What is UniCal® Technology & How Does It Simplify Pipette Calibration?

• July 12, 2026
• ENQUIRE NOW

In every laboratory, accuracy begins with a well-calibrated micropipette. Whether you’re working in molecular biology, pharmaceuticals, clinical diagnostics, or academic research, even the smallest deviation in liquid handling can compromise experimental results. That’s why pipette calibration is one of the most important maintenance practices for ensuring precision and reproducibility.

However, traditional calibration methods are often time-consuming, complicated, and expensive. They typically involve trial-and-error adjustments, partial disassembly of the pipette or sending the instrument to an external calibration laboratory leading to unnecessary downtime.

To solve these challenges, Microlit introduced UniCal® Technology, a patented innovation that transforms the way laboratories perform pipette calibration. Integrated into the award-winning Microlit NERO micropipette range, UniCal® enables users to recalibrate their micropipettes in a single operation without dismantling the instrument or disrupting the volume display. This patented technology (Indian Patent No. 405607) is designed to make calibration faster, easier, and more reliable.

Why is Pipette Calibration Important?

A micropipette is designed to transfer highly accurate volumes of liquid. Over time, factors such as frequent usage, accidental drops, environmental conditions, or wear and tear can affect its performance.

An uncalibrated pipette can lead to:

• Inaccurate sample preparation
• Poor experimental reproducibility
• Cross-validation failures
• Regulatory non-compliance
• Increased reagent wastage

Routine pipette calibration ensures that the instrument dispenses the intended volume accurately, maintaining confidence in laboratory results and compliance with quality standards such as ISO 8655.

Challenges with Traditional Pipette Calibration

Although calibration is essential, the process has traditionally been anything but simple.

Most conventional calibration methods rely on one of three approaches:

1. Hit-and-Trial Calibration

Many micropipettes require technicians to adjust a calibration nut repeatedly while comparing scale markings against a calibration chart. Multiple adjustments and repeated weighing are often necessary before achieving the desired accuracy.

2. Partial Disassembly

Some pipette designs require dismantling internal components or disengaging the volume adjustment mechanism during calibration. This increases complexity and introduces the possibility of assembly errors.

3. Third-Party Calibration

Because of the complexity involved, many laboratories send their micropipettes to external calibration facilities. While effective, this approach can take days or even weeks, increasing instrument downtime and operational costs.

What is patented UniCal® Technology?

UniCal® Technology is Microlit’s patented one-shot calibration system developed specifically for its NERO micropipettes.

Unlike conventional methods, UniCal® allows users to perform quick pipette calibration inside the laboratory using a specially designed calibration tool. The system enables calibration in a single operation without:

• Disengaging the volume adjustment digits
• Disassembling the pipette
• Matching calibration markers with manual charts
• Performing repeated hit-and-trial adjustments

Instead, the calibration tool simultaneously engages the plunger, calibration mechanism, and digital display, making recalibration intuitive and efficient.

How Does UniCal® Simplify Calibration?

The brilliance of UniCal® lies in its simplicity.

After determining the average dispensed volume using an analytical balance, the user simply adjusts the pipette’s digital display to match the measured volume using the Microlit Calibration Tool.

Once this single adjustment is complete, the micropipette is recalibrated.

Unlike traditional systems, there is no need for repeated adjustments, complex calculations, or dismantling of the instrument. This streamlined process dramatically reduces calibration time while maintaining high levels of precision.

Key Benefits of UniCal® Technology

One-Step Calibration

The biggest advantage of UniCal® is its ability to complete pipette calibration in a single operation. Laboratories no longer have to spend valuable time performing repeated trial-and-error adjustments.

No Disassembly Required

Traditional calibration often requires opening the instrument or disengaging internal components. UniCal® eliminates this step, reducing maintenance complexity and minimizing the risk of accidental damage.

Reduced Downtime

Since recalibration can be performed directly within the laboratory, users don’t need to send their micropipettes to third-party service providers for minor adjustments. This keeps instruments available for daily use.

Improved Productivity

Researchers spend less time calibrating equipment and more time conducting experiments, improving overall laboratory efficiency.

Cost Savings

By enabling in-house calibration, UniCal® reduces the costs associated with external calibration services, shipping, and equipment downtime.

User-Friendly Operation

The calibration process is straightforward enough for trained laboratory personnel to perform confidently, making routine maintenance significantly easier.

Calibration Tips for Better Pipette Performance

Even with advanced technologies like UniCal®, following good laboratory practices helps maintain long-term accuracy.

Some useful calibration tips include:

• Calibrate your micropipette at regular intervals based on laboratory usage.
• Always use a certified analytical balance during pipette calibration.
• Perform calibration under controlled temperature and humidity conditions.
• Use compatible, high-quality pipette tips.
• Check calibration after accidental drops or heavy usage.
• Maintain proper cleaning and storage of the pipette to extend its service life.

Combining routine maintenance with efficient calibration technology helps ensure consistent and reliable liquid handling.

Microlit NERO®: Designed for Precision

UniCal® patented technology is integrated into the Microlit NERO® range of ergonomic micropipettes.

In addition to simplified calibration, NERO® incorporates Microlit’s proprietary μAir® technology, which minimizes dead air space between the piston and tip. This helps reduce air compression and improves dispensing accuracy under practical laboratory conditions.

Every Microlit NERO® micropipette is calibrated in an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory according to ISO 8655 standards and is supplied with an individual calibration certificate, providing users with confidence in the instrument’s accuracy from day one.

Who Benefits from UniCal® Technology?

UniCal® Technology is valuable across a wide range of laboratory environments, including:

• Pharmaceutical laboratories
• Biotechnology companies
• Clinical diagnostic laboratories
• Research institutes
• Academic laboratories
• Food and environmental testing facilities
• Quality control laboratories

Any laboratory that depends on accurate liquid handling can benefit from faster, simpler, and more efficient calibration.

Conclusion

Reliable pipette calibration is essential for producing accurate and reproducible laboratory results. Yet traditional calibration methods often involve lengthy procedures, repeated adjustments, and expensive external servicing.

Microlit’s patented UniCal® Technology changes this experience by enabling fast, in-lab calibration in a single operation without dismantling the micropipette or disengaging its volume display. The result is reduced downtime, lower maintenance costs, simplified workflows, and greater confidence in every liquid transfer.

Combined with the ergonomic design and advanced μAir® Technology of the Microlit NERO® range, UniCal® represents a significant advancement in modern liquid handling. For laboratories seeking a smarter approach to pipette calibration, it delivers the precision, convenience and efficiency needed to support today’s demanding scientific workflows.