PIPETMAN® Quick Guide
Introduction
PIPETMAN®, recognized as the pipetting standard, is a fully adjustable, air-displacement pipette that uses disposable tips. PIPETMAN combines its legendary accuracy, precision, and durability with easy pipetting and handling.
PIPETMAN offers a large range of accurate and precise pipettes with optimized pipetting and purge forces for hours of pipetting.
Eight single channel models cover a volume range from 0.2 µL to 10 mL.
Eight multichannel models cover a volume range from 1 µL to 300 µL.
Parts Checklist
After unpacking the pipette, verify that the following items were included and are undamaged:
Single models
- PIPETMAN®
- Quick Guide
- Safety bag
- Certificate of Conformity (including barcode sticker)
- Dual-position adapter (for P2 and P10 models only)
Multichannel models
- PIPETMAN®
- Quick Guide
- Safety bag
- Certificate of Conformity (including barcode sticker)
- Ejector spacers for D10 tips (for Px10 models only)
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Compliance
The serial number is engraved on the body of the pipette. It provides unique identification of your pipette and the manufacturing date.
Example: A A 50001
The barcode on the box and the Certificate of Conformity provides traceability of your pipette.
Figure 1: Serial number and identification. Shows an example serial number format with Year, Month, and Production number fields, and indicates the location of the serial number on the pipette body.
Description
Figure 2: PIPETMAN® multichannel and single channel model components. Labels the parts of the pipette including: Color-coded push button, Tip ejector button, Thumbwheel, Blue ring, Body or handle, Clip tip ejector, Connecting nut, Ejector support, Ejector lock Cover, Tip ejector, Tip holder, Ejector spacer, and PIPETMAN® DIAMOND tip.
Specifications
PIPETMAN® is a high-quality pipette that offers excellent accuracy and precision. The data provided in the Maximum Permissible Errors table on page 4 was obtained using PIPETMAN® DIAMOND Tips. These values are guaranteed only when genuine PIPETMAN DIAMOND Tips are used.
NOTICE: With a precise pipetting technique, the P2 model may be used to aspirate volumes as low as 0.1 µL and the P10 model as low as 0.5 µL.
Maximum Permissible Errors (Single Channel)
The data in the following table conforms to the ISO 8655-2 standard.
| Vol. (µL) | Gilson | ISO 8655 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systematic Error (µL) | Random Error (µL) | Systematic Error (%) | Random Error (%CV*) | Systematic Error (µL) | Random Error (µL) | Systematic Error (%) | Random Error (%CV*) | |
