Welcome to our FAQ section!

Here we try explain some questions we´ve heard from our customers and also expand on some areas of interest.

As always just reach out to us if there is something you can´t find the answer to.

We aim to keep adding to this FAQ so please come back soon.

Surgical Instruments

What is Stainless Steel/INOX?

Stainless steel is an alloy, which does exactly what its name implies: stains less than ordinary steel (iron). Yes, it can stain, discolor and rust, given the right circumstances.

To make iron stainless, nickel and chromium are added in certain quantities, depending on the purpose it is being used for and the quality required. The more chromium added to the mix, the softer the alloy becomes, something not desirable in a surgical instrument. Given that, quality medical stainless steel alloy is of a very specific, narrowly defined mix.

A further aspect of making steel "stain less" is a repeated process of extracting surface impurities, mainly minerals. And the final high polish of the finished instrument puts a minute protective coating on it, also very important to make the instrument "stain less". Whether the final product is highly polished or matte finished will make no difference in its stainless ability.

What does the golden handle on my scissors mean?

Instruments with gold handles means they are made with tungsten carbide.

Tungsten carbide is one of the hardest alloys available and lasts almost two times longer than stainless steel. Tip inlays are either glued or welded into place. For needle holders, tips can be made with a pyramid cross pattern that holds suture needles much more securely.

Compare the extra cost of these instruments with the length of useful wear, and you have a cost effective solution for your instrument requirements.

What does the black handle on my scissors mean?

Scissors with black handles means they are ToughCut®.

ToughCut® scissors feature two unique cutting edges that cut through the toughest tissue with exceptional ease and accuracy. One blade is honed to razor sharpness, and the other is micro-serrated to minimize tissue slippage during cutting.

What are the differences between the Dumont alloys?

What benefits have Caramics on Surgical Instruments?

One of the hardest materials on Earth, ceramic is used in surgical instruments to form edges that last longer than stainless steel and even longer than tungsten carbide. Ceramic also has a high slide capacity which reduces surface tension and results in a much cleaner cut than metal instruments.

What are your finest instruments?

Finest Spring Scissors:
- Vannas Spring Scissors  (15000-03 & 15000-04)
- Stille Vannas SuperCut Micro Scissors, Link here

Finest Iris Scissors:
- Stille SuperCut (101-8010-1 & 101-8015-1)
- Extra Fine Bonn (14084-08)

Finest Forceps:
- Dumont SuperFine Forceps (11252-00)
- Moria Ultra Fine Forceps (11370-40 & 11370-42)

Finest Rongeurs:
- Friedman-Pearson

Finest Retractors:
- Mini-Goldstein Retractor (17002-02)

Animal ID

What is the best identification method for large groups of mice?

For large colonies of mice, RapID Tags® are one of the most efficient and reliable options. Their 2-D matrix barcodes allow for millions of unique IDs, are quick to scan, and integrate seamlessly with lab software. This reduces human error, speeds up workflows, and improves animal welfare—making them ideal for high-throughput studies

To product: RapID Tags® 

Are the RapID Tags suitable for long-term studies?

Yes, RapID Tags are designed for durability, making them suitable for both short-term and long-term research studies.

What is your most popular Animal ID system?

Our own developed Ear Punchers are the most popular system for easy, quick and genotype work:

AT7000

AT7020

How does your Ear Puncher differ from other Ear Punchers?

Our Ear Punchers features a spring-action mechanism that relieves the stress on the researchers wrist and also has a sloped edge for a more precise and less traumatic cut. The often-perfect cut can then easily be collected for genotyping, in the AT7000 also directly collected in a standard vial.

Neuroscience

What is you most common Mouse Stereotaxic Setup?

Our most popular Stereotaxic setup for mouse is the Kopf Model 940 with Digital Display Console with a 10-micron (0,01mm) resolution. This frame is typically equipped with the 922 Mouse Non-Rupture earbars and the superior 923-B Mouse Gas Anaesthesia Head Holder, ready for connecting to your gas Anaesthesia Machine. 

We can add/omit any accessories to your need.

To Product: Model 940

How do I use brain & other matrices?

When making a cut it is easiest to insert the blade at an angle, not straight down. Insert the blade in one side of the matrix at about a 45 degree angle then cut with it. Make the first cut with a blade and leave it in the Brain Matrix. Then take a second blade and make an adjacent cut. Leave this second blade in the Matrix as well. Now you can remove the first blade and cut with it again. Continuing in this “leap frog” method allows for more control over your cuts and limits brain movement while slicing. When using this method, the previously cut slice will stick to the “leaping” blade as you pull it out to make your next cut. This should be removed before making the next cut.

