Pipette_ TB 07-14_V1.0.doc
Document type: SOP
Document code: TB 07-14
PIPETTE USE AND MAINTENANCE
Confidentiality: none
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
PURPOSE...................................................................................................................... 2
2.
SCOPE .......................................................................................................................... 2
3.
RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................................................... 2
4.
CROSS-REFERENCES ................................................................................................. 2
5.
PROCEDURES .............................................................................................................. 2
5.1
Use of pipette .......................................................................................................................... 2
5.2
Calibration ............................................................................................................................... 3
6.
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................... 4
7.
CHANGE HISTORY ....................................................................................................... 4
This SOP template has been developed by FIND for adaptation and use in TB laboratories
Release date: ddMMMyy
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Pipette_TB 07-14_V1.0.doc
1.
PURPOSE
This SOP describes the use, calibration and maintenance of variable volume micropipettes. Optimal
operation of pipettes is achieved through regular calibration and proper maintenance. Poor calibration
may lead to a malfunction that can directly affect specimen testing, specimen integrity, or safety.
2.
SCOPE
This SOP relates to all procedures involving use of micropipettes performed in the ____________ TB
Laboratory.
3.
RESPONSIBILITIES
All staff members working in the ____________ TB Laboratory are responsible for the implementation
of this operating procedure. All users of this procedure who do not understand it or are unable to carry
it out as described are responsible for seeking advice from their supervisor.
4.
CROSS-REFERENCES
See:
Document Matrix_TB 01-01_V1.0.doc
Location:
5.
PROCEDURES
5.1 Use of pipette

Refer to the operating manual provided with your micropipette for full details of its operation.

Prior to use, the pipette should be checked for spilled substances and wiped with an
appropriate disinfectant.

Dispensed volumes are set by manually adjusting a micrometer attached directly to a digital
volume indicator, which reads in microlitres.

Turn volume adjustment knob to 1/3 revolution above desired setting, then turn knob
counterclockwise until intended volume is displayed. Dialing down to the desired volume
prevents mechanical backlash from affecting accuracy.

Attach new disposable pipette tip to shaft by pressing down with just enough force to make
airtight seal.

Press plunger to first stop.

Holding pipette vertically, immerse tip in liquid to be pipetted.

Allow button to slowly return to up position.

Pause briefly to assure that full volume has entered tip, then withdraw tip from sample liquid.

To dispense sample, touch tip against side wall of receiving vessel and slowly depress
plunger to first stop.

Wait 1-2 seconds, then depress plunger to second stop to expel all liquid.

Withdraw tip with plunger fully depressed and tip against vessel wall.
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Pipette_TB 07-14_V1.0.doc

Allow plunger to return to up position.

Discard tip into appropriate container by pressing discard button.

If pipetting acids or corrosive agents, disassemble pipette on completion of task to inspect and
(if necessary) clean piston, shaft, and seal assemblies with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.

For pipetting of potentially infectious liquids, filtered pipette tips must be used at all
times. Contaminated pipette tips must be discarded into a sharps disposal container situated
in the Biological Safety Cabinet.
5.2
Calibration
The pipette is checked annually for accuracy using the following procedure. The distilled water,
pipette, and pipette tips must be equilibrated to the same temperature.

Weigh at 20-25oC. Avoid drafts.

Dispense distilled water into a vessel on the balance with the weight set to 0. Use a slow careful
motion when aspirating with the pipette.

Use a pre-rinsed pipette tip, i.e. discard the first amount pipetted. This wets the inside of the
pipette tip. The volume from a dry tip and a pre-rinsed tip is different.

Dispense ten volumes of distilled water from the pipette into the glass container, according to the
specified volumes for each pipette, given on the Pipette Calibration form.
Use:
Pipette Calibration_form.xls
Location:

Enter the weights into the electronic version of the form which automatically calculates whether
the pipette has passed or failed calibration.

Refer to the pipette Instruction Manual for further details.

The pipette needs calibration if it is not within the acceptable range of accuracy stated in the
manufacturer’s manual and FAIL is reported on the spreadsheet.

Repeat the calibration procedure once and if a second failure is achieved, issue an Equipment
Failure Report.

If a pipette fails calibration or becomes broken or damaged an Equipment Failure Report must be
completed and the service representative contacted for servicing and repair.

An Equipment Failure Notice must be placed on the pipette indicating that use is prohibited.
.Use:
Equipment Failure Notice_form.doc
Equipment Failure Report_form.doc
Location:

Refer to the Instruction Manual for troubleshooting.
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Pipette_TB 07-14_V1.0.doc
6.
REFERENCES
Procedure for Evaluating Accuracy and Precision of RAININ pipettes. Factory-Approved Method for
Using Gravimetric Anaysis. Rainin Instrument, LLC.
World Health Organization. Maintenance and repair of laboratory, diagnostic imaging and hospital
equipment. Geneva: WHO; 1994.
World Health Organization. Manual of basic techniques for a health laboratory. 2nd ed. Geneva:
WHO; 2003.
World Health Organization. Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. Basics of quality
assurance for intermediate and peripheral laboratories. 2nd ed. Cairo; 2002.
7.
CHANGE HISTORY
New version #
/ date
Old version #
/ date
No. of
changes
Description of changes
Source of
change request
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