| P2 (P/N F144054M) WITH D10 AND DL10 TIPS | ||||||||
| 0.2 | ± 0.024 | ≤ 0.012 | ± 12.0 | ≤ 6.0 | ± 0.08 | ≤ 0.04 | ± 40.0 | ≤ 20.0 |
| 0.5 | ± 0.025 | ≤ 0.012 | ± 5.0 | ≤ 2.4 | ± 0.08 | ≤ 0.04 | ± 16.0 | ≤ 8.0 |
| 1 | ± 0.025 | ≤ 0.012 | ± 2.5 | ≤ 1.3 | ± 0.08 | ≤ 0.04 | ± 8.0 | ≤ 4.0 |
| 2 | ± 0.030 | ≤ 0.014 | ± 1.5 | ≤ 0.7 | ± 0.08 | ≤ 0.04 | ± 4.0 | ≤ 2.0 |
| P10** (P/N F144055M) WITH D10 AND DL10 TIPS | ||||||||
| 1 | ± 0.025 | ≤ 0.012 | ± 2.5 | ≤ 1.2 | ± 0.12 | ≤ 0.08 | ± 12.0 | ≤ 8.0 |
| 5 | ± 0.075 | ≤ 0.030 | ± 1.5 | ≤ 0.6 | ± 0.12 | ≤ 0.08 | ± 2.4 | ≤ 1.6 |
| 10 | ± 0.100 | ≤ 0.040 | ± 1.0 | ≤ 0.4 | ± 0.12 | ≤ 0.08 | ± 1.2 | ≤ 0.8 |
| P20 (P/N F144056M) WITH D200 TIPS | ||||||||
| 2 | ± 0.10 | ≤ 0.030 | ± 5.0 | ≤ 1.5 | ± 0.2 | ≤ 0.1 | ± 10.0 | ≤ 5.0 |
| 10 | ± 0.10 | ≤ 0.050 | ± 1.0 | ≤ 0.5 | ± 0.2 | ≤ 0.1 | ± 2.0 | ≤ 1.0 |
| 20 | ± 0.20 | ≤ 0.060 | ± 1.0 | ≤ 0.3 | ± 0.2 | ≤ 0.1 | ± 1.0 | ≤ 0.5 |
| P100 (P/N F144057M) WITH D200 TIPS | ||||||||
| 10 | ± 0.35 | ≤ 0.10 | ± 3.5 | ≤ 1.0 | ± 0.8 | ≤ 0.3 | ± 8.0 | ≤ 3.0 |
| 50 | ± 0.40 | ≤ 0.12 | ± 0.8 | ≤ 0.24 | ± 0.8 | ≤ 0.3 | ± 1.6 | ≤ 0.6 |
| 100 | ± 0.80 | ≤ 0.15 | ± 0.8 | ≤ 0.15 | ± 0.8 | ≤ 0.3 | ± 0.8 | ≤ 0.3 |
| P200 (P/N F144058M) WITH D200 TIPS | ||||||||
| 20 | ± 0.50 | ≤ 0.20 | ± 2.5 | ≤ 1.0 | ± 1.6 | ≤ 0.6 | ± 8.0 | ≤ 3.0 |
| 100 | ± 0.80 | ≤ 0.25 | ± 0.8 | ≤ 0.25 | ± 1.6 | ≤ 0.6 | ± 1.6 | ≤ 0.6 |
| 200 | ± 1.60 | ≤ 0.30 | ± 0.8 | ≤ 0.15 | ± 1.6 | ≤ 0.6 | ± 0.8 | ≤ 0.3 |
| P1000 (P/N F144059M) WITH D1000 TIPS | ||||||||
| 100 | ± 3.0 | ≤ 0.6 | ± 3.0 | ≤ 0.6 | ± 8.0 | ≤ 3.0 | ± 8.0 | ≤ 3.0 |
| 500 | ± 4.0 | ≤ 1.0 | ± 0.8 | ≤ 0.2 | ± 8.0 | ≤ 3.0 | ± 1.6 | ≤ 0.6 |
| 1000 | ± 8.0 | ≤ 1.5 | ± 0.8 | ≤ 0.15 | ± 8.0 | ≤ 3.0 | ± 0.8 | ≤ 0.3 |
| P5000*** (P/N F144066) WITH D5000 TIPS | ||||||||
| 500 | ± 12 | ≤ 3 | ± 2.4 | ≤ 0.6 | ± 40 | ≤ 15.0 | ± 8.0 | ≤ 3.0 |
| 2500 | ± 15 | ≤ 5 | ± 0.6 | ≤ 0.2 | ± 40 | ≤ 15.0 | ± 1.6 | ≤ 0.6 |
| 5000 | ± 30 | ≤ 8 | ± 0.6 | ≤ 0.16 | ± 40 | ≤ 15.0 | ± 0.8 | ≤ 0.3 |
| P10mL*** (P/N F144067) WITH D10mL TIPS | ||||||||
| 1000 | ± 30 | ≤ 6 | ± 3.0 | ≤ 0.6 | ± 60 | ≤ 30.0 | ± 6.0 | ≤ 3.0 |
| 5000 | ± 40 | ≤ 10 | ± 0.8 | ≤ 0.2 | ± 60 | ≤ 30.0 | ± 1.2 | ≤ 0.6 |
| 10000 | ± 60 | ≤ 16 | ± 0.6 | ≤ 0.16 | ± 60 | ≤ 30.0 | ± 0.6 | ≤ 0.3 |
*CV means Coefficient of Variation
**P10 model can be used up to 0.5 µL with a precise pipetting technique.
***P5000 and P10mL do not have tip ejectors.
Gilson maximum permissible errors are only guaranteed when PIPETMAN® pipettes are used with the recommended PIPETMAN® DIAMOND Tips.
