Why is the manufacturing quality of a tip so important?

Can I calibrate the Ovation pipette myself?

How often should I verify calibration?

At what volume should I dispense when verifying calibration or changing calibration for a specific liquid?

At what volume should I verify my Ovation pipette with the adjustable volume feature?

I can’t reach the bottom of my taller sample tubes. What do I do?

What if I have to send in my Ovation for calibration, maintenance or service?

What is the cost of calibration, maintenance or other services?

What is the warranty period for Ovation Pipettes?

Is calibration covered under warranty?

What is the difference between a one stroke and a two stroke pipette?

Should I pre-wet tips?

Should I rinse out the tip when I am dispensing?

What is the Frequent Tipper Program?

Can the Ovation Pipette be autoclaved?

How can I decontaminate the pipette?

What is the purpose of the liquid blocking nozzle?

My pipette is not aspirating. What could be the problem?

How often do I need to replace seals?

How do I know it is time to replace seals?

What is the expected life of the battery?

Why is the manufacturing quality of a tip so important? return to faq

Tip quality can affect pipetting results in a number of ways:

• Hydrophobic qualities - if a tip’s hydrophobic properties are diminished, it could retain liquid inside, or even retain a drop of measured liquid on the outer surface.
  
• Poor quality tips may have burrs or plastic flash which do not allow the smooth release of all liquid within the tips – some of the measured volume may be trapped at the end of the tip.
  
• Non-concentric tip openings to the end of the tip affect the dispensing of the contents. Some liquid may adhere due to changes in surface properties.
  
• Tip straightness affects the dynamics of the air displacement.

Can I calibrate the Ovation pipette myself? return to faq

Yes. There are separate procedures depending upon the model.

• For Ovation pipettes with the adjustable volume feature, software for in-lab calibration is internal to the pipette. Once you have determined the actual volume that the pipette is delivering, this value can be directly entered into the calibration software. That’s all it takes. A known calibration factor for any liquid can also be entered at any time.
  
• For Ovation pipettes with fixed volume settings, an Allen key is provided for calibration adjustment. To raise the volume delivery, insert the Allen key into the recessed set screw on the top surface near the hook and turn the Allen key clockwise. To decrease the volume delivery, turn the Allen key counterclockwise.
  

How often should I verify calibration? return to faq

Reputable pipetting reference documents recommend that calibration verification be performed at least every six months. In addition, VistaLab Technologies suggests that calibration verification be performed for any of the following reasons:

• Maintenance such as seal replacement has been performed
  
• Quality control sampling shows a change in results
  
• Current laboratory protocols and practices require more frequent verification

At what volume should I dispense when verifying calibration or changing calibration for a specific liquid? return to faq

• For pipetting performance across the entire range, calibration verification should be based on the volume delivery at the pipette’s maximum volume.
  
• For optimum performance with a specific liquid at a set volume, use that volume setting. If the specific liquid is dispensed at multiple volumes, then use the pipette’s maximum volume.

At what volume should I verify my Ovation pipette with the adjustable volume feature? return to faq

Unless the pipette is used only at one set volume, the pipette should be verified at the low, mid-range and high volume settings. Unlike other pipettes, accuracy and precision specifications for the Ovation apply to the entire operating range, not just to certain points of the pipette’s range.

I can’t reach the bottom of my taller sample tubes. What do I do? return to faq

An extended nozzle that increases the pipette’s reach by 1” is available for models dispensing 200µL or less. This allows the tip to reach the bottom of even 50mL centrifuge tubes. The larger volume capacity tips used on Ovation pipettes for dispensing 201 to 1000µL easily reach the bottom of taller sample tubes without a nozzle extension. Order VistaLab Cat. #9057-1012 .

What if I have to send in my Ovation for calibration, maintenance or service? return to faq

Contact VistaLab Customer Service at (888) 652-6520 for a return authorization. Routine turnaround time for these services is two business days. See the Service section of this web site for more information.

What is the cost of calibration, maintenance or other services? return to faq

Contact VistaLab Customer Service for this information. Costs are based on the specific services that need to be performed.

What is the warranty period for Ovation Pipettes? return to faq

VistaLab Technologies, Inc. warrants the Ovation BioNatural Pipette against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. To register your pipette and activate the warranty, return the registration card enclosed with the pipette, or register on this web site in the Ovation Pipette Registration area.

