Overview
EN ISO 8655-2:2022 - Piston-operated volumetric apparatus, Part 2: Pipettes - is the CEN-endorsed European adoption of ISO 8655-2:2022. This standard defines the metrological framework and user information requirements for piston-driven pipettes used in laboratory settings. It covers both air-displacement (type A) and positive-displacement (type D) pipettes, including single‑channel and multi‑channel instruments, supplied complete with selected tip(s) and any essential consumable parts intended to deliver the selected volume (Ex).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Metrological requirements: Criteria for accuracy, precision and performance testing of pipettes (fixed- and variable-volume types).
- Maximum permissible errors: Defines maximum permissible systematic and random errors for pipettes and associated pipette tips.
- Marking and user information: Requirements for markings on the instrument and documentation to be supplied to users (performance data, intended use, adjustment instructions).
- Tip and accessory requirements: Specifications for air-displacement and positive-displacement pipette tips and related consumables.
- Design and operation: Definitions of pipette types, principles of operation (forward pipetting), adjustment procedures and considerations such as hand‑warmth transfer.
- Testing guidance and annexes: Informative Annex A (sources of error for air-displacement pipettes) and Annex B (electronic/motorised pipettes and methods for multi-dispensing testing). The 2022 edition revises tables of permissible errors and tightens tip performance requirements compared with the 2002 edition.
Practical applications and users
This standard is essential for:
- Manufacturers - to set design criteria, quality control and to prepare manufacturer’s performance declarations.
- Calibration laboratories and test houses - as a reference for independent calibration, verification and routine testing (gravimetric, photometric or alternative procedures by reference to ISO 8655-6, -7, -8).
- Laboratory managers and end users - to select appropriate pipettes, tips and to interpret marking and performance information for reliable liquid handling.
- Regulatory and QA personnel - to ensure compliance in regulated environments (clinical, pharmaceutical, research).
Related standards
- ISO 8655-1 (terminology, general requirements)
- ISO 8655-6, -7, -8 (reference measurement procedures)
- ISO 3696 (water for analytical laboratory use)
EN ISO 8655-2:2022 is the authoritative reference for pipette metrology and user information, improving consistency in calibration, product selection and routine laboratory practice for accurate volumetric liquid handling.