Maximum Permissible Errors (Multichannel)
| Vol. (µL) | Gilson | ISO 8655 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systematic Error (µL) | Random Error (µL) | Systematic Error (%) | Random Error (%CV*) | Systematic Error (µL) | Random Error (µL) | Systematic Error (%) | Random Error (%CV*) | |
| P8X10 (P/N F144068) AND P12X10 (P/N F144069) WITH D10 AND DL10 TIPS | ||||||||
| 1 | ± 0.08 | ≤ 0.05 | ± 8.0 | ≤ 5.0 | ± 0.24 | ≤ 0.16 | ± 24.0 | ≤ 16.0 |
| 5 | ± 0.20 | ≤ 0.10 | ± 4.0 | ≤ 2.0 | ± 0.24 | ≤ 0.16 | ± 4.8 | ≤ 3.2 |
| 10 | ± 0.20 | ≤ 0.10 | ± 2.0 | ≤ 1.0 | ± 0.24 | ≤ 0.16 | ± 2.4 | ≤ 1.6 |
| P8X20 (P/N F144070) AND P12X20 (P/N F144071) WITH DL10 AND D200 TIPS | ||||||||
| 2 | ± 0.10 | ≤ 0.08 | ± 5.0 | ≤ 4.0 | ± 0.4 | ≤ 0.20 | ± 20.0 | ≤ 10.0 |
| 10 | ± 0.20 | ≤ 0.10 | ± 2.0 | ≤ 1.0 | ± 0.4 | ≤ 0.20 | ± 4.0 | ≤ 2.0 |
| 20 | ± 0.40 | ≤ 0.20 | ± 2.0 | ≤ 1.0 | ± 0.4 | ≤ 0.20 | ± 2.0 | ≤ 1.0 |
| P8X200 (P/N F144072) AND P12X200 (P/N F144073) WITH D200 TIPS | ||||||||
| 20 | ± 0.50 | ≤ 0.25 | ± 2.5 | ≤ 1.25 | ± 3.2 | ≤ 1.2 | ± 16.0 | ≤ 6.0 |
| 100 | ± 1.00 | ≤ 0.40 | ± 1.0 | ≤ 0.4 | ± 3.2 | ≤ 1.2 | ± 3.2 | ≤ 1.2 |
| 200 | ± 2.00 | ≤ 0.50 | ± 1.0 | ≤ 0.25 | ± 3.2 | ≤ 1.2 | ± 1.6 | ≤ 0.6 |
| P8X300 (P/N F144074) AND P12X300 (P/N F144075) WITH D300 TIPS | ||||||||
| 30 | ± 1.00 | ≤ 0.35 | ± 3.33 | ≤ 1.17 | ± 8.0 | ≤ 3.0 | ± 26.67 | ≤ 10.0 |
| 150 | ± 1.50 | ≤ 0.60 | ± 1.0 | ≤ 0.4 | ± 8.0 | ≤ 3.0 | ± 5.33 | ≤ 2.0 |
| 300 | ± 3.00 | ≤ 1.00 | ± 1.0 | ≤ 0.33 | ± 8.0 | ≤ 3.0 | ± 2.67 | ≤ 1.0 |
Setting the Volume
The volume of liquid to be aspirated is set using the volume display. The dial colors are either black or red to indicate the position of the decimal point, depending on the model (refer to Figure 3).
