Pipetting Hints for Optimal Performance
• When using viscous or volatile reagents, pre-wetting the
pipette tip may be appropriate. To pre-wet, aspirate and
dispense the liquid back into the original vessel. Then fill
the tip and dispense contents into receiving vessel.
• If an air bubble forms in the tip during aspiration,
return the sample, discard the tip, and use a fresh tip.
• Smoothly depress and release the plunger when
pipetting, maintaining the same speed of motion for all
samples. Do not let the plunger “snap back” to the
uppermost position.
• When finished aspirating, touch the pipette tip against
the side of the vessel as it is being withdrawn to remove
any liquid that may have adhered to the outside of the
tip. Wipe the pipette tip ONLY if there is liquid adhering
to the outside. Be careful not to “wick out” any of the
contents from the pipette tip.
• Dispense against the side of the receiving vessel or
above the liquid surface. To remove any of the measured
liquid that may have adhered to the pipette tip, touch off
the tip against the side of the receiving vessel.
• If aspirating from 15mL or 50mL centrifuge or other tall
tubes, an optional Nozzle Extender accessory is
available which lengthens the pipette’s overall reach.
• If aspirating from PCR or microtubes, the Ovation M has
a built-in cap opener. Simply insert the cap into the
pipette’s base.
Replacing a Nozzle
If the Ovation M is not aspirating and dispensing properly,
it could be caused by (a) poor fitting alternate source tip,
(b) nozzle is loose and needs to be tightened by turning it
clockwise, or (c) a nozzle or nozzle filter needs to be
replaced as liquid has been aspirated into it.
NOTE: Wear gloves when doing this procedure.
1. Remove ejector sleeve by pulling it away from the
pipette body to expose the nozzle assembly.
2. Place silicone tubing provided on nozzle, and unscrew
nozzle in a counter-clockwise direction. Gently wipe
the exposed end of the extension tube with a slightly
dampened, lint-free tissue, then dry it off.
Note: Do not block or dislodge anything at the end of
the extension tube.
3. Place silicone tubing on a new nozzle, and screw the
nozzle onto the extension tube in a clockwise
direction. Firmly tighten and remove silicone tubing.
4. Slide the ejector sleeve over the nozzle assembly.
5. Push the sleeve firmly into place while using a slight
rocking or twisting motion.
Taking Care of the Ovation M
The Ovation pipette requires minimal routine maintenance.
Always store it in its “standing” position when not in use.
Clean outer surfaces as needed with a soft cloth dampened
with warm water. To decontaminate outer surfaces, wipe
with a 70% aqueous solution of ethanol or isopropanol, or
use a 10% bleach solution followed by water. Remove
ejector sleeve and wipe outside of nozzle and inside of
ejector sleeve with 70% alcohol to remove any
accumulated deposits. ONLY WIPE THE VOLUME
DISPLAY WINDOW WITH WATER.
Pipette body chemical compatibility:
Water, diluted
ethanol or isopropanol, diluted bleach. See the document
“Ovation Chemical Compatibility” in the support area at
www.vistalab.com about other specific chemical
formulations concerning the pipette or VistaLab tips.
Calibrating the Ovation M
The Ovation M pipette can be easily in-lab calibrated. To
make a calibration adjustment, insert the calibration key
into the calibration ring at the base of the plunger rod,
and turn clockwise to decrease volume delivery or
counterclockwise to increase. Each 1/4 turn equals 1.7%
of the pipette’s volume range.
(example: on 100µL
model, each 1/4 turn adjusts the volume 1.7µL)
Operating Temperature & Environment:
Temperature Range: 15
˚
– 35
˚
C
Relative Humidity Range, non-condensing: 10-85%
Atmospheric Pressure: 70-106 kPa
If the pipette is to be used with hazardous
fluids, safe laboratory practice should be
followed. Refer to manufacturer’s Material
Safety Data Sheets for proper handling instructions.
