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Artel PCS
Artel PCS
Artel PCS
PCS Instrument
PCS Instrument
PCS Instrument
PCS Instrument
PCS Instrument
PCS Instrument
PCS Pipette Calibration System
PCS Pipette Calibration System
PCS Pipette Calibration System
Available Worldwide
PCS® Pipette Calibration System
Ensure data integrity, reliable test results, and regulatory compliance
Easily calibrate pipettes and perform interim verifications, standardize operator skills, manage pipette inventory, and more.
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Overview
Fast, accurate, and precise, the PCS is a portable and easy-to-use volume verification system that simplifies single-channel pipette calibration, interim volume verification, and pipette user/operator training and competency assessment. Paired with the included PCS Software, the PCS helps you stay on top of your pipette inventory with calibration and interim verification scheduling, email notifications, pipette and pipette operator status, and comprehensive, auditable documentation. Easily meet both external regulatory requirements and internal quality standards to ensure data quality.
The power of the PCS stems from the ratiometric photometry technology and standardized dye solutions that are used to measure dispensed volumes. The system is robust against differences in environmental conditions and calibration results are traceable to NIST standards, enabling straightforward comparison of pipettes, operators, methods, and locations.
Perform a 10-data-point calibration, complete
with documentation, in less than 3 minutes
Precise calibration in a few simple steps
Initiate
Using the PCS Software, select a pipette or operator to begin calibration or competency assessment.
Dispense
Pipette sample into the cuvette. Results for each dispense are displayed within the software.
Report
Digitally review, approve and sign-off on calibrations and operator assessments.
Applications
Ensuring Quality with the PCS
Whether you are ensuring accurate and precise liquid transfers by monitoring pipette performance or pipette operator performance, the PCS is a cost-effective way to support reproducibility and data quality. Verifying pipette performance before your critical ELISA or NGS assays and using the immediate feedback on liquid transfer accuracy and precision to improve pipetting technique are just a few ways the PCS can help. See the articles below to learn even more about getting good pipette performance and becoming a better pipette operator.
Learn how to get good pipette performance and becoming a better pipette operator
Calibration frequency
How often should you calibrate your pipettes? These guidelines should help you decide.
READ THE REPORT
Assay Transfer
Need some tips on how to convert a manual assay to an automated one? These tips should help.
READ THE REPORT
Pipetting technique
How you pipette can have a big impact on the accuracy and precision of your volume transfers.
READ THE REPORT
PCS Instrument
Out-performs other calibration methods in consistency, speed, simplicity, accuracy and precision — even at volumes as low as 0.1 μL.
• Calibration of single channel pipettes from 0.1 to 5,000 μL in less than three minutes
• Automatic accuracy and precision calculations
• Complete documentation and data management, including calibration audit trail, automatic printing of calibration labels, and trend analysis with graphical reporting
• Compact, portable instrument requiring minimal bench space and no special facilities or environmental controls
• Results traceable to national (NIST) and international standards
• Full compliance with 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 8655-7, CLIA, and more
• Method conforms to CLSI and the latest ISO standard (8655-7)
PCS Reagents
Includes everything needed to begin working with the system
• PCS Bulk Reagent Kit is customized to suit your pipette population.
• PCS Instrument Calibrator Kit ensures performance—no need to return the PCS instrument for calibration.
PCS Software
The PCS Software facilitates the highest standard of quality control with simplicity. The Software provides scheduling for pipette calibrations and interim performance verifications; complete documentation and pipette inventory management – and is ideal for standardizing pipetting technique and assessing operator competency.
