Pipette service & calibration overview.

FOR ACCURACY TO THE LAST DROP!

Pipettes are one of the most frequently used instruments in the lab and their ability to perform as manufactured is directly linked to how well they are maintained & calibrated. Only a well-maintained and calibrated pipette can give you confidence that the pipette is performing to the accuracy and precision it was designed for.

Starlab has a team of fully trained technicians who can service all brands of pipettes: single and multi-channel, manual and electronic, repeaters, pipette controllers and bottle-top dispensers.

Starlab is a UKAS accredited laboratory (4296), so you can be sure our staff are competent, methods are validated, measurements are metrologically traceable and carried out under strict environmental conditions.

Using Starlab to calibrate your pipettes helps support your compliance with quality systems such as:

• ISO 9001 Quality Management System
• ISO 13485 Medical Devices — Quality Management Systems
• ISO 15189 Medical Laboratories — Requirements for Quality and Competence
• ISO 17025 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories
• MHRA and 21 CFR Part 820 Quality System Regulation

Excellent Customer Service

• Replacement parts and servicing is guaranteed¹ for 6 months
• Customised calibration: you choose the specifications, the number of readings per channel and the test points to suit
• Customised invoicing to suit your institution‘s requirements (e.g. by department, grant code or name)
• No hidden costs! We can, if requested, contact you beforehand if any major parts need replacing
• After care service – we are available at any time with help and advice on any pipetting, quality or specification questions

¹ Terms and conditions apply.

Mail-in pipette servicing:

The mail-in service is available for all levels of servicing - standard, UKAS Calibrations and bespoke servicing.

• Convenient service, as and when you need it
• Quick turnaround

Timers and temperature devices can also be mailed in, and we will calibrate them at the same time as we calibrate your pipettes

Our mail-in box is designed to protect your pipettes during transit to and from our laboratory. Not only can it be reused again and again, it also contains recycled materials.

On-site pipette servicing:

On-site servicing is available UK-wide, for all levels of servicing – standard, UKAS calibrations, and bespoke servicing. Let us come to you and minimise the “down-time” for your pipettes.

• Pre-clinic consultation to ensure everything runs smoothly
• Each clinic is tailored to suit individual requirements
• Clinic scheduling service available for large clinics
• Certificates provided electronically at the end of clinic
• Service report and technical report can be provided (daily, weekly or at end, depending on clinic length) listing all pipettes serviced by serial number, the service level carried out, and fitted parts
• Clinic debrief and post-clinic consultation to ensure service satisfaction
• We can provide a Decontamination Declarations template, and if needed, marketing material to help promote the clinic, as well as info on decontamination procedures

Timers and temperature devices can also be calibrated at the same time as we calibrate your pipettes

Our technicians will bring along all the necessary equipment for servicing. However, there are stringent requirements that must be adhered to for the room or area where the on-site clinic will be taking place. It must:

• Have a stable temperature with no large fluctuations: 17–25 °C for standard calibrations / 21 (± 3 °C) for UKAS calibrations
• Be draught-free – draughts can cause balance instability (e.g. calibration performed directly under an air conditioning unit or near a door)
• Not be a thoroughfare – frequent movement behind or near the technician can affect balance stability
• Have a stable, vibration-free bench – vibrations cause balance instability
• Have at least 2 m of bench space with legroom underneath (this may vary; we’ll discuss prior to the clinic)
• Not be carpeted – carpets can generate static and affect balance accuracy
• Have a solid floor – mezzanine levels may not be suitable due to vibration transfer

Why is Training Important?

Quality systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 15189, and ISO 13485 have requirements for qualifications, training, and competence. This is particularly important with pipettes because the pipetting technique used, as well as their handling, storage, and maintenance, can have a major impact on the continued accuracy and precision

Benefits of Attending a Course

• Courses held at your own premises, at a convenient time for you – no travelling required!
• Developed by liquid handling specialists who are experts in the field
• Build confidence in your daily work by gaining a deeper understanding of pipetting accuracy
• Gain a better understanding of specifications and calibration intervals

For inquiries about UKAS technical matters, certificate data, ISO 8655:2022, ISO 17025, or broken pipettes, please contact technicalenquiries@starlab.co.uk

For any query regarding a pipette that has been mailed-in to our laboratory, please contact servicecentre@starlab.co.uk

For general servicing enquiries, to book a clinic or if you have a query regarding an existing clinic, please contact service@starlab.co.uk or 01908 283810