Figure 3: Dial colors by model. Shows examples of volume settings for various PIPETMAN models (P2, P10, P20, P100, P200, P1000, P5000, P10mL, Px10, Px20, Px200, Px300) indicating dial color and decimal point position.
The volume is set by turning the thumbwheel or the push button (refer to Figure 4). The push button makes it easier and faster to set volumes, especially when wearing gloves. The thumbwheel may be turned using only one hand to slowly reach the required setting.
To achieve maximum accuracy when setting the volume, proceed as follows:
- When decreasing the volume setting, slowly reach the required setting, making sure to not overshoot the mark.
- When increasing the volume setting, pass the required value by 1/3 of a turn and then slowly decrease to reach the volume, making sure to not overshoot the mark.
Figure 4: Location of push button and thumbwheel. Illustrates the push button and thumbwheel on the pipette for volume adjustment.
Fitting the Tips (Single Channel Models)
To fit a new PIPETMAN DIAMOND Tip, push the tip holder into the tip using a slight twisting motion to ensure a firm, airtight seal.
Figure 5: PIPETMAN® DIAMOND Tip compatibility chart for single channel models. Lists PIPETMAN models (P2, P10, P20, P100, P200, P1000, P5000, P10mL) and their compatible PIPETMAN DIAMOND Tip types (e.g., D10, DL10, D200, D1000, D5000, D10mL).
NOTICE: D5000 and D10mL PIPETMAN DIAMOND tips do not have any filter. P5000 and P10mL models are sold with a bag of 10 filters. For more details, refer to PIPETMAN User's Guide LT801122.
Fitting the Tips on P2 and P10 Models
NOTE: For the P2 and P10 models, a dual-position adapter (plastic) is required to fit DL10 tips (long tips) or D10 tips (short tips). The metallic rod of the tip ejector is shaped so the adapter may be clipped to it in either position.
P2 and P10 models are delivered with the adapter in place, ready-to-use DL10 tips. If D10 tips are used, the adapter must be repositioned in the shorter slot as follows:
- Pull the adapter down from the metallic rod.
- Turn the adapter 180°.
- Refit the adapter so the end of the metallic rod engages the shorter slot of the adapter.
NOTE: The dual position is autoclavable.
Figure 6: Dual-position adapter for P2 and P10 with stainless steel tip ejector. Shows the adapter and its two positions for short and long tips.
Fitting the Tips (Multichannel Models)
PIPETMAN® DIAMOND Tips are best fitted with the ROCKY RACK technique, invented by Gilson, available only in our TIPACK and TOWERPACK.
Figure 7: ROCKY RACK technique. Illustrates the ROCKY RACK technique for fitting PIPETMAN DIAMOND Tips.
PIPETMAN® DIAMOND Tip Compatibility for Multichannel Models: Lists compatibility for P8x10, P12x10 (D10, DL10, DF10, DFL10), P8x20, P12x20 (DL10, DFL10, DF30, D200), P8x200, P12x200 (D200, D300, DF200, DF300), P8x300, P12x300 (D200, D300, DF200, DF300). Note: Using the broad ejector spacer D10, you can adapt a D10 tip.
Ejector Spacer for PIPETMAN® 10 µL Multichannel Models
According to the tip used, D10 or DL10, you may have to exchange the ejector spacer. The broadly spaced one is for D10, and the narrowly spaced one is for DL10.
- Remove the tip ejector, keeping both ejector locks depressed. Pull the tip ejector down.
- Gently press the tabs from the ejector spacer and remove it from the tip ejector.
- Insert the alternative ejector spacer and click it to the tip ejector.
- To refit the tip ejector, gently re-insert the tip ejector vertically into the rails of the ejector support.
Figure 8: Ejector spacer location. Shows the ejector spacer for D10 (broadly spaced) and DL10 (narrowly spaced) tips, and their location on the tip ejector.