• Intuitive dashboard provides immediate overview of due calibrations and operator assessments
• Digital review and approval workflow
• Reporting, including audit trail and printing of calibration labels
Additional features include:
• Dashboard with complete overview for managing and reviewing status and test results of pipettes and operators
• Scheduling of pipette calibrations and interim performance verifications
• Scheduling of operator competency assessments
• Immediate display and automatic storage of volumetric results
• Assigns pass/fail results based on tolerances set forth in your SOPs, ISO 8655, or manufacturer’s specifications
• Catalog of most common pipette models and manufacturer’s specifications
• Printing of pipette calibration and bar code labels
• Manages pipette inventory and status tracking
• Email notifications for calibrations, competency assessments, overdue tasks, and approval of test results
• Digital review, approval and sign-off workflow
• Customizable user level controls
• Electronic signatures
• Complete audit trail facilitates compliance with 21 CFR part 11
Download system specification sheet.
| System Performance | |
| Time Requirements | 10 data points < 3 minutes |
| Uncertainty (Inaccuracy) | 0.6% |
| Random Error (Imprecision) | 0.3% CV |
| PCS Software |
- Provides comprehensive reporting, including audit trail and printing of calibration labels.
- Allows scheduling of operator competency assessments.
- Intuitive dashboard provides immediate overview of due calibrations and operator assessments.
- Offers digital review and approval workflow.
- Compact and portable design enables use in any laboratory.
- Performs to the same tight specifications under various laboratory conditions; no special environmental controls required.
- 21 CFR Part 11 compliance ready.
- Complies with regulatory requirements (CAP, CLIA, ISO, CLSI).
- Generates results traceable to national (NIST) and international standards (SI units).
| PCS Aqueous Range Solutions | Ordering # | Volume Range |
| Range 1 (60 mL) | PCS-221 | 200 to 5000 µL |
| Range 2 (60 mL) | PCS-222 | 50 to 199 µL |
| Range 3 (60 mL) | PCS-223 | 10 to 49.9 µL |
| Range 4 (60 mL) | PCS-224 | 2 to 9.9 µL |
| Range 5 (60 mL) | PCS-225 | 0.50 to 1.99 µL |
| Range 6 (60 mL) | PCS-226 | 0.1 to 0.499 µL |
| Shelf Life | Minimum of 9 months at 15 ℃ to 25 ℃ | |
| Storage | Store at room temperature 15 ℃ to 25 ℃ and with minimal exposure to ambient light. | |
*Based on lab’s total number of pipettes, sample volume, data points, and calibration frequency, a customized kit will be configured to contain the appropriate number of sample solutions.
| PCS Aqueous Range Solutions | Ordering # | Volume Range |
| Range 1 (60 mL) | PCS-221 | 200 to 5000 µL |
| Range 2 (60 mL) | PCS-222 | 50 to 199 µL |
| Range 3 (60 mL) | PCS-223 | 10 to 49.9 µL |
| Range 4 (60 mL) | PCS-224 | 2 to 9.9 µL |
| Range 5 (60 mL) | PCS-225 | 0.50 to 1.99 µL |
| Range 6 (60 mL) | PCS-226 | 0.1 to 0.499 µL |
| Shelf Life | Minimum of 9 months at 15 ℃ to 25 ℃ | |
| Storage | Store at room temperature 15 ℃ to 25 ℃ and with minimal exposure to ambient light. | |
Artel technical experts make implementation fast, easy, and efficient, with minimal disruption to your routine.
• Setup, installation, and validation for the PCS instrument
• Hands-on instruction in the operation of the PCS instrument
• Setup and hands-on training in the use of the PCS software
Product Installation and Validation
Have your new Artel instruments validated and ready-to-use quickly and efficiently. Certified Artel Application Specialists will set-up, install, and validate your instrument on-site, then train your staff to make best use of it.
• Execution of pre-packaged IQ/OQ protocols to ensure validated instrument performance and operation
• On-site, hands-on training for your laboratory at no additional cost
Installation Qualification (IQ)
Artel IQ protocols ensure proper setup, connection, and communication between all components of the system. Your Artel IQ specialist will perform and provide documentation of the IQ validation procedure, which details the correct installation of the system in your laboratory.
