Microlab 700 Learning Hub
From setup to optimization, everything you need to know about operating the Microlab 700
Expert Guidance, Straight from Hamilton’s Technical Team
The Microlab® 700 Learning Hub is designed to give you quick access to the information and guidance you need to operate, maintain, and optimize your instrument.
From frequently asked questions to detailed instructional videos, this hub brings together Hamilton’s technical expertise in one convenient place.
Whether you’re setting up your Microlab® 700 for the first time, looking to refine your workflow, or troubleshooting a specific issue, you’ll find the right resources here to support your work.
Step-by-Step Video Tutorials
Watch clear, concise demonstrations that guide you through setup, operation, care, and advanced functions of the Microlab® 700.
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The Serial Dispense Wizard in the Microlab 700 simplifies repetitive liquid handling by allowing users to perform multiple dispenses of different volumes with a single setup. After aspirating liquid from a reservoir, the system automatically performs a sequence of dispenses until the syringe is empty. Dispense volumes can be adjusted at any time, and the system instantly recalculates the number of possible dispenses and when a refill is needed.
Through the Editor, users can define a series of dispense steps, each with a unique volume. The Hold function allows you to repeatedly dispense the same step until released, providing full control and flexibility during manual operations.
In the example shown in the video, the Serial Dispense Wizard is used to carry out five dispense steps: 2500 µL, 1500 µL, 1000 µL, 500 µL, and 100 µL. Each volume is delivered by triggering the hand probe, demonstrating how the system automatically adapts flow rates based on the syringe configuration and maintains precision across varying dispense sizes.
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The Dilution Wizard in the Microlab 700 streamlines preparation of diluted samples by coordinating the aspiration and mixing of diluent and sample with a single, guided workflow.
After selecting the required parameters, the system draws diluent into the left syringe and aspirates the sample through the hand probe, ensuring that the sample is dispensed first and immediately followed by diluent to wash the tubing and minimize carryover. Users can program the dilution using sample volume, diluent volume, factor, or total volume, with the system automatically calculating the correct relationship between them.
In the example shown in the video, a 1000 µL diluent volume and a 450 µL sample volume are combined to perform a 1:3.2222 dilution. By triggering the hand probe, the system aspirates both liquids and then dispenses the final diluted mixture directly into the destination container, demonstrating the Microlab 700’s ability to perform precise and reproducible dilutions with minimal manual steps.
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The Titration Wizard in the Microlab 700 automates controlled liquid addition, making it ideal for workflows where precise, incremental dispensing is required to reach a defined endpoint.
The system draws liquid from a reservoir, performs an initial larger dispense to bring the reaction close to the target range, and then continues with smaller, predefined step additions. Each step is triggered by the hand probe, and the wizard automatically refills the syringes as needed while tracking the total dispensed volume.
In the example shown in the video, the wizard is configured with an initial dispense of 2500 µL followed by 300 µL step volumes. A first press of the hand probe aspirates the liquid and delivers the initial volume, while subsequent presses dispense the programmed step volume until the endpoint is reached.
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The Aliquot Wizard in the Microlab 700 streamlines repetitive sample splitting by delivering equal-volume dispenses at the press of a button.
After aspirating liquid from a reservoir, the system divides the total volume into consistent aliquots, advancing the syringe plunger incrementally until the programmed cycle is complete. Aliquot size can be adjusted at any time, and the system automatically recalculates how many dispenses are possible before a refill is required.
In the example shown in the video, a 1250 µL sample is divided into two equal 625 µL portions. The operator aspirates the sample and dispenses each aliquot using the hand probe, demonstrating how the system maintains accuracy and repeatability across each step of the aliquoting process.
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The Pipette Wizard in the Microlab 700 provides a simple and accurate way to transfer liquids from one vessel to another.
After priming the system with a compatible fluid, the instrument aspirates the selected volume into the hand probe and dispenses it directly into the target container. The wizard allows users to define a precise volume for each pipetting cycle, with the option to perform a wash step between transfers to minimize carryover.
In the example shown in the video, the Wizard aspirates and dispenses 300 μL each time the hand probe is triggered, demonstrating how the Microlab 700 maintains accuracy and consistency across repeated pipetting steps.
Real-World Applications
Explore detailed use cases showcasing how labs apply the Microlab® 700 for reproducible, high-precision liquid handling in daily routines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions about operating, maintaining, and optimizing your Microlab® 700.
When selecting the appropriate syringe volume for the Microlab® 700, consider the following factors:
- Dispense Volume
Always choose a syringe with a capacity as close as possible to the target dispense volume.
