What you can expect from each of the many variants of pipette service.

using the dropdowns and tabs below our simple selections let you know what you can expect from each of the many variants of pipette service, making it easy to select the correct service & calibration to meet with your SOP’s and other certification requirements.

 

Calibration Levels explained


ISO 8655 is the least stringent of the standards applied to air displacement pipettes and positive displacement pipettes, single channel and multichannel pipettes (fixed or variable) as well as both manual and electronic pipettes.

The ISO 8655 standard defines a procedure for generating valid, reliable measurement data. Including proper tip installation, pre-wetting, aspiration and dispensing technique, measurement container requirements, required number of measurements, evaporation rate determination and time lapse for test completion.

Every Manufacturer specifies a measure of tolerance which provide for a maximum level of deviation from the volume measurement.  Most would exceed ISO 8655 standards.
Also known as, COFRAC & ISO17025

UKAS accredited servicing, requires adherence to ISO17025 whereby;

all staff are competent and fully-trained,

instruments are calibrated and properly maintained,

and servicing is carried out under the correct environmental conditions.

UKAS is an internationally recognised standard which ensures full traceability of data and ensures both internal and external quality control.  In the UK the term UKAS pipette calibration means, too ISO 17025 standard.


Calibration Options


Also known as “As-found”

Generally used to gather information prior to any preventive maintenance or calibration. The data is used to document the performance of the instrument since its last recorded service event. Each pipette is first identified by serial number for record-keeping purposes and then tested for inaccuracy and imprecision against defined tolerances. The validation should be conducted using at least three samples per volume at two to three different volume settings (e.g., typically Min, Mid & Max volumes). A statistical analysis of this produces the validation pass/fail status of the instrument. Pipettes that pass can be assumed to have been within tolerance since their last documented calibration event, especially when supported by a performance verification program, pipettes that fail should be assumed to have been performing outside of tolerance since their last recorded service event.

GMP requires that managers ensure adequate and continuous performance of measurement equipment with respect to accuracy and precision.

Each pipette is;

  • dismantled, cleaned internally & externally, inspected and leak tested.
  • worn parts are replaced.
  • calibration date sticker applied to show the date of calibration, next due date and which technician carried out the work.
  • certificate of calibration for each pipette, specifying the results and any replacement parts fitted. (see sample certificate)
The combination of Validation and Service & Calibration.

Each pipette is;

  • validated prior to any action being applied, giving a historic data point for GLP & GMP systems.
  • dismantled, cleaned internally & externally, inspected and leak tested.
  • worn parts are replaced.
  • calibration date sticker applied to show the date of calibration, next due date and which technician carried out the work.
  • certificates of calibration showing “As Found” and “As Left” for each pipette, specifying the results and any replacement parts fitted.

Anyone working in a GLP or GMP environment knows the importance of demonstrating that equipment and instrumentation used is maintained in accordance with strict procedural and performance criteria.

To ensure your compliance Pre-Service calibration show how pipettes have performed since their last service & calibration and ensure continued compliance throughout their life.

Pre and Post calibration provides the greatest assurance of pipette performance between services.

Fixed Channel Calibration


Four Readings taken.
Six Readings taken.
Ten Readings taken

Single Channel Calibration


Two Readings taken at each of 2 points (generally minimum and maximum volume).
Four Readings taken at each of 2 points (generally minimum and maximum volume).
Five Readings taken at each of 3 points (generally minimum, middle and maximum volume).
Ten Readings taken at each of 3 points (generally minimum, middle and maximum volume).

Multi Channel Calibration


Two Readings taken at each of 2 points (generally minimum and maximum volume) across all channels.
Four Readings taken at each of 2 points (generally minimum and maximum volume) across all channels.
Five Readings taken at each of 3 points (generally minimum, middle and maximum volume) across all channels .
Ten Readings taken at each of 3 points (generally minimum, middle and maximum volume) across all channels.