Operational Qualification (OQ)
Artel OQ protocols ensure that the instrument or application performs to its intended specifications in the environment where it will be used. Your Artel IQ specialist will perform and provide documentation of the OQ validation procedure, which details the performance of the instrument or application after a successful IQ protocol is completed.
Technical Services
Artel’s dedicated metrologists, scientists, engineers, and support specialists are here to answer your questions, troubleshoot problems, and help you ensure accurate, precise liquid delivery for reliable assay results.
Tel: 1-888-406-3463, opt 2 (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET)
Email: [email protected]
Online: Submit online request
Ordering
Please place orders by telephone, fax, email, or mail. Our customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Phone: 207-854-0860 | 888-406-3463 toll-free (U.S. and Canada)
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Artel 25 Bradley Drive Westbrook, ME 04092 USA International
Fax*: 207-854-0867
*Please include a fax number or email address for confirmation of fax orders.
Orders From outside the U.S. and Canada, please see our International Distributor List for contact information.
Free your staff to focus on science and let us provide peace of mind, with Artel warranty and product support programs.
Instrument Warranty Programs
These programs include insurance and shipping within the U.S. and Canada of a loaner instrument.
Standard Warranty
Provides basic coverage against defects in materials or manufacture of the instrument.
Extended Warranty
Provides continued protection against unanticipated expenses associated with instrument repairs.
Gold Service Warranty
Provides extended warranty, instrument recertification and preventative maintenance.
Product Support Service Programs
Instrument Recertification
Provides documented factory recertification of the instrument suitable for Quality Assurance purposes.
On-Site Preventive Maintenance
Provides periodic checks of system components for wear and tear, replacement of worn or damaged parts and testing for accuracy and precision against factory specifications.
On-Site Installation, Validation, and Training
Provides installation, IQ/OQ documentation, and usage overview for instruments and software. Artel can also revalidate instruments that have been relocated or undergone maintenance or service.
PCS Software Maintenance Plan
Provides the customer with all PCS Software updates, as they become available, as long as the software license is continuously enrolled in the Maintenance Plan. Installation of software updates ensures that the PCS Software operates at peak performance, bug fixes are installed, and the pipette catalog is updated.
Tel: 1-888-406-3463, opt 2 (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET)
Email: [email protected]
Great system, would recommend.
The Artel PCS system is a great way for labs to varify pipettes. We varify on a quartely basic inhouse, and if varification fails then we send it out for repairs. before this our pipettes would be gone for 1-2 weeks for varification at a 3rd party company that provided the service. This way your pipettes will have much less down time. However, the time required and consumables cost must be considered before purchasing this item."
I wish every vendor was so caring and helpful.
"Easy to use; easy to train others. Artel always sends updates promptly and they are VERY helpful in customer service."
Penny Yaste, Nevada State Public Health Laboratory
Business type: Environmental laboratory
Review from: Select Science
Great instrument for what we need for calibration in our laboratory.
"I have set up and trained fellow employees on how to use the PCS Pipette Calibration system over all of our laboratory departments and three hospitals. It is easy to use and understand how to use it in step by step instructions while calibrating and setting up pipettes for calibrations. I am able to transport the system with ease from each hospital. We did have some problems with the analyzer, but after trouble shooting with tech support, they had me send it back to the company to be checked out. Within days I had a loaner instrument, a box to send back my instrument, and instructions on set up. In 2 weeks, I had a report on what they did to my instrument, all was well, and I had the materials to switch the instruments out again. The staff has been very helpful in reordering reagents and in any questions that we have had. So far, we have enjoyed using this instrument with our laboratory needs."
Angela Schneider, Pipette Calibration
Business type: Calibrate pipettes across laboratory departments and three hospitals
Review from: Select Science
“The PCS is a good tool but make sure you understand its capabilities and limits.” we need for calibration in our laboratory.
