle.
- Smoothly depress the plunger to the first stop, expelling the majority of the liquid.
- Continue depressing the plunger to the second stop (blow-out) to ensure complete delivery of the remaining liquid.
- While holding the plunger at the second stop, withdraw the pipette from the vessel.
- Tip Ejection: Press the tip ejector button to discard the used tip into an appropriate waste container. Never reuse tips.
4. Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and accuracy of your Gilson Pipetman F100.
- Daily Cleaning: Wipe the exterior of the pipette with a soft cloth dampened with 70% ethanol or a mild detergent solution. Avoid harsh solvents.
- Decontamination: If the pipette comes into contact with hazardous materials, follow established laboratory decontamination protocols. The lower part of the pipette (tip ejector and tip cone) can often be autoclaved or disassembled for thorough cleaning, consult the full manufacturer's manual for specific instructions.
- Storage: Store the pipette vertically in a pipette stand to prevent contamination and damage to the tip cone. Ensure it is stored in a clean, dry environment away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Regular Calibration Check: Even though it's a fixed-volume pipette, periodic gravimetric calibration checks (e.g., every 3-6 months or as per laboratory SOPs) are crucial to confirm continued accuracy and precision. If the pipette consistently falls outside acceptable limits, it may require servicing or recalibration by a qualified technician.
5. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Pipetman F100, consider the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Inaccurate or inconsistent dispensing |
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| Liquid dripping from tip |
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| Plunger movement is stiff or sticky |
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For issues not listed here or if problems persist, refer to the comprehensive Gilson Pipetman F100 user manual or contact Gilson technical support.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Pipetman F100 |
| Volume Range | 100 µL (Fixed) |
| Pipette Type | Air-displacement, Fixed-Volume |
| Manufacturer | Gilson |
| Package Dimensions | 12.5 x 4.3 x 1.5 inches (31.75 x 10.92 x 3.81 cm) |
| Package Weight | 8 ounces (0.5 lbs) |
| ASIN | B008TPWFLA |
7. Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information, service, or technical support regarding your Gilson Pipetman F100, please refer to the official Gilson website or contact Gilson customer service directly. Ensure you have your product model number (F100) and any purchase details available when seeking support.