Pre-Wetting the Tips
Pre-wetting the tips before pipetting helps prepare the tips for the best pipetting performance. Ideally, the pre-wet includes both immersing the tip in the liquid and performing one pipetting step. Pre-wetting the tips helps ensure that volumes your pipette's volume will achieve accuracy and precision within specifications.
Aspirating
- Press the push button to the first stop (this corresponds to the set volume of liquid).
- Hold the pipette vertically and immerse the tip in the liquid (refer to PIPETMAN® User's Guide LT801122 available on gilson.com).
- Release the push button slowly and smoothly (to the top position) to aspirate the set volume of liquid.
- Wait one second, and then withdraw the pipette tip from the liquid. You may wipe any droplets away from the outside of the tip using a medical wipe; however, if you do so, take care to avoid touching the tip's orifice.
Figure 9: Pipetting motion - aspirate and dispense. Illustrates the steps of pipetting motion, showing rest position, first stop, and second stop.
Dispensing
- Place the end of the tip against the inside wall of the recipient vessel (at an angle of 10° to 40°).
- Press the push button slowly and smoothly to the first stop.
- Wait for at least one second, then press the push button to the second stop to expel any residual liquid from the tip. Keep the push button pressed fully down and (while removing the pipette) draw the tip along the inside surface of the vessel.
- Release the push button smoothly. Eject the tip by pressing firmly on the tip ejector button.
Maintenance
NOTICE: It is recommended to regularly verify the volume displayed on the dial while pipetting.
Routine maintenance will help keep your pipette in good condition, ensuring a continued high level of performance.
Maintenance is limited to cleaning or autoclaving the parts specified in the PIPETMAN® User's Guide LT801122, or replacing the push button, connecting nut, tip ejector, tip holder, seal, and O-ring.
NOTICE: Gilson recommends maintenance and calibration at least annually, more frequently as needed, depending on use.
NOTICE: PIPETMAN® P2 and P10 should not be disassembled. You may only replace the push button, tip ejector, and its dual-position adapter. With these pipettes, if the tip holder is damaged, the piston may also be damaged. After replacing any parts, you should verify the performance of your pipette following the verification procedure available on the Gilson website (www.gilson.com). If the pipette needs to be readjusted, please contact your local authorized Gilson Service Center.
NOTICE: Decreased pipetting forces are due to the design of the piston assembly, which includes a very high-quality lubricant (part number 5440011070). The use of any other lubricant voids the warranty of this pipette.
Cleaning and Decontamination
PIPETMAN is designed so the parts normally in contact with liquid contaminants can easily be cleaned and decontaminated.
For further information, please refer to PIPETMAN User's Guide LT801122 available on gilson.com.
Warranty
Gilson warrants this pipette against defects in material under normal use and service for a period of three years for both single channel and multichannel models from the date of purchase.
This warranty shall not apply to pipettes which are subject to abnormal use and/or improper or inadequate maintenance (contrary to the recommendations given in the user's guide), including, but not limited to pipettes that have been subjected to physical damage, improper handling, or spillage or exposure to any corrosive environment. This warranty shall also be void in the event pipettes are altered or modified by any party other than Gilson or its designates. Gilson's sole liability under this warranty shall be limited to, at Gilson's sole option, repair or replacement of any defective components of pipettes or refund of the purchase price paid for such pipettes. Routine cleaning, control and recalibration are not covered under the warranty. The replacement of wearing parts such as seals, O-rings, broken pistons assembly, and broken tip holders are not covered under the warranty.
NOTICE: Yearly routine maintenance is highly recommended to keep your pipette in good condition, ensuring a continued high level of performance.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND GILSON HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND ANY WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL GILSON BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY.
Web Resources
Visit Gilson's website at www.gilson.com for:
- Service contact information
- PIPETMAN® User's Guide LT801122 pdf
- Information about accessories, spare parts, and related products
- Additional product information and special offers
Notes
This section is for user notes.
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