The PCS is relatively user-friendly and provides a good methodology to perform in-house pipette calibrations. There's a bit of a learning curve to utilize the software effectively. I encountered a relatively serious bug in the scheduling portion of the software that was remedied by Artel in a software update. From a reagent standpoint, pipette calibrations under 200 uL can be performed economically, but multi-channel pipettes and pipettes with volume ranges greater than 200 uL (e.g. P1000s) are relatively expensive.
Angela Schneider, Dylan DePonte, MPLN, Inc.
Business type: Calibrate pipettes across laboratory departments and three hospitals
Review from: Select Science
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Angela Schneider, Consultants Laboratory, Agnesian Healthcare
Business type: Calibrate pipettes across laboratory departments and three hospitals
Review from: Select Science
What is Lorem Ipsum?
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s,
Angela Schneider, Consultants Laboratory, Agnesian Healthcare
Business type: Calibrate pipettes across laboratory departments and three hospitals
Review from: Select Science
Trusted by
“I liked working with the PCS because I trusted its accuracy at even very low volumes and because it was easy to use. It recorded data, calculated results and produced reports automatically.”
Lead quality control technician
PCS® Pipette Calibration System
Ensure accurate, precise volumes from every pipette and pipette operator with the PCS, an easy-to-use system for state-of-the-art pipette quality control.
Questions and Answers
How does the PCS work?
The system includes a state-of-the-art high-sensitivity photometer designed by Artel for the purpose of pipette calibration and a comprehensive software package to manage an organization’s complete pipette inventory and operator assessment needs.
• Following a few simple steps, pipettes can be calibrated in minutes:
• Set up the pipette in PCS Software
• Choose a pipette make & model from the catalog of over 2000 pipettes, or create your own entry.
• Specify the volumes at which the pipette needs to be checked.
• Specify the pass/fail tolerances – choose from pipette manufacturer’s specs, ISO 8655 tolerances, or set your custom tolerances.
• Specify schedules for full pipette calibrations, interim verifications, and quick checks – depending on your lab’s requirements.
• Optional email notifications and reviewers can be specified.
• Follow clear on-screen commands for testing the pipette:
• Set up the pipette in PCS Software
• Scan and insert a vial of blue solution (referred to as the “Blank”) into the PCS Instrument. Using the Blank, the instrument determines the vial pathlength.
• With the pipette under test, pipette aliquots of the red Sample Solution into the Blank vial.
• Solutions are automatically mixed by the PCS and the absorbance is read.
• Follow clear on-screen commands for testing the pipette:
• PCS Software will display the last dispensed volume as well as statistical data:
• Last dispensed sample volume
• Mean volume of all replicates
• Last dispensed sample volume
• Mean volume of all replicates
• A comprehensive calibration report will be automatically furnished upon conclusion of the calibration sequence.
• An email will be sent to the reviewer who can approve or reject the calibration report electronically.
• Operator Competency Assessments are performed in a similar way:
• Set up the Operator in PCS Software
• Create a Training Plan for the Operator
• Specify the volumes for the assessment
• Specify pass/fail criteria for the assessment
• Specify the schedule for
• operator competency assessments
• guided training sessions
• The operator will be guided by the software through each step, similar to the ones performed for a pipette calibration (see above).
• An Operator Training Certificate will be furnished upon completion of the assessment.
• An email will be sent to the reviewer indicating the completion of the competency assessment and requesting approval of the results.
What are the advantages of using the PCS over competitors?
• Calibrate pipettes under the exact conditions in which they are used, in the lab where they are used.
• Perform operator competency assessments in the lab environment, in which pipette users work, with the actual pipettes used by the operators.
• Powerful PCS Software manages the entire pipette inventory and operator assessments.
• Audits become a breeze, as all pipette calibration and operator performance information is stored in one central, secure place.
• Fast operation: a full pipette calibration with 3 x 10 data points takes only about 7 minutes to complete, including furnishing a calibration report.
