Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Volumetric Measurement EN
Volumetric Measurement EN
in the Laboratory
BRAND GMBH + CO KG
P.O. Box 11 55
97861 Wertheim
Germany
www.brand.de 5
Glass Volumetric Instruments · Manufacture
Blanks
Two types of glass are used for the production of blanks: High-quality blanks and strict statistical testing of the required
– soda-lime glass (e.g., AR-GLAS®) for bulb and graduated quality characteristics are the basis for producing high-quality
pipettes volumetric instruments. For example, thermal stress in the glass
– borosilicate glass (typically Borosilicate glass 3.3) for volumetric blanks must be eliminated by a controlled heating and cooling
flasks, graduated cylinders and burettes. process.
These glass types meet the stringent laboratory requirements for
chemical and physical resilience. This results in optimum me- temperature changes produce
chanical stability, a requirement thermal stresses, which may
for keeping the volume con- result in breakage.
stant despite any subsequent
temperature fluctuations. Therefore:
Therefore, BLAUBRAND® and Always place glass instruments
SILBERBRAND volumetric into a cold drying cabinet or
instruments can be heated up sterilizer; then heat slowly. At
to 250 °C in a drying cabinet or the end of the drying or steril-
sterilizer without any resulting izing period, allow instruments
volume changes. to cool off slowly inside the
As with all glass instruments, switched-off drying cabinet or
however it should be noted, sterilizer. Never heat volumetric
that uneven heating or sudden instruments on a hotplate!
Blanks for graduated cylinders
Calibration
Every glass volumetric instru- Volumetric instruments are either calibrated 'to contain' ('In')
ment is individually calibrated at or 'to deliver' ('Ex').
BRAND, i.e. the instrument is
accurately filled with a defined Calibration 'to contain' Calibration 'to deliver' Reference temperature
quantity of water, and a calibra- (TC, In): (TD, Ex): The standard reference tem-
tion mark is applied at the low- The contained quantity of liquid The delivered quantity of liquid perature, i.e. the temperature
est point of the meniscus. In corresponds to the capacity corresponds to the capacity at which volumetric instruments
the case of graduated instru- printed on the instrument. printed on the instrument. will contain or dispense their
ments, two calibration marks These instruments include e.g., The wetting residue remaining volumes, is 20 °C.
are applied. graduated cylinders, volumetric in the instrument has already If the adjustment or calibra-
Computer-controlled systems flasks, and capillary pipettes up been taken into account in the tion is performed at a temper-
ensure maximum precision in a to 200 µl. calibration. These instruments ature that deviates from this
fully automated production line. include e.g., graduated and standard, the corresponding
'Statistical Process Control' bulb pipettes, and burettes. measurement values must be
(SPC) guarantees production of corrected.
volumetric instruments with the
smallest deviation from nominal Note:
capacity (accuracy) and narrow Due to the small coefficient of
scatter of individual values expansion of the glass material,
(coefficient of variation). the reference temperature is of
minor significance in practical
use since the measurement de-
viations resulting from volume
expansion of the measuring in-
strument are generally smaller
than the error limit.
6 info@brand.de
Glass Volumetric Instruments · Manufacture
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Glass Volumetric Instruments · Manufacture
Batch 03 with
year identification DE-M 19
Example:
BLAUBRAND® bulb pipette
Manufacturer
Designation of the standard
BRAND trademark for
volumetric instruments
Country of origin
class A/AS
Error limit
Class 'A', the highest
quality grade,
Volume unit 'S' for swift delivery
8 info@brand.de
Glass Volumetric Instruments · Manufacture
Accuracy classification
Volumetric instruments are generally available in two accuracy classes:
Class A/AS/AW
Volumetric instruments of class A and AS have identical error lim- Class A/AS/AW
its as established by DIN EN ISO. These are generally implement-
ed only in glass volumetric instruments. Exceptions are BRAND ■ Always stands for the
plastic volumetric flasks made from PFA and PMP and plastic highest-grade accuracy
graduated cylinders made from PMP, which are designed to meet ■ 'S' stands for swift delivery
the highest requirements and likewise correspond to class A. (pipettes and burettes)
Measuring flasks with wide neck are marked with class AW and
■ Only classes A/AS/AW
have a higher error limit compared with class A measuring flasks.
have DE-M marking
For class AS volumetric instruments, calibrated to deliver (TD, Ex),
the additional 'S' means swift delivery. ■ Graduation:
Class AS volumetric instruments have become quite well estab- The long graduation marks
lished. The risk of clogging is low in pipettes and burettes with extend over at least 90%
a larger tip opening. The delivery behavior of various liquids is of the tube perimeter or are
compensated by observing the defined waiting time (see 'Delivery present as ring markings.
and waiting times' on page 11).
