PHARMACEUTICAL & MEDICAL FEATURE
engineer inspecting the device for any signs of wear and tear, contamination or corrosion from fluids, poor pipette handling and general damage. The calibration process follows the
guideline of BS EN ISO 8665: 2002 standard and the NPL good practice guide, where compliance is tested by very accurately weighing multiple samples of dispensed fluid in a carefully controlled and repeatable manner. The engineer will then be able to make
adjustments to the pipettes to optimise performance, and, if required, replace O- rings and seals, then clean and re- lubricate prior to final compliance testing.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN ARRANGING PIPETTE CALIBRATION Calibration providers should be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, which demonstrates competency in calibration. However, the BS EN ISO 8665: 2002 standard, which is the most critical ISO standard for calibrating piston-operated pipettes, burettes, diluters, and dispensers, is much more detailed and specific to pipette calibration. Another factor to consider is the
schedule of the laboratory, which is crucial to keep in mind when planning a
pipette calibration programme. Wherever possible, minimising downtime should be the goal. Many calibration providers, including Trescal, can offer onsite calibration services which means a significant amount of time is saved by not having to transport products between the testing facility and laboratory. It is important to check that a
calibration provider is certified to undertake onsite calibration services, so always check the UKAS schedule of accreditations and ask for proof of compliance.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? Costs will vary depending on the type of pipette and calibration required. However, an appropriate maintenance regime will bring savings in the long run. With regular pipette calibration, the longevity of equipment is improved, meaning businesses are able to reduce the likelihood of problems occurring and the replacement of pipettes, saving potentially thousands of pounds. Overall, it is important to have an
open dialogue about requirements to work towards the most reliable and effective solution. A comprehensive calibration programme that meets the
With regular pipette calibration, the longevity of equipment is improved, potentially saving thousands of pounds
needs of laboratories is achievable with the help of a quality calibration provider. Additionally, with options including onsite calibration services, there should also be a solution to keep downtime and costs to a minimum.
Trescal
trescal.com
INSTRUMENTATION | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018
15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
