Hi,

Are we supposed to follow thwe ISO 8655 stds for inaccuracy and precision of pipettes. When we look at guidelines from different labs upto 5% inaccuracy and 5% CV is acceptable for pipettes < 50 ul and 3% inaccuracy and imprecision is acceptable for pipettes > 50 ul.

What are the references that site these levels? can someone provide me a good reference for piptette cali standards?

thanx

Artel has a suggested "initial tolerance limits" and they can send you the information. With that, most of the information I found varies, and sometimes significantly. I am in the process of revamping and moving to software that I need to program and it boils down to, how much error can you have that will not affect the result outcome? The CAP checklist simply states that you must meet the specifications set forth by your lab (7.31.2012 edition). I am meeting with all of our technical specialists over the disciplines to determine what they use them for (sometimes it is only as an applicator, not to make dilutions), etc and go from there looking at past data.

There are several places to find information and graphs about ISO standards but its unfortunate the the ISO makes you purchase certain types of documentations.

Here are 3 reference pages for ISO Standards that might be of assistance.

*ISO 8655 (explanation & maximum number of permissible errors)

*ISO 17025 (explanation, history & FDA relationship)

*Calibration & Repair Process (interesting break-down here)

These pages show great detail in what to expect from ISO standards other than what iso.org can show you. Not only do they explain what the "standard" is, they also explain how they attain this "standard". I hope this information help you on your way. Good luck.

Most pipettes come with package inserts that also have tolerance limits for that specific pipette.