Class B
Volumetric instruments of class B are available in glass or plastic. Class B
Class B instruments generally have twice the error limits of class
A/AS. ■ Generally twice the error
Examples of BRAND class B plastic volumetric instruments are limits of class A/AS
volumetric flasks and graduated cylinders made of PMP or PP, ■ Graduation:
as well as bulb and graduated pipettes made of PP. The long graduation marks
For class B measuring instruments calibrated to deliver (TD, Ex), extend about 20 - 40% of
no waiting time is specified. the tube perimeter.
www.brand.de 9
Volumetric Instruments of Glass · Measuring the Volume
Meniscus setting
Correct meniscus setting is a prerequisite for accurate volumetric measurement.
Important note:
The temperature of the liquid
and the environment during
use are important. While the
expansion of a glass volumetric
instrument is negligible, the
expansion of the liquid at dif-
ferent temperatures must be
Concave meniscus in a Convex meniscus in a Appearance of the meniscus taken into account. To minimize
graduated pipette. graduated pipette. at the Schellbach stripe in a volume errors as much as
burette. possible, the volumes of all
the liquids in contact with one
In the case of a concave me- With the meniscus curved The Schellbach stripe is a another should be measured
niscus, the volume has to be upwards, the volume should be narrow blue band at the center at a common (prevailing daily)
read at the lowest point of the read at the lowest point of the of a white stripe. Schellbach temperature. Especially in the
liquid level. The lowest point of liquid level (edge). During the stripes are imprinted on the preparation of standard solu-
the meniscus has to touch the reading, the lowest point must back of volumetric instruments tions, for example, the pipetting
upper edge of the graduation touch the upper edge of the to improve readability. of the samples and the titration
mark. graduation mark. The refraction of light causes should be done at the same
two arrow points to appear temperature to the extent pos-
at the meniscus. The reading sible. Significant temperature
point is where the two arrows differences between the mea-
meet. suring instrument and the liquid
should likewise be avoided.
10 info@brand.de
Volumetric Instruments of Glass · Measuring the Volume
Class B
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Glass Volumetric Instruments · Handling
12 info@brand.de
Glass Volumetric Instruments · Handling
Handling of pipettes
Delivering
5. Hold the pipette vertically.
Deliver the liquid with the
tip of the pipette in contact
with the inner surface of the
inclined receiving vessel.
6. When the meniscus comes
to a rest in the tip, the wait-
ing time of 5 s begins (class
AS only).
Type 1 and type 3
7. After the waiting time,
draw the pipette tip upwards When using type 1 or type 3
along the inner wall through graduated pipettes (zero point
a distance of about 10 mm Set meniscus
at top), the meniscus must
to remove residual liquid. 1 time 1.) first be set at the zero point
and then the liquid be run
out to slightly above the
desired partial volume.
Note: 2.) After a waiting time of 5 s,
The residual liquid still left the meniscus should be set
in the tip has already been a second time.
taken into account during
calibration and must not be
discharged into the vessel,
such as by blowing out.
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Glass Volumetric Instruments · Handling
Handling of pipettes
Capillary pipettes are pipettes with a very narrow internal diameter. They are filled either with a
pipetting aid, or automatically by capillary action. After emptying, the capillary pipette must be
rinsed repeatedly with the diluting medium.
Filling
■ Aspirate liquid accurately to
the desired mark.
■ Hold the pipette horizontally
and carefully wipe off with a
tissue.
