apricot DC1

Unique dual-core pipetting technology combines the functionality of four pipette tools in one versatile and affordable pipetting platform. With 9 flexible deck positions and automatic tip exchange, the compact apricot DC1 is fully equipped to address a wide range of applications and pipetting tasks.

Incorporating unique dual-core pipetting technology, the apricot DC1 integrates four separate pipetting tools within a single instrument to allow for high-volume and low-volume, single and multichannel pipetting. The out-of-the-box automation gives laboratories full walk-away capabilities without the need for costly automation experts or further investment in additional application-specific functionality.

The apricot DC1's best-in-class pipetting capabilities generates reliable data quality and effortless standardization of the results compared to manual or semi-manual pipetting processes, reducing the variability of results between scientists, and improving assay reproducibility.

The compact benchtop unit opens up affordable opportunities for many laboratories to streamline and automate their workflows, relieving laboratory staff of tedious and error-prone manual tasks and reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI) associated with manual pipetting.

Powerful automated pipetting
from tubes to plates

The versatile apricot DC1 unlocks a whole raft of benefits for laboratories taking their first steps towards liquid handling automation. As a highly accessible platform, the apricot DC1 empowers laboratory staff, allowing teams to benefit quickly from increased throughput, reliable standardization, and enhanced data quality when copying, mixing, pooling, aliquoting, and preparing the serial dilution of liquids.

Full walk-away automation

Improved data quality

Better lab ergonomics

Dual-core pipetting head

Dual high-volume and low-volume pipetting cores enable highly accurate pipetting across the 1-1000μL volume range. Automatic and flexible tip loading mechanism gives the user the choice of pipetting with single pipette tips, a column of 8 pipette tips or even a row of 12 pipette tips for versatile pipette steps. Get the equivalent of four liquid handling tools within one accessible instrument for low-volume, high-volume, single and multi-channel automated pipetting.

9 + 1 position deck

Ample space on the deck can accommodate a wide range of plates, labware and tips. Choose between portrait and landscape plate orientation to pipette by row or column. Accessorize with on-deck modules such as plate heaters, shakers, magnetic bead separator or a tip washing station. A waste chute to store disposable tips completes the fully automated operation.

Wide range of compatible labware

Compatible with a wide range of labware to support many different applications, including 96/384 well plates, PCR plates and deep well blocks, microcentrifuge tubes (1.5/2.0/5.0 mL), PCR tubes and PCR tube strips, and liquid reservoirs.

Optional protective enclosure

For additional safeguarding, a protective enclosure shields the instrument and reagents from external influence while also protecting the user against any accidental contact. Although not equivalent to the protection afforded by a biological safety hood, the enclosure offers a shielded environment that's ideal for assays such as PCR without the need to sacrifice hood space.

Affordable technology from a trusted vendor

Get an accessible liquid handling instrument from a vendor trusted throughout the industry for its world-leading lab automation solutions. Benefit from the exceptional value with the peace of mind that comes with a solution from the pioneering SPT Labtech product family.

Each pipetting function is compatible with either single-channel or multichannel (8/12) operation, using either the high-volume (10-1000µL) or low-volume (1-125µL) core of the unique 4-in-1 head:

copy/transfer
aliquot
pool
aspirate/multi-aspirate
dispense
mix
serial dilution
compress/decompress plates (96↔384)

apricot DC1's versatile configuration supports a wide range of applications, including:

serial dilution
ELISA
PCR/qPCR setup
many more!

apricot DC1 makes light work of automating complex or multi-step protocols thanks to its unique 4-in-1 technology:

single-channel pipetting mode is ideal to distribute reagents from individual kit tubes to PCR strips or plates and helps minimise dead volumes
8/12-channel pipetting mode rapidly distributes reagents across plates and copies unique samples
automated tip loading and unloading links pipetting steps without user intervention

With a spacious 9-position deck and a validated range of software-controlled accessories, achieving walk-away automation has never been more accessible – or affordable!

apricot DC1 is compatible with apricot AL pipette tips for automated tip loading and disposal. All apricot tips are made from high-quality polypropylene and are available in non-sterile (NS) sterile (S) and filtered sterile (FS) formats.

Part number	Max. dispense volume (µL)	Min. dispense volume (µL)	Sterility	Racks per case
1000-2P-096-AL-NS	1000	10	non-sterile (NS)	40
1000-2P-096-AL-S	1000		sterile (S)
1000-2P-096-AL-FS	850		filtered-sterile (FS)
125-096-AL-NS	125	1	non-sterile (NS)	40
125-096-AL-S	125		sterile (S)
125-096-AL-FS	100		filtered-sterile (FS)
050-096-AL-NS	50	1	non-sterile (NS)	40
050-096-AL-S	50		sterile (S)
050-096-AL-FS	35		filtered-sterile (FS)

apricot DC1 is compatible with a range of third-party accessories, including heaters, shakers, and tip wash stations, which are all controlled via the easy-to-use graphical user interface.

No previous automation experience is required to control the instrument’s intuitive software from a PC or laptop controller.

Useful features of the apricot DC1's software include transferrable files (protocols), log generation, user account management, and an API for third-party robotic integration.

Technical Specification

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Dispensing precision	High volume core: <3% CV at 10µL Low volume core: <3% CV at 1µL	Dispensing accuracy	High volume core: +/–2% at 10µL Low volume core: +/–2% at 1µL
Volume	Low volume core (1/8/12 channels): 1 - 125μL High volume core (1/8/12 channels): 10 - 1000μL	Resolution	High volume core: 1µL Low volume core: 0.1µL
Power	100 to 240 VAC, 50/60Hz	Operating temperature	50–100°F 10–37.8˚C
Dimensions (W x H x D)	786mm x 513mm x 471mm 31" x 20" x 19"	Weight	Approx. 55kg (121 lbs)