Ideal range: The dispense volume should be between 10–100% of the syringe’s capacity.
Example: If you need to dispense 100 µL, select a 100 µL or 250 µL syringe, not a 1 mL syringe. - Required Accuracy and Precision
Smaller syringes generally offer greater accuracy and precision for low-volume applications. - Liquid Properties
Consider factors such as viscosity, volatility, and other physical characteristics that may affect performance. - Application and Workflow
The dispensing method (e.g., repetitive dispensing, dilutions, titrations, sample transfers) influences syringe selection. - Instrument Compatibility
Only syringes in the 10 µL to 50 mL range are recommended for use with the Microlab® 700. - Aspiration and Dispense Speed
- Large volumes require larger syringes to maintain efficient operation.
- Small volumes require controlled speeds and smaller syringes for optimal precision.
Please refer to the list of syringes for Microlab Diluter-Dispenser.
When selecting tubing for the Microlab® 700, take into account the following considerations:
- Working Volume and Syringe Size
Tubing must be compatible with the selected syringe volume (e.g., 250 µL vs. 5 mL).
Tubing dimensions affect both flow resistance and aspiration/dispense times.
Recommended tubing: GA18 (2.00 × 1.00 mm) and GA12 (2.85 × 2.00 mm),
where GA indicates Outer Diameter × Inner Diameter in millimeters. - Chemical Compatibility
Ensure the tubing material can withstand exposure to the liquid being transferred (acids, organic solvents, bases, etc.).
Recommendation: Refer to the chemical compatibility chart in the User Manual. - Tubing Length
Tubing length affects accuracy, dead volume, and transfer time.- Use shorter tubing for higher precision.
- If longer tubing is required, adjust software settings to compensate for dead volume.
- Liquid Viscosity
- For viscous liquids (e.g., serum, oils), use tubing with a larger internal diameter.
- For sticky or residue-forming liquids, select non-stick materials such as FEP or PTFE.
- Physical Compatibility
Tubing must fit Hamilton fittings securely without damage during installation or repeated use.
Please refer to the list of syringes for Microlab Diluter-Dispenser.
Disposable Tip Hand Probe (DTHP)
The Disposable Tip Hand Probe is used when there are concerns about cross-contamination between different solutions or liquids.
It is designed to allow the user to aspirate samples into a disposable tip, which can then be discarded, eliminating any risk of carryover contamination.
The tips used with this probe are ClickSure® tips, as specified in the User Manual or product brochure.
- The sample is aspirated into the ClickSure tip via the right-hand syringe, while the diluent is filled into the left-hand syringe.
- The probe is then triggered to dispense the sample.
- After dispensing, the instrument pauses to eject the tip.
- Finally, the diluent is dispensed through the probe to complete the dilution.
Concorde CT Hand Probe
The Concorde CT Hand Probe is a single-channel pipetting probe with an ergonomic, slim design.
It is compatible with single-syringe dispensers, dual-syringe diluters, and continuous dispensers.
The dispensing tubing connects to the pump and passes through the Concorde CT probe body. The probe connector plugs into the jack port on the base unit.
This probe is compatible with GA 12 or GA 18 tubing.
Key Differences Between the Concorde CT Hand Probe and the Disposable Tip Hand Probe
- Pipetting System Type: DTHP uses disposable tips to avoid contamination; Concorde CT uses fixed tubing for dispensing.
- Consumable Compatibility: DTHP works exclusively with ClickSure® disposable tips; Concorde CT uses GA 12 or GA 18 tubing.
- Applications: DTHP is suited for workflows where contamination prevention is critical; Concorde CT is better for continuous or repetitive dispensing applications without tip changes.
Compatible Pipette Tips
For the Disposable Tip Hand Probe, only ClickSure® tips listed in the User Manual or brochure should be used to ensure compatibility and performance.
The difference between a Diluter and a Dispenser lies in their operating principle, specific applications, and control of liquid volumes. While both are liquid handling systems, each serves a distinct purpose.
