Artel PCS Pipette Calibration System

Simplify single-channel pipette calibration

• Easily calibrate or verify pipettes in your lab when you need to
• Standardize operator proficiency to prevent unnecessary failures
• Manage pipette inventory with easy scheduling

Easily calibrate pipettes, perform interim verifications, standardize operator skills and manage inventory

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 ArtelWare­­­™ Software, the PCS allows you to manage 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.

Highlighted features

• Rapid Pipette Calibration
• Intuitive Dashboard
• Compact & Portable Design
• No Environmental Control Requirement

Ensure data integrity, reliable test results, and regulatory compliance

The power of the PCS stems from dual-dye ratiometric photometry that uses standardized dye solutions to measure dispensed volumes. The system is robust against variations in environmental conditions and calibration results are supported by an unbreakable chain of traceability to national and international standards, enabling straightforward comparison of pipettes, operators, methods, and locations.

Compliance Suite offers essential features for facilities that comply with Title 21 CFR Part 11

The PCS conforms to the Dual-Dye Ratiometric Photometric Method described in ISO 8655-7:2022 and facilitates conformity to the Photometric Reference Measurement Procedure described in ISO 8655-8:2022. The PCS can be used to fulfill test and calibration requirements according to CLSI QMS23:2019, ISO 17025:2017, cGMP, and cGLP. ArtelWare Software can be used in laboratories compliant to 21 CFR Part 11.

Optional Compliance Suite addon features:

• unique user account credentials ensure all actions are tracked with a full audit trail
• user groups with specific privileges can be established
• new plans and plan updates require approval and are given specific version numbers
• laboratory managers can set an electronic signature requirement at any step (for full compliance with the lab’s own quality system)
• each auditable action requires audit comments when complete, and audit data is saved in secure SQL databases which may be placed on a mapped server to ensure regular back-ups

Initiate

Using the ArtelWare Software, select a pipette or operator to begin calibration or competency assessment.

Dispense

Pipette sample into the cuvette. Results for each dispense are quickly displayed within the software.

Report

Digitally review, approve and sign-off on calibrations and operator assessments.

FAQS

Does the PCS comply with my laboratory requirements?

The PCS conforms to the Dual-Dye Ratiometric Photometric Method described in ISO 8655-7:2022 and facilitates conformity to the Photometric Reference Measurement Procedure described in ISO 8655-8:2022. The PCS can be used to fulfill test and calibration requirements according to CLSI QMS23:2019, ISO 17025, cGMP, and cGLP. ArtelWare and PCS Software can be used in laboratories compliant to 21 CFR Part 11.

What are QualAssure solutions?

Artel has evolved our brand to better align with our values and the customers we serve, and to symbolize where we are today. But the Artel mission has remained the same – to help labs achieve their goals for quality, productivity, and compliance. One of the changes made during the transition was consolidating the array of verification solutions under the new QualAssure label. The QualAssure name describes the assurance of accurate, precise, and reproducible data that customers have come to expect from using Artel technology, products and services. The products themselves are the same proven formulations and volumes as users have come to depend on and customers do not need to change their ordering processes.

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 °C to 30 °C
  • 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 ArtelWare Software.

Can the PCS be used to calibrate pipettor dispensers?

Some types can be calibrated. Our team will 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 QualAssure Solutions, the PCS instrument, and ArtelWare Software are created as a system to provide optimal ease-of-use, speed, accuracy and precision.

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)

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, section 5.4.5.

System Performance

Time Requirements	10 data points < 3 minutes
Volume Range	0.1 µL to 5000 µL
Uncertainty (Inaccuracy)	0.6%
Random Error (Imprecision)	0.3%

Artel PCS Instrument

Size	(W x L x H): 22.4 cm x 33.0 cm x 14.7 cm (8.8” x 13.0” x 5.8”)
Weight	5.7 kg (12.5 lbs.)
COM port	USB
Built in scanner	Reads 2D reagent barcodes
Operational Temperature	15 °C to 30 °C
Relative Humidity	10% to 90%, non-condensing
Wavelength selection	520 nm and 730 nm
Electrical Power Requirements	Voltage: 90 – 260 VAC Frequency: 50 – 60 Hz Current: 2 A maximum
Warranty	1 year

PCS Computer

Processor	x64 Processor: 2.4 GHz (recommended 4 or more cores)
Memory	8 GB (recommended min. 16GB)
I/O Ports	2 USB Connectors
Network	Gigabit Ethernet or 802.11n wifi
Storage	40 GB of hard drive space
Supported Operating Systems	Windows® 10 or Windows® 11
SQL Server	2019, 2017, 2016 and 2014 in Express, Standard, and Enterprise Editions

ArtelWare™ Software

Ensure your liquid handlers and pipettes are performing properly with full suite of management tools.

PCS® QualAssure® Solutions

The highest standard of quality control for calibration and interim performance verification of your manual pipettes.

Supplies

PCS-200	PCS Standard Reagent Kit
PCS-211	PCS Bulk Kit (customizable)
PCS-225	PCS R5 Micro Pipette Reagent
PCS-226	PCS R6 Micro Pipette Reagent

Accessories

PCS-237	PCS Plastics Kit for Blank Solution Vial Set
PCS-600	PCS Instrument Calibrator Kit
PCS-605	PCS Instrument Calibrator Kit with ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Certificate
PCS-700	Paper for Printer (Thermal)
PCS-710	Paper for Printer (Impact)
PCS-747	Cassette for Label Printer