Is calibration covered under warranty? return to faq

No. Each Ovation pipette is sent to you with a calibration certificate that is generated at the time of manufacturing. This assures you that when the pipette leaves our factory, it is calibrated by trained technicians to the performance specifications using the reference (gravimetric) method.

If the environment, techniques or methodologies used in your laboratory differ from those used in the reference (gravimetric) method, a simple in-lab procedure using calibration software internal to Ovation pipettes with the adjustable volume feature, or an Allen key for fixed volume models, may be followed to make any necessary adjustments.

What is the difference between a one stroke and a two stroke pipette? return to faq

To aspirate and dispense fluid with a one stroke pipette, the plunger is fully depressed and then released during either operation. Ovation pipettes with the one stroke feature are calibrated “to deliver” (TD).

With two stroke pipettes, the plunger has a “stop” approximately midway to the bottom of its stroke. To aspirate fluid, the plunger is depressed to the stop and then released. To dispense, the plunger is depressed to the stop, then after one second it is fully depressed to initiate “overblow”, forcing any remaining liquid out of the tip. Ovation pipettes with the two stroke feature are calibrated “to contain” (TC). In addition, two stroke models allow “reverse pipetting”, which can offer increased accuracy and precision with viscous fluids or those with varying densities, or micro volumes. To “reverse pipette”, depress the plunger fully to the bottom and fully release the plunger to aspirate. To dispense, depress the plunger ONLY to the first stop. Discard any remaining liquid in the tip.

Should I pre-wet tips? return to faq

Reference documents (ISO/DIS 8655) recommend that prior to use, each pipette tip should be pre-wet in the sample to be used. This greatly increases the accuracy and precision of your work.

Should I rinse out the tip when I am dispensing? return to faq

No. Pipettes are calibrated to deliver (TD) or to contain (TC). Rinsing out will change the amount of calibrated liquid being dispensed.

What is the Frequent Tipper Program? return to faq

The Frequent Tipper Program rewards our repeat and valued Ovation Tip users with an extra 10% of their annual tip usage. Participation is easy – simply set-up a purchase order for Ovation Tips and register in the program using the form shipped with every box of Ovation Tips. The form, along with a copy of your standing purchase order is sent to VistaLab Technologies. On the anniversary date of your registration in the program, we'll verify the quantity of Ovation Tips purchased over the year period. Then we’ll send you a quantity of tips equal to 10% of your annual usage by type and size. It’s that simple!

Can the Ovation Pipette be autoclaved? return to faq

No. However, the pipette can be decontaminated by wiping down the outside surface (except for the LCD screen) with a 70% aqueous solution of ethanol or isopropanol, or use a 10% bleach solution followed by water. ONLY WIPE THE LCD SCREEN WITH WATER.

How can I decontaminate the pipette? return to faq

See above question on autoclaving

What is the purpose of the liquid blocking nozzle? return to faq

The liquid blocking nozzle contains an internal aerosol/liquid barrier filter to prevent liquid from being aspirated into the pipette. It also offers some protection to internal parts from routine exposure to hazardous liquids and vapors. If this filter becomes wet, the pipette will not aspirate fluid until a new nozzle is installed.

My pipette is not aspirating. What could be the problem? return to faq

Verify that the nozzle and/or extender is firmly tightened. Then ruleout that the liquid blocking nozzle has not become wet by changing the nozzle. If it still is not aspirating, contact VistaLab Technical Services.

How often do I need to replace seals? return to faq

The seals should not require changing unless the pipette has been used with chemicals that are harmful to or negatively affect rubber. Generally, seals do not need to be changed more than one time every 2-3 years.

How do I know it is time to replace seals? return to faq

• Precision and accuracy are not within specifications, and technique and environment are not a factor
  
• The pipette’s plunger is not moving freely
  
• The pipette leaks and this condition is not related to tips

What is the expected life of the battery? return to faq

Approximately 6 months. The battery is replaceable by the user and the only tool required is a coin. The battery is a lithium 3V CR2 battery available at most general goods stores and radio/camera shops.

What tips are available? return to faq

Micro, small and large volume tip sizes are available specifically for the Ovation pipette to ensure proper fit and easy tip acquisition and ejection. They are precision molded to the strictest dimensional standards for consistent tip-to-tip and lot-to-lot performance. A variety of packaging formats are available as well as specific tips that meet the certification requirements needed in many applications. See the Ovation Tips and Accessories section of this web site for more information.