A. Microlab® 700 Diluter
- Designed to perform precise semi-automatic dilutions
- Uses two syringes: one for diluent and one for the sample
- The dilution ratio is electronically controlled (e.g., 1:1, 1:10, 1:100)
- Typical applications: preparation of standards and calibration curves, dilutions in biochemical, microbiology, toxicology, and pharmaceutical analyses
- Advantages: automates the dilution process, eliminating manual error; highly accurate and repeatable; allows for multiple dilution ratios
- Limitation: not ideal if the goal is simply to dispense the same liquid volume into multiple containers without dilution
B. Microlab® 700 Dispenser
- Designed for repetitive dispensing of a fixed or variable volume of liquid
- Can operate with one syringe or two syringes (Single Dispenser or Dual Dispenser)
- Allows rapid dispensing of the same or different volumes into multiple containers
- Typical applications: dispensing reagents or solvents, filling plates, tubes, or vials; suitable for production and routine laboratories
- Advantages: fast, simple, and efficient for repetitive volumes; more economical and straightforward than a diluter; reduces manual pipetting errors
- Limitation: cannot perform automatic dilutions — only distribution
Available Configurations
- Single Syringe Dispenser
- Dual Syringe Dispenser
- Dual Syringe Continuous Dispenser
- Dual Syringe Diluter
- Standalone Pump
Yes. Conversion from a Microlab® 700 Dispenser to a Microlab® 700 Diluter, and vice versa, can be done through hardware and software modifications to the instrument, depending on the application requirements.
Hamilton does not recommend this action. However, in special cases with justified reasons, it can be carried out only by Hamilton-authorized personnel.
Yes. This is possible, provided that the communication protocols outlined in the user manuals are followed.
Hamilton recommends performing maintenance once per year. This includes both hardware and software service tasks, carried out exclusively by Hamilton-authorized personnel. You can choose a maintenance service here: Services | Hamilton
Syringes are considered consumables. Because customer applications vary significantly, the service life of a syringe used with the instrument can differ. For this reason, no fixed usage period has been defined.
- Quick Start: A step-by-step assistant that helps the user quickly and easily configure a workflow task without going through advanced settings.
- Dilution Wizard: A dedicated assistant for setting up dilutions. It guides the user through the fast and precise configuration of dilution protocols, resulting in a controlled dilution.
For more details on these and other available wizards, please refer to the User Manual.
Based on the range of syringes compatible with the Microlab® 700, the smallest dispensed volume is 10 µL and the largest is 50 mL, provided that the specified accuracy and precision tolerances are observed.
Yes. These consumables can be replaced by the user within a laboratory environment.
Custom Methods are a feature that allows users to create complex, fully personalized workflows tailored to specific application needs.
With a Custom Method, you can:
- Define complex sequences of steps
- Use loops or conditional steps
- Assign different volumes for each step
- Control aspiration and dispense speeds
- Save methods for repeated use
For detailed instructions, please refer to the User Manual.
Cleaning can be performed in two ways:
- Fluid path cleaning: Recommended after each use, at the end of the application, to maintain performance and prevent contamination.
- Instrument exterior cleaning: As needed, depending on the laboratory environment and frequency of use.
The verification process can be carried out in the following steps:
- General hardware inspection – Examine the base unit and tablet; check for leaks in the fluid path by priming the instrument; inspect for loose connectors, communication and power issues, error messages, and verify the operation of buttons and touchscreen.
- Functional test with liquids – Using deionized (DI) water, perform a standard pipetting operation by aspirating a set volume and dispensing it multiple times. The dispensed volume can then be weighed using an analytical balance in a process known as gravimetric testing.
- Precision and repeatability test – Perform multiple pipettings of the same volume and record the measurements to assess consistency.
- Calibration – Carry out calibration procedures as recommended.
- Documentation and validation – Record test results for compliance and traceability.
The Microlab® 700 is compatible with a range of solvents as specified in the User Manual. Please refer to the Chemical Compatibility section for detailed information on acceptable solvents and any necessary precautions.
The instrument can store hundreds of log files, depending on the number of activities recorded in each log.
For archiving purposes, Hamilton recommends using the Lyncstore 700 software.
A variety of accessories are available for the Microlab® 700, depending on the application requirements:
- Hand probes
- Network printers
- Label printers
- RFID reader
- Barcode scanner
- Analytical balance
- AirShield
For more details on these peripherals, please refer to Printer, Scanner & RFID Reader | Microlab 700 Peripherals.
It is not always necessary to send the Hamilton Microlab® 700 back for service.
This is determined in advance through discussion with the designated support contact, as issues may be general or specific to the instrument and could be resolved remotely.
Maintenance packages are carried out onsite only and performed exclusively by Hamilton-authorized personnel. You can choose a maintenance service here: Services | Hamilton
Upgrade with Confidence. Get 500€ Off Your New Microlab® 700
Trade in your existing Microlab Diluter-Dispenser and step into the future of liquid handling. Hamilton offers a 500€ discount when you upgrade to the Microlab® 700 Series. Experience better performance, smarter features, and greater reliability.
*This offer is available to end-users in the EEA purchasing directly from Hamilton Central Europe.
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