ISO 8655 revisions published

ISO standards are a solid basis for improving measurement quality and reducing risks in laboratories, i.e, in test and assay results. Many organizations require that laboratories be in compliance with applicable international standards, and companies commonly prefer dealing with ISO-compliant partners. So, when these standards are updated it is important to take note.

The original seven parts to the ISO 8655 series, applying to manual liquid handling, have undergone significant revision. These standards address general requirements & user recommendations, pipettes, burettes, dilutors, dispensers, and syringes, as well as gravimetric and photometric methods for measuring the volume delivered by these devices. Two new parts, Part-8 and -9, have been added to this series of standards. Focused effort by numerous experts from many organizations and countries contributed to bringing these standards up-to-date. Among the changes are:

– The maximum permissible systematic and random errors for small volume pipettes have been revised and tightened significantly. This can lead to more accurate and precise results from assays.

– The series now allows routine testing in users’ laboratories, in addition to calibrations. This will allow scientists to test their own equipment in-house, in the environment in which it is used, which can result in more applicable routine test and calibration results, as well as significant cost savings.

– Part 7 has been expanded to include volume measurement methods in addition to the two reference methods described in Part 6 and Part 8. Laboratories now have more options for calibration and test methods.

– A new Part 8 has been developed to specify the photometric reference measurement method for the determination of volume. Dual-dye ratiometric photometry is a highly accurate and precise means of measuring liquid volumes, particularly small volumes.

– A new Part 9 has been developed for precision laboratory syringes used for delivering liquids. Maximum permissible errors, design requirements, and terminology definitions have been specified for syringes. This will facilitate quality control and consistency of results when using these devices in the laboratory.

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