Eppendorf Pipette Service

For over 60 years Eppendorf has helped to revolutionise scientific research by continuously introducing technologies that have made research faster, safer, and more accurate. Today, Eppendorf offers complete liquid handling solutions to meet the ever-changing needs and uncompromising quality standards of the research community. Meticulous attention to detail throughout all phases of product design, development, and manufacturing, combined with unmatched service and support, sets Eppendorf apart from the rest. 

Precision and accuracy of the pipettes is important to ensure the quality of your results. Regular maintenance, calibration and adjustment by Eppendorf assure your single or multichannel pipettes and dispensers continue to generate reproducible results. We offer a range of service options with our Pipette Performance Plans: from quick economical calibration to GLP/GMP custom designed calibration services - according to local and international standards.

Performance Plans features

• Certified calibation reports and dated calibration service labels;
• Easy to understand plan options and costs. 

Value of services

• Consistent and reliable results;
• Highest confidence in results; and
• GLP compliant audited systems.

At Eppendorf we ensure our stringent and validated calibration procedures are followed to the highest standards possible. Not just for Eppendorf pipettes, but also for other brand pipettes and dispensers. It is a requirement during the calibration process that proper conditions are available including:

• Resolution and accuracy of the calibration balance (NIST traceable) in accordance with EN ISO 8655;
• Prevention of evaporation;
• Prevention of electrostatic charge of all parts;
• Calibration set up – measuring station, pipette and test liquid equilibrated at room temperature;
• Calibration software – ensuring reliable data acquisition from balance;
• Stable environment – draft-free, constant temperature between 15°C and 30°C and a relative humidity above 50%; and
• Test liquid – ‘Grade 3’ water conforming to ISO 3696: distilled or deionized water, degassed or air equilibrated. 

All Eppendorf in-house pipette calibration facilities comply with these requirements.

What is EN ISO 8655?
EN ISO 8655 is the test norm used for pipettes and dispensers and their calibration. The specifications are only valid for the system: pipette plus tip. This international norm is designed for:

• Manufacturers as a basis for quality control;
• Checkpoints for independent certification; and
• Users of instruments for routine testing.

Frequency of maintenance, calibration and adjustment
Recommended service period is monthly to yearly depending on:

• Type of pipette (fixed or adjustable);
• Frequency of use;
• Number of users;
• Aggressiveness of liquids dispensed;
• Acceptable error limits; and
• Internal standards (SOPs).

Our Eppendorf service levels

• BASIC: Affordable quality control according to EN ISO 8655 – 4 measurements per test volume (min, mid, max);
• STANDARD: Maintenance, calibration and adjustment with purpose of maintaining conformity with EN ISO 8655 – 10 measurements per test volume (min, mid, max);
• PREMIUM: Total care program for your pipettes: Maintenance, repair, calibration and adjustment service – 10 measurements per test volume (min, mid, max) for final and additional ‘as-found’ calibration; and
• CUSTOMISED: Flexible testing program according to your specifications.

Additional services:

• Pipette trade-in program;
• Reminder of service intervals;
• Shipping packaging and ep-points® (please inquire);
• Inspection of pipettes from all manufacturers – not just Eppendorf;
• Emergency repair service;
• On site service; and
• Pipette training with emphasis in ergonomics (PhysioCare Concept®).

Pipette maintenance includes:

• Check of seals for damage/integrity;
• Replacement of worn or defective parts;
• Replacement of small parts e.g. seals and O-­rings;
• Professional cleaning of internal and external parts; and
• Lubrication of seals, O-­rings and piston, if applicable.

Pipette calibration designed to suit your individual needs:

• Affordable quick check calibration service according to EN ISO 8655 specifications with 4 measurements per test volume;
• Calibration according to EN ISO 8655 specifications with 10 measurements per test volume;
• Initial inspection after ‘as found’ calibration is performed to determine pipette condition;
• Customised calibration according to your GLP/GMP and SOP specifications;
• Calibration report and service label; and
• Several Eppendorf pipette calibration centers can provide ISO certification according to ISO 17025. Please inquire locally.

Routine maintenance between services
We also recommend checking and cleaning your dispensing devices properly on a regular basis inbetween services. This will not only ensure reliable results but also maintain the low operating forces of your Eppendorf pipettes. For more information on routine cleaning- and maintenance instructions for your pipettes inbetween services, please read our Userguide 24, which can be downloaded from our website.