• User determines the schedule, test volumes, number of data points, and pass/fail tolerances – for pipette calibrations and operator assessments.
• Lean, paperless workflow: user can set email alerts for due calibrations and skills assessments and review and approve/reject results electronically.
• Excellent pipetting technique training tool.
• PCS instrument is essentially maintenance free.
• Ease of use: all calibration solutions are supplied ready-to-use, no need to prepare reagents or establish calibration curves.
• Calibrate pipettes from 0.1 µL (100 nL) to 5,000 µL (5 mL).
• System inaccuracy of 0.6%; system imprecision 0.3% CV.
• Instrument works in a wide range of environmental conditions:
• Temperature range: 15 oC to 30 oC
• Relative humidity: 10% to 90%, non-condensing
• Calibration method conforms to ISO 8655 part 7.
• PCS measurement results are traceable to SI units through calibration standards maintained by NIST (USA) and NPL (UK).
• The PCS can be used in 21 CFR Part 11 compliant facilities.
• Makes regulatory compliance and audits easy.
Can the PCS be validated?
Yes, a comprehensive Validation Guide is available to perform full IQ/OQ validations of the PCS instrument and PCS Software.
Can the PCS be used to calibrate pipettor dispensers?
Some types can be calibrated. Need to evaluate individually.
Can you use the PCS reagents in your own spectrophotometer?
No, we use specialized reagents in a custom photometer design; PCS reagents, the PCS instrument, and PCS Software are created as a system to provide optimal ease-of-use, speed, accuracy and precision.
Can the PCS be used to calibrate multichannel pipettes?
Yes, by calibrating 1 channel at a time. PCS Software allows the user to choose whether to follow ISO 8655 requirements (all channels need to be calibrated), or whether to calibrate individual channels only.
Is the PCS approved by the FDA?
Because the PCS does not directly contact or measure human samples or specimens, the FDA will not consider it for approval. The PCS is manufactured under cGMP conditions side-by-side with other products which have FDA 510(k) approval.
Are PCS results traceable?
Yes, PCS measurement results are traceable to the International System of Units (SI) through calibration standards maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, USA) and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL, UK). All PCS calibration solutions are tested in Artel’s ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
What ranges (pipette sizes/volumes) can be calibrated?
0.1 μL (100 nL) to 5,000 μL (5 mL)
Does the PCS require regular maintenance?
The PCS requires minimal maintenance, and is designed to avoid the need for most maintenance procedures. It requires only occasional cleaning of the outside of the cabinet or the bores of the vial block as detailed in the manual.
Can an ISO/IEC 17025 or ISO 15189 Accredited Laboratory use the Artel PCS for pipette calibration and to demonstrate operator proficiency?
Yes, an Accredited Laboratory can use the PCS for both, pipette calibration and to demonstrate operator proficiency, by doing the following:
• Purchase an Artel PCS along with the ISO 17025 PCS Instrument Calibration Certificate (PCS-410).
• Purchase the PCS Calibrator Kit that includes the ISO 17025 Calibration Certificate (PCS-605).
• Contact Artel for a detailed PCS Measurement Uncertainty Budget.
• Follow the ISO 17025 requirements to implement test and/or calibration procedures, and ensure operators are trained and qualified.
• Comply with any additional requirements imposed by your particular accreditation body.
Note 1: We suggest contacting your Accreditation Body early in the process, so they may advise of all particular requirements.
Note 2: The PCS employs a standard method, and as such is exempt from the method validation requirements of ISO 17025:2005, section 5.4.5.
• Purchase the PCS Calibrator Kit that includes the ISO 17025 Calibration Certificate (PCS-605).
• Contact Artel for a detailed PCS Measurement Uncertainty Budget.
• Follow the ISO 17025 requirements to implement test and/or calibration procedures, and ensure operators are trained and qualified.
• Comply with any additional requirements imposed by your particular accreditation body.
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