Service Levels Explained

What Pipette Service Level Do I Need?

The work you perform determines which service and calibration level is required for your environment. There are two different service levels to choose from, these are available for both single and multichannel, electronic and mechanical pipettes, as well as dispensers.

All Service and Calibration options include: 

  • Functionality testing
  • Thorough internal and external inspection of parts with replacement of worn parts
  • Leak testing and sealing system checks
  • Full internal and external cleaning
  • Documentation of all tests and work carried out, provided in a full service report

1. Service with Standard Calibration Certificate

The Standard Calibration is recommended for pipettes in general use in the laboratory. It is based on the primary method recommended for pipette calibration, the gravimetric method, as outlined in part 6 of the ISO 8655 Standard. Adherence to this standard ensures a high level of competency and data integrity.

2. Service with UKAS Calibration Certificate

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is the sole accreditation body recognised by government for the assessment of laboratories that provide test and calibration services, against internationally recognised standards. The internationally recognised standard for the competence of Laboratories is ISO/IEC 17025. 

Alpha Laboratories’ Pipette Service is delivered in partnership with Sartorius, a fully ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration and testing laboratory. UKAS calibration of instruments, carried out by a UKAS accredited service provider, ensures compliance for regulated environments that require full traceability to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. 

Advantages of a UKAS Calibration:

  • Recognition of your calibration certificates worldwide by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)
  • Guaranteed traceability to your national standards
  • Clear presentation of all measured results on the calibration certificate and of the calculated uncertainty of measurement

What is Uncertainty of Measurement?

The uncertainty of measurement provides reliable information about the quality of a measurement result. It indicates the range of values in which the true measured value lies. The lower the uncertainty of measurement, the narrower the range within which the true value lies. Accredited calibration certificates issued by Sartorius state the uncertainty of measurement in an easy-to-understand way and provide confidence in interpreting your measured values.

As Found Calibration (Pre-Calibration)

As Found readings or Pre-Calibration readings show how pipettes have performed since their last service and calibration. This is important for GLP or GMP environments as it demonstrates that equipment and instrumentation is being used in accordance with strict procedural and performance criteria between services.