You may also choose to use more than two blades leaving multiple blades in. Some may find it beneficial to place a blade at either end of the desired section, and then make their cuts between the two end blades. Making a cut halfway between the blades, then cutting each half in half, etc. is a very stable way of doing it. Then to remove a slice, pull out the two blades on either side of it. After one slice is  removed you only need to pull up one blade at a time to get each additional slice as it should stick to the blade.

Which is your most popular and used Mouse Bran Matrice?

Our Stainless Steel Models for coronal  cuts are the most popular ones:

69-2175-1, 1mm Coronal
69-2165-1, 0,5mm Coronal

Anaesthesia

What components are compatible with your anaesthesia units?

All AgnThos systems are modular and compatible with standard gas sources (oxygen/air), nose cones, induction chambers and active or passive scavenging. TAIJI and U-410 have specific connector requirements—contact us if you need a custom configuration.

How do I adapt the system for different species?

Our systems accommodate both mice and rats by switching nose cone sizes and adjusting flow rates. TAIJI offers dual-channel output for indution/maintenance one animal or maintenance for two animal. The U-410 allows fine-tuned adjustments via syringe flow and digital sensors.

Can I use one system for both induction and maintenance?

Yes. all our systems, including the TAIJI and U-1200, support both induction (via chamber) and maintenance (via mask or nose cone). The dual-channel design in some models allows independent control of each output, which enhances flexibility in multi-step procedures.

What support does AgnTho’s offer for system selection and setup?

We offer expert guidance in selecting the right system based on your species, study design, and lab setup. Whether you need a compact solution for one animal at a time or a high-throughput setup with multiple delivery ports, our team can help you build a configuration that meets your needs. We also provide manuals, training material, and technical service for all our products together with our partners.

What’s the delivery lead time and calibration status?

All our systems are delivered calibrated and ready for use and normally doesn’t require any recalibration. Lead times vary depending on configuration—contact us for current stock and delivery options.

Pumps and infusion

What is a syringe pump and how does it work?

A syringe pump is a precision instrument used to deliver or withdraw specific volumes of fluid at a controlled rate. It works by moving the syringe plunger using a motorized pusher. This ensures accurate, often pulse-free flow for applications like drug delivery, microdialysis, or infusion into laboratory animals. Models vary in the number of syringes they support, flow rate range, and control options (manual or programmable).

Can syringe pumps be used for flow chemistry or microdialysis?

Yes. Syringe pumps like the Univentor U-864 and Legato 270 are ideal for flow chemistry and the 801 for microdialysis. They offer precise, pulse-free flow—crucial for stable reactions and consistent analyte recovery. Dual-syringe and push/pull models enable continuous flow for advanced applications.

Legato Pumps

Do I need to calibrate a Legato syringe pump?

No regular calibration is needed. Legato pumps are pre-calibrated by the manufacturer. However, you must enter accurate syringe dimensions in the pump settings to ensure correct volume and flow rate delivery. Always verify syringe compatibility for optimal performance.

Can Legato syringe pumps be remotely controlled?

Yes, many Legato models offer RS232 and USB connectivity, allowing external control via PC software. This enables programmable sequences, remote start/stop, logging, and integration into automated lab systems.

What syringe sizes are compatible with each Legato pump?

Legato pumps support syringe sizes from 0.5 μL to 140 mL, depending on the model and rack type. This is controlled via user input, allowing the pump to operate with virtually any syringe that fits within its specs.

What Legato syringe pumps are available, and how do they differ?

The Legato™ series from KD Scientific includes a variety of models such as:

• Legato 100/200 – Basic infuse-only pumps (single/dual syringe)
• Legato 110/210/270 – Infuse/withdraw models with continuous flow
• Legato 180/185 (PicoFlow) – Ultra-low flow pumps for high-precision dosing
• "P" models (e.g., 210P, 270P) – Fully programmable with RS232/USB control.

Each model differs in flow rate range, syringe compatibility, programmability, and number of syringes

Univentor Syringe Pumps

Are Univentor pumps accurate and pulse-free?

Yes. All models (801, 802, 864) are designed for high-precision applications and deliver constant, pulse-free flow using a DC motor with closed-loop speed.

What is the Univentor 801 Syringe Pump used for?

The Univentor 801 is a compact microdialysis syringe pump, optimized for precise, low-noise, pulse-free infusion. It is ideal for in vivo research requiring consistent delivery of small volumes at very low flow rates.

To produkt: Univentor 801

Can the U-801 be used with different syringe types?

Yes. While it comes preprogrammed for 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mL syringes, it can accommodate any syringe with a 60 mm graduation, thanks to adjustable clamping and customizable flow settings.

Can I use the Univentor 864 for simultaneous infusion and withdrawal?

Yes. With the optional Withdrawal Adaptor, the 864 can perform simultaneous infusion and withdrawal, ideal for microdialysis or bidirectional studies.

Product added to compare.