Always use VistaLab filtered tips (see tips table for catalog
numbers) when pipetting potentially caustic, corrosive or
volatile solutions. Failure to do so may result in premature
wear and damage to the internal seals and piston, and
void the pipette’s warranty. When organic or volatile
solutions are routinely used, VistaLab Technologies
recommends the use of VITON seals. See the chemical
compatibility chart in the Ovation documentation library at
www.vistalab.com for more information.
Warranty
VistaLab Technologies, Inc. warrants the Ovation M Pipette
against defects in materials and workmanship for
two
year
s
from the date of purchase. Register your pipette and
activate the warranty at www.vistalab.com.
This warranty is void if defects or damage result from
improper handling, unauthorized modification, or use of
ancillary products not supported by VistaLab
Technologies.
This warranty is exclusive; no other warranty
is expressed
or implied.
Should the pipette need to be returned for service or
calibration verification, contact Customer Service for a
return authorization. Repack the pipette in its original
packaging. Customer is responsible for shipping and
insurance charges. If original packaging is unavailable,
contact VistaLab Technologies for alternative packaging
instructions. Damage to the pipette as a result of improper
packaging is the responsibility of the customer.
To send in your pipette for factory maintenance and/or
calibration verification, see the
Calibration & Repair
area of our
website –
www.vistalab.com. For technical assistance,
contact us at:
VistaLab Technologies, Inc.
1-914-244-6226
2 Geneva Road
Brewster, NY 10509 USA
Volume Dispensing
Range Increments
Model
(µL)
(µL)
Accuracy
Precision
Ovation M 2µL
0.2 – 2
.002
±1.5% at 2µL
0.9% at 2µL
(1070-0002)
±2.7% at 1µL
1.8% at 1µL
±12% at 0.2µL
7.6% at 0.2µL
Ovation M 10µL
1 – 10
.01
±1% at 10µL
0.4% at 10µL
(1070-0010)
±1.5% at 5µL
0.6% at 5µL
±2.5% at 1µL
1.2% at 1µL
Ovation M 20µL
2 – 20
.02
±1% at 20µL
0.3% at 20µL
(1070-0020)
±1.5% at 10µL
0.5% at 10µL
±7% at 2µL
2% at 2µL
Ovation M 100µL
10 – 100
.1
±0.8% at 100µL
0.15% at 100µL
(1070-0100)
±0.8% at 50µL
0.24% at 50µL
±3.5% at 10µL
1% at 10µL
Ovation M 200µL
20 – 200
.2
±0.8% at 200µL
0.15% at 200µL
(1070-0200)
±0.8% at 100µL
0.25% at 100µL
±2.5% at 20µL
1% at 20µL
Ovation M 1000µL
100 – 1000
1.0
±0.8% at 1000µL
0.15% at 1000µL
(1070-1000)
±0.8% at 500µL
0.2% at 500µL
±3% at 100µL
0.6% at 100µL
Ovation M Pipette Specifications
Note: Performance data is based on the use of Ovation tips from VistaLab Technologies. If using tips from
another manufacturer, the above performance claims may not be achieved. Specifications subject to change.
See www.vistalab.com for current information.
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Autoclaving the Ovation M
Set the Ovation M to its highest volume setting and place
it in the autoclave at 121
̊
C for 15 minutes, followed by a
15 minute drying cycle. Allow the pipette to cool to room
temperature for at least 2 hours before use. Calibration
should be verified after each autoclave treatment.
Note: The Ovation M nozzle should be replaced after 3
autoclave cycles as it will lose its liquid blocking capability.
Ejector Sleeve
Nozzle
Extension Tube
Silicone Tubing
Service Options
VistaLab Technologies offers comprehensive calibration
and repair programs to meet all regulatory requirements
and ensure optimum pipette performance. Services can
be initiated through the Vistalab web site.
See
www.vistalab.com/service.asp
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