Eppendorf Xplorer Multichannel Pipette, 8-channel, 50–1,200 µL, green, 4861000163

The Eppendorf Xplorer 8-channel multichannel pipette can fill an entire column of a 96-well microplate in a single operation. The fixed 9 mm grid corresponds to the spacing of standard 8-well PCR strips, meaning that samples can also be transferred directly from such strips. Dosing is possible within the 50–1,200 µL range. Within this 50–1,200 µL range, the model is primarily designed for larger volumes, such as when transferring medium in cell culture.

Calibration and cleaning

The pipette can be calibrated to the actual liquid being used via 1-, 2- or 3-point calibration, with options including 50 per cent glycerine, 75 per cent ethanol, the geographical altitude of the location of use, or epT.I.P.S. long. For cleaning, the entire lower section is steam-autoclavable at 121 °C for 20 minutes at 1 bar overpressure.

The cone spacing on this model is fixed at 9 mm and is compatible with the respective microplate grid (9 mm for 96-well, 4.5 mm for 384-well formats). Those who regularly switch between tubes and plates will find the right model in the Xplorer plus Move It range.

The epT.I.P.S. 50–1,250 µL green tip, 76 mm, is used to match the volume range and number of channels. Across all 8 channels, the standardised tip type ensures consistent aspiration and dispensing without dripping.

The device is ordered under the manufacturer’s item no. 4861000163, which uniquely identifies both the green colour code and the volume range of 50–1,200 µL.

The control interface consists of a rotary selector, a rocker switch and the soft-key display. As all 8 channels are controlled via the same cycle, the effort required per plate remains the same regardless of how many wells are ultimately filled.

The model is colour-coded green, which makes it easier to match it with the correct pipette tip in the workplace, particularly when multiple channel counts and volume ranges are in use simultaneously.

Within the Xplorer range, the basic Xplorer model is, according to the ordering information, available exclusively as 8- and 12-channel variants with a fixed 9 mm cone spacing. Those requiring 16 or 24 channels, an adjustable cone spacing or the Move-It function for switching between tubes and plates will find these features in the extended Xplorer-plus range, which utilises the same adjustment and battery technology.

In day-to-day laboratory work, this 8-channel pipette with a 1 µL increment handles tasks that would otherwise require many individual steps: sample preparation for PCR, dilution series in assay development or the batch filling of test kits. Electronic operation via a rocker switch and display reduces the number of manual steps per plate.

For mobile use across multiple workstations, the mains adaptor is rated for 100–240 V at 50/60 Hz, meaning there is no need to change adaptors, even within an international laboratory network. The replaceable lithium-polymer battery weighs around 20 g and, if required, can be swapped for a charged spare battery whilst the device is in operation, without having to connect it to the mains adaptor.

At the workstation, the Xplorer pipette can be kept within easy reach in a pipette carousel or on a charging tray. As the operating logic and calibration procedures are standardised across the Xplorer range, no retraining is required when switching between different channel counts and volume ranges, not even when switching to or from this 8-channel model with 1 µL increments.

Battery operation

The Xplorer’s lithium-polymer battery (750 mAh, 3.7 V) is sufficient for approximately 1,400 dispensing cycles and is fully recharged after around 3 hours when connected to the mains adapter. Dispensing is controlled via a selector dial and rocker switch, whilst the soft-key display guides the user through volume and operating mode selections.

Typical applications

This is what it looks like in everyday use when 8 channels need to be filled simultaneously:

• filling and emptying entire 96-well microplates column by column
• direct sample transfer from 8-well PCR strips into the plate, as both are in the same 9 mm grid
• serial dilution series across a single plate column
• Medium changes in cell culture and transferring larger volumes between storage bottles and culture plates

Error limits in accordance with DIN EN ISO 8655-6

The error limits are based on DIN EN ISO 8655-6:2002-12: 10 determinations per test volume, water in accordance with ISO 3696:1991-06, 20–25 °C, dispensing against the vessel wall, PIP operating mode, speed level 5. The table lists four test points ranging from 50 to 1200 µL. In practice, this means that anyone working close to the lower volume limit of 50 µL should factor in the slightly higher relative deviation of 8 per cent at that point, whilst the range around 1200 µL is significantly tighter at 1.2 per cent.

Technical details

Contents

• Eppendorf Xplorer multichannel pipette, 8-channel, 50–1,200 µL, MPN 4861000163
• Rechargeable battery (pre-installed)
• Mains adaptor
• User manual

Pipette tips and charging stations/pipette carousels are not included and are available separately.

Individual requirements & procurement service

LT Laborhandel’s procurement service is available to assist with suitable accessories such as epT.I.P.S. tips, charging stations or a pipette carousel, as well as spare parts and bespoke adjustment and calibration requirements. For further details, visit lt-laborhandel.de/service.