Pipette Calibration Services

How to prepare for calibrating your Finnpipettes:

• Ensure that the test liquid is distilled or deionized water that is Grade 3, according to ISO 3696.
• Ensure that the tests are performed in a draught-free room at a constant (±0.5°C) temperature of 15 °C to 30 °C. Relative humidity should be above 50%. With volumes under 50 μL, the air humidity should be as high as possible to reduce the evaporation loss effect.
• Ensure that the pipette, the water, and the air in the test room are all the same temperature.
• A new tip should be pre-wetted 3 to 5 times to improve accuracy. Always use water from a reservoir; do not take it back from the balance.
• Check the calibration of your pipettes at least once a year, depending on the frequency of use and on the application. If your pipettes are used daily, a three-month interval is recommended.

How to check your Finnpipette calibration:

• The ISO 8655 specifications are defined to be used with the Forward pipetting technique, but by performing the adjustment and the calibration check using the pipetting technique you use in your applications, more accurate performance will be achieved.
• The pipette is held in the calibration room for at least two hours before calibration to reach equilibrium with the test room conditions.
• The pipette is checked at the maximum volume (nominal volume) and at the minimum volume or 10% of the nominal volume, whichever is higher. For example, Finnpipette 0.5–10 μL is tested at 10 μL and 1 μL.
• Measure the current water temperature and air pressure. 
• Measure the evaporation loss (mg). To determine this, dispense water to the weighing container on the balance and using a stopwatch, measure the mass loss in 30 s. Divide this result by thirty and multiply it with the average time (usually appr. 10 s) spent between dispensing the liquid on the balance and reading the final weight from the balance display. Insert the calculated mass loss to the corresponding box on the page.
• Select the pipette model and volume range from the drop-down menu.
• Do ten pipettings with the lower calibration volume.
• Do ten pipettings with the nominal volume. According to ISO 8655, with multichannel pipettes both volumes should be tested with all channels.
• Enter the weighing results into the fields below. For multichannel pipettes, the channel number can be entered into the serial number field.
• Press the "Calculate" button to calculate accuracy and precision. If the results are within the limits, the adjustment of the pipette is correct. If not, the pipette must be readjusted (see below) with the lower volume and checked again.

How to adjust the pipette for recalibration:

• The adjustment is done at the lower calibration volume. With multichannel pipettes, the adjustment is done with one of the middle channels.
• Place the service tool that comes with the pipette into the openings of the calibration nut at the top of the handle.
• Turn the service tool clockwise to increase the volume or counter-clockwise to decrease the volume.
• After the adjustment, check the calibration as described above.

Please follow these instructions carefully in order to avoid damage to pipettes and tips.

• All Finnpipette Focus and Finnpipette F2 models can be autoclaved in one piece at 121°C (248°F) for 20 minutes. The tip cone modules of Finnpipette Novus and the tip cone of single channel Finnpipette F1 and F3 models can also be autoclaved. No special preparations are needed for autoclaving. You can use steam sterilization bags if needed.
• After autoclaving, the pipette must be cooled at room temperature for at least two hours before use.
• Check the calibration of the pipette after every autoclave treatment.
• Autoclave Finntips (standard tips) at 121°C (248°F) for 20 minutes. Immediately after autoclaving, the tips are moist. Allow moisture to evaporate before using the tips, preferably overnight.

Finnpipettes are easy to service in the laboratory using the tools provided with the pipette. All Finnpipettes come with detailed instructions on how to disassemble and assemble the pipette. Instructions for routine in-lab maintenance of pipettes are also included. Instructions for pipette use are also available on our Pipetting Resources page.

Short-term checking

At the beginning of each workday, the pipette should be checked for dust and dirt on the outside surfaces. Particular attention should be paid to the tip cone. No other solvents except 70% ethyl alcohol should be used to clean the pipette.

Long-term maintenance

If the pipette is used daily, it is recommended to check the calibration every three months.

General guidelines for cleaning the pipette:

• Open the pipette.
• Check for dust and dirt, then wipe clean.
• Use only 70% ethyl alcohol to clean. The tip cone and tip ejector can be left in an alcohol bath overnight.
• Grease the piston, O-ring, and other cleaned parts with the silicon grease that comes with the pipette.
• Assemble the pipette.

Please note: The calibration must be checked after cleaning the pipette.

UV resistance

All Finnpipette models are UV resistant. The handle however might change colour from grey to light yellow. If the inner parts of the pipette are exposed to UV light, please check there is sufficient grease on the piston and O-rings.