Delivering
■ To empty capillaries blow
out the liquid with a pipet-
ting aid, and rinse two to
three times with the diluting
medium (required due to
calibration 'to contain'). Fill capillary Wipe off Deliver
14 info@brand.de
Glass Volumetric Instruments · Handling
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Glass Volumetric Instruments · Handling
Handling of burettes
Burettes are glass volumetric instruments calibrated to deliver Calibration
(TD, Ex) which are used for titration in volumetric analysis. Class AS: 'Ex + 30 s'
Class B: 'Ex'
Notes on titration:
In addition to burettes, volumetric flasks, bulb pipettes and must be no cloudiness, flocculation or precipitation present. The
Erlenmeyer flasks are required for titrating. For easiest recognition titration is finished, when the color change is reached. Before
of the color change, place the sample vessel on a white surface. each new titration, reset the zero point and start the titration from
Make sure that the solution is completely homogenous. There there.
16 info@brand.de
Glass Volumetric Instruments · Handling
Handling
1. Determine the weight of the dry and empty density bottle.
2. Fill the density bottle with liquid, avoiding bubbles. The ground
neck should be covered to about 1/3.
3. In a thermostatic bath, adjust the temperature of the bottle and
contents to 20 °C.
4. Align the stopper respectively, the thermometer of the density
bottle according to the marking, and insert carefully. The capil-
lary tube fills up and the displaced liquid comes out.
5. Carefully dry the outer surfaces of the stopper (respectively,
the side capillary) and the density bottle with tissue.
ATTENTION:
Be careful not to remove any liquid from the capillary. The
sample liquid must be exactly level with the upper end of the
capillary.
Density bottle with stopper 6. Determine the weight of the filled density bottle.
Calculate the density from the mass (weight) and the volume of
the liquid at the reference temperature of 20 °C. The volume is
engraved on the bottle. The equation is:
Note:
Calibrated density bottles always carry a unique identification
number on all component parts.
Use only parts with the same number together.
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Glass Volumetric Instruments · Pipetting Aids
The variable motor speed control and a special valve system An integrated check valve in connection with a membrane filter
enable sensitive operation with pipettes from 0.1 to 200 ml. effectively protects against penetrating liquids. To protect against
corrosion, an active pressure compensation diverts vapors outside.
Handling
Pipetting is controlled through two large function buttons:
Filling Delivery
To fill the pipette, press the Discharge rate is con-
upper button. Intake rate tinuously variable by trigger
is continuously variable by pressure.
trigger pressure.
Choose:
Free delivery
or
Power delivery
18 info@brand.de
Glass Volumetric Instruments · Pipetting Aids
The macro is compatible with the full range of bulb and graduated meniscus adjustment. A hydrophobic membrane filter protects the
pipettes from 0.1 to 200 ml. The special valve system allows easy system against penetrating liquid.
Handling
Pipette filler
The classic standard pipetting aid for bulb and graduated pipettes.
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Glass Volumetric Instruments · Pipetting Aids
Handling
Handling
20 info@brand.de
Liquid Handling Instruments
Single-channel Multichannel
Bottletop dispenser Bottletop dispenser Bottletop burette air interface pipette air interface pipette
Dispensette® seripettor® Titrette® Transferpette® S Transferpette® S -8/-12
(manual) (manual)
www.brand.de 21
Liquid Handling Instruments · Dispensing
For easy, rapid and precise dispensing of reagents, bottletop dispensers are widely employed to
replace poured transfers into graduated cylinders. They can be mounted directly on commercial labo-
ratory bottles, either directly or by means of adapters. It is no longer necessary to transfer or decant
chemicals. Serial dispensing in particular is greatly facilitated.
22 info@brand.de
Liquid Handling Instruments · Dispensing
Monitoring of measuring
Safety always comes first! instruments / calibration
When choosing a bottletop Likewise, the suitability of the In regard to the monitoring of
dispenser, the safety features dispenser for the medium to be measuring instruments accord-
of the instrument should be dispensed should be checked ing to ISO and GLP guidelines,
kept in mind. For example, by the user. Information about the accuracy of volumetric
does it reduce the risk of this can generally be found in instruments should be checked
injury due to glass breakage? the operating manual in the regularly and recalibrated if
How does it avoid accidental chapter 'Function and limita- necessary (see page 33).
splashing when the instrument tions of use'. When in doubt,
is primed? How is contact with contact the manufacturer
the medium minimized when directly. Information on main-
the dispensing tube is closed? tenance and monitoring of
measuring instruments are also
found in the operating manual.
www.brand.de 23
Liquid Handling Instruments · Titrating
How to titrate?
