Pipette Repair Service
Standard Operating Procedures

I. PURPOSE:
The purpose of these SOP's is to describe the procedures followed to calibrate pipets by a Technical Representative.

II. DESCRIPTION:
These SOP's cover calibration of most brands of pipette models used in research development areas in Universities and Biotechnology Companies. It also describes the certification criteria and procedures.

III. PROCEDURE:

A. Equipment, tools and materials used:

1. Calibration tools.
2. Calibrated analytical balance (Calibrated against NIST Traceable Standards).
3. Acetone and hi-gloss metal polish.
4. Plastic weigh dishes.
5. Distilled water.
6. Spare parts.

B. Criteria to determine which Pipettes need repair and/or calibration:

1. The pipette has been tested on the balance, and is imprecise and/or inaccurate.
2. The steel piston is scratched, damaged or lost it's hi-gloss polish.
3. The teflon seal is worn out.
4. Damaged shaft or other part.
5. The sticker date shows that Calibration is due.

C. Accuracy Check Procedure:

1. Set up balance, check with NIST weights for accuracy. Calibrate balance, if necessary.
2. Check room temperature (between 19-24 degrees C.)
3. Set the desired volume on the digital micrometer. Begin with a volume at the high end of the pipette range.
   (See work-order for exact settings.)
4. Pre-rinse the fresh pipette tip with distilled water.
5. Draw up distilled water and dispense into plastic weigh dish. Note weight from the balance.
6. Repeat this step 4 more times at the same volume. Check these values against the Precision/Accuracy criteria on the Calibration Report.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 at the mid-level volume on the digital micrometer.
8. Repeat steps 4-6 at the low-level volume on the digital micrometer.

D. Repair Outline:

1. Disassemble the pipette.
2. Clean the shaft, piston and all internal parts with Acetone or hi-gloss metal polish.
3. Replace any worn or damaged parts.
4. Replace the Teflon seal.
5. Lubricate any necessary parts.
6. Reassemble the pipette.
7. Clean exterior of the pipette.
8. Clean ejector (if applicable).

E. Recalibration Procedure:

1. Loosen the set screws and/or turn the calibration screw, to decrease or increase the volume.
2. Re-tighten the set screws (if applicable) and measure the volume again.
3. Repeat above steps until measurements fall within the range on the Calibration Report.
4. Do the above 3 steps at low, middle and high volume.
5. Perform readings at predetermined volume and record for Pipette Performance Report

F. Tagging Procedure:

1. Following calibration process outlined herein, place a Sticker, indicating the date of the calibration , also note the date the next calibration is due.

G. Documentation:

1. The Pipette Calibration Report is completed and signed.

H. Definitions:

1. Accuracy- The closeness with which the dispensed Volume approximates the volume set on the pipette.
2. Precision- The means of the scatter of the individual measurements around the mean of replicate measurements of the same volume. (Deviation from the mean.)

I. References:

1. CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics- 69th Edition,

R.C. Weast