Your pipette might look fine from the outside, but even small shifts in accuracy can lead to big errors in your results. Regular calibration ensures your pipette continues to deliver precise and reliable performance – and avoids costly mistakes down the line.

 

So how often should you calibrate it? Let’s break it down.

 

1. Why Pipette Calibration Matters

Pipettes are precision instruments, and even minor deviations can throw off an entire experiment.

Reasons to calibrate regularly:

・Maintain experimental accuracy

・Comply with GLP/GMP or ISO standards

・Reduce risk of failed experiments

・Ensure reproducibility across users

 

2. Recommended Calibration Frequency

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Frequency depends on:

・How often the pipette is used

・The sensitivity of your application

・Environmental conditions (humidity, temperature)

・Internal lab policies or regulations

General Guidelines:

Usage Level	Suggested Calibration Frequency
Daily or high-use	Every 1–2 months
Weekly use	Every 3–4 months
Occasional use	Every 6 months

 Tip: Some labs calibrate quarterly as a standard practice regardless of usage.

 

3. Signs Your Pipette May Need Calibration Sooner

・Inconsistent results across replicates

・Leaking or dripping tips

・Difficulty in setting volumes

・Physical damage or drop incidents

・     After autoclaving (some models may shift)

 

4. Who Should Calibrate Your Pipette?

Option 1: In-house Calibration

Suitable for labs with trained technicians and balance equipment

May use distilled water and gravimetric method

Option 2: External Certified Service

Recommended for ISO/GMP-compliant labs

Includes full inspection, adjustment, and documentation

 

WATSON provides traceable calibration reports with each pipette, and recommends annual certified recalibration.

 

5. Between Calibrations: What You Can Do

・Perform routine performance checks (e.g., gravimetric testing)

・Store pipettes vertically and avoid laying them flat

・Use compatible tips to avoid seal inconsistencies

・regularly and avoid chemical damage

 

Conclusion

Calibrating your pipette isn’t just a formality – it’s an essential part of producing trusted, reproducible science. Set a schedule, keep records, and treat your pipette like the precision tool it is.

 

Need help? WATSON is here to support with calibration-ready pipettes and expert support.

 

 

 

pipettecalibration #labmaintenance #WATSONBioLab #accuracyfirst #reproducibleresults #labstandards #pipettecare #scienceequipment