Using a bulb pipette, a defined portion of a sample (liquid with an unknown fraction of dissolved
material, e.g., acetic acid) is placed in an Erlenmeyer flask.
After dilution with water, 3 drops of an indicator solution are added. Then, with continuous swirling,
a suitable titrant of known concentration (e.g., 0.1 M NaOH) is added from a burette until a color
change in the indicator signals the endpoint of the titration.
Using the chemical equation and the volume of titrants used, the amount of substance dissolved in
the sample can be calculated.
Bottletop burettes are mounted By the subsequent downward The discharged volume can be
directly upon the reservoir bot- movement of the piston, the read directly from the display of
tle. By the upward movement liquid is released slowly, and the bottletop burette. There are
of the piston, liquid is aspirated added to the sample through no meniscus reading errors.
from the reagent bottle into the the discharge tube until the
burette cylinder. titration is finished, e.g., by
change of color.
e.g., Titrette® from BRAND in 10 ml, 25 ml, and 50 ml sizes The piston moves when the hand wheels are turned, and this
takes up or discharges the liquid. The electronics of the instru-
ment automatically recognize the direction of rotation, whether
filling or titration is taking place.
The liquid can be taken in quickly, and can then be delivered ex-
actly, very slowly, drop by drop. A recirculation valve makes it pos-
sible to run the liquid back into the bottle during priming. Thus,
air bubbles can be removed without loss of medium. The instru-
ment can readily be disassembled in the laboratory for cleaning
and maintenance.
Range of application
It can be used in many ap-
plications for aqueous and
non-aqueous solutions (e.g.,
alcoholic KOH) up to 1 M. For more information about titrating
with bottletop burettes see the video
on our Youtube channel
Materials mylabBRAND:
24 info@brand.de
Liquid Handling Instruments · Pipetting
Reagent
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Liquid Handling Instruments · Pipetting
These pipettes also function by the air interface principle. They allow 8 or 12 pipetting operations to
be carried out simultaneously.
Microtiter technology requires pipetting into microtiter plates of 8 x 12 cavities (96-well plates) with
standardized spacing. This technology allows e.g., the detection of minute quantities of proteins.
This method can only be employed efficiently with multichannel pipettes.
Multichannel pipettes are ideal for the efficient transfer of samples, for serial dilutions and for wash-
ing of microtiter plates.
Operation
26 info@brand.de
Liquid Handling Instruments · Pipetting
Pressing the pipetting button discharge are controlled by a The combination of motor-con- An additional advantage is the
starts the aspiration or discharge microprocessor. trolled pipettes and ergonomic execution of pipetting programs
mechanisms (incl. blow-out). Various pipetting programs can design enables stress-free, such as the gel electrophore-
The pipette’s piston is moved be selected with the control fatigue-free operation. sis mode (with precise display
by a motor, aspiration and keys. It also reduces the demands of delivered volume) and a
on the thumb while carrying dispensing mode, which are not
out lengthy series which would possible with manual pipettes.
otherwise increase the risk of
RSI syndrome!
e.g., Transferpette® electronic single-
and multichannel pipette from BRAND
Program keys
Pipetting button
Tip ejection key
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Liquid Handling Instruments · Pipetting
The display
Program
Battery capacity
Arrow symbol
for 'intake'
Pipetting volume
Dispensing
A program for the dispensing of liquids in a series of equal ali-
quots. A volume that has been aspirated is dispensed in steps.
28 info@brand.de
Liquid Handling Instruments · Pipetting
Glass cylinder In contrast with air interface physical properties of the liquid. Highest accuracy and speedy
pipettes, the positive-displace- There is no need to discard operation. The tips or capil-
ment piston is in direct contact tips or capillaries after each laries are reusable. No need for
with the pipetted liquid. The pipetting operation, since the reading a meniscