In 2024, a new addition to the ISO 8655 standard for piston-operated volumetric apparatus (POVA) was introduced: ISO 8655-10:2024. This update focuses on providing practical guidance for selecting, using, and maintaining POVA to enhance accuracy and reliability in laboratory measurements.

Key Highlights of ISO 8655-10:2024

1.    User Guidance for Selection and Use
The new part of the standard offers detailed advice on choosing the right pipettes and volumetric instruments for specific applications. It emphasises best practices to ensure consistent performance across different experimental conditions.
2.    Increased Accuracy Requirements
The update stresses the importance of using higher-resolution balances during pipette calibration to achieve more precise and accurate results. This aligns with the growing demand for greater reliability in laboratory measurements.
3.    Best Practices for Maintenance
A significant focus of ISO 8655-10:2024 is on maintaining POVA to prolong their lifespan and maintain performance. It encourages regular calibration and adherence to maintenance schedules to minimise errors.

Why This Matters for Laboratories

Compliance with ISO 8655 ensures that pipetting processes are accurate and consistent, critical for reproducible results in research and diagnostics. By incorporating the latest guidance, laboratories can optimise their workflows, reduce measurement errors, and align with international standards.

Next Steps for Your Lab

To stay compliant with ISO 8655:2024:

•    Review your current pipette calibration and maintenance procedures. Appleton Woods recommends the appPETTE pipettes as their top choice. These pipettes come with a calibration key, are pre-calibrated to meet ISO 8655 standards, and can be autoclaved without requiring recalibration! recalibration!
•    Upgrade to higher-resolution balances. If you are using a pipettor with volumes less than 20 μL then a six-place balance is now required. For pipettes with a nominal volume between 20 μLand 199 μL, a five-place balance is required.
•    Provide training to your team on the updated guidelines to ensure best practices.

By adopting these updates, laboratories can enhance their measurement reliability and uphold the highest standards in their work.

For more information about ISO 8655:2024 and its implications, contact us here.