Today’s life science laboratory is multi-faceted. One minute, a researcher is using a 2 µL pipette to transferconcentrated nucleic acid samples for sequencing or adding antibodies to assays; and the next they’re using a 1000 µL pipette to dispense buffers for protein purification and analysis. In between, maybe they’re using a 100 µL pipette to transfer microbial samples.
Three different tasks with three different operating ranges—and, most likely, three different pipettes that each need to be stored, calibrated, maintained and verified.
This creates a significant burden in time and cost for both the researcher and the laboratory.
Full range
DeNovix created the new Squid Full Range Pipette to directly address this issue by consolidating the traditional rack of pipettes into one single device.
Squid uses two built-in tip modes—100 to 1000 µL and 1 to 200 µL—to cover the full 1 to 1000 µL range,eliminating the need to switch devices mid-workflow. Each mode can be instantly activated with the single press of a button.
The unique capabilities of Squid are achieved through Dynamic Volume Control, which combines a patented tip selector mechanism and proprietary expertise in microvolume motor control. This Dynamic Volume Control allows Squid to exceed ISO recommendations for pipette calibration across its full 1 to 1000 µL range.
ISO requirements
In a new technical note, DeNovix tested Squid performance against ISO 8655:2022 maximum permissible errors (MPEs). ISO 8655 is the internationally recognized standard governing the calibration and performance testing of piston-operated volumetric apparatus, including all single- and multi-channel pipettes. The latest revision, published in 2022, introduced several changes relevant to a wide range of instruments, including pipettes. These include:
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Error limits defined at three nominal volume fractions: 10%, 50%, and 100% of the nominal volume—making compliance at extreme ends of the range a formal requirement,
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The pipette and its tip(s) are treated as a single integrated system; calibration is valid only for the specific tip type used during testing,
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A minimum of 10 measurements per test volume is required, across at least 3 volumes, with at least one tip change during testing,
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A 6-place balance is required for volumes ≤20 µL; a 5-place balance for volumes between 20 µL and 199 µL.
In all tests performed on Squid Pipettes, the mean delivered volumes, systematic error (accuracy), and random error (precision) exceeded ISO requirements. In fact, while ISO regulations accommodate an increasing error for regular pipettes as they approach their lower volumetric limits, the Squid Pipette maintained low error at every ISO setpoint.
The team also assessed the consistency of performance across different physical Squid units. The average coefficient of variation measured 0.29 µL at higher volumes and consistent across all tested units—meaning researchers can move between different devices with confidence in data consistency. This also minimizes the “instrument variable” in complex workflows, ensuring results are reproducible regardless of the specific unit utilized.
Best practices for pipetting accuracy
Pipetting is one of the most critical techniques in the laboratory since it forms the basis or first step of many other advanced analysis techniques. However, it’s not always the easiest, especially for life scientists who often work in microliters—tiny differences in technique can lead to significant experimental variation.
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Pre-wet the Tip: Important for volumes under 10 µL
Aspirate and dispense the sample liquid 1 to 3 times back into the reservoir to humidify the dead air space. You can do this by running a standard pipetting cycle manually, or by using a dedicated "Mix" or "Pre-wet" custom program. Repeat if droplets remain in the tip.