In regulated laboratories such as pharmaceutical quality control (QC) and preclinical research labs, compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) is non-negotiable.
These standards don’t just apply to documentation or procedures—they also extend to the liquid handling equipment you use every day. Here’s what you should look for when selecting pipettes, pipette tips, and related tools for a GMP/GLP environment.
1. Reproducibility and Traceability: Non-Negotiable in GMP/GLP Labs
One of the key requirements in regulated labs is the reproducibility of results and the ability to trace back every detail of your operations—including the equipment used.
✅ Choose pipettes and tips that:
-
Offer lot numbers or serial numbers for tracking
-
Deliver consistent accuracy over time
-
Can be logged or barcoded for inventory and audit trails
2. Regular Calibration and Maintenance Standards
Under GMP/GLP, calibration and maintenance must be documented and traceable. This ensures equipment continues to meet specification over time.
🛠️ Standard practices include:
-
Annual calibration (ISO 8655 compliant)
-
Intermediate checks every 6 months
-
Maintenance logs and inspection stickers
Having a vendor that provides third-party or manufacturer-issued calibration certificates is essential to staying audit-ready.
3. Document Support: Certificates Matter
When it comes to audit time, documentation is just as important as performance. Make sure your liquid handling tools are backed by:
📄 Key documents:
-
Calibration Certificates
-
Lot Certificates
-
Sterility Reports (for sterile-filter tips, etc.)
WATSON products, for instance, come with calibration reports and QC records that are directly usable for compliance documentation.
4. WATSON's Solutions for Regulated Labs
WATSON's liquid handling lineup includes precision-engineered pipettes, high-quality pipette tips, and a traceable calibration service—all designed with regulatory compliance in mind.
🔎 Example offerings:
-
NEXTY series pipettors: High-accuracy design + calibration/repair service available
-
Sterile pipette tips: Certified RNase/DNase-free with lot-number traceability
-
Calibration service: Optional calibration certificate issued per unit with serial number
** Now we can provide this serivce in Japan only. In US, will be started soon.
✔️ Summary: Think Beyond the Tool
In a regulated lab, you’re not just buying a pipette. You’re investing in:
-
Precision
-
Documentation
-
Process compliance
Choose equipment that supports easy documentation, long-term accuracy, and vendor support when audits come knocking.
Let your liquid handling tools be an asset—not a liability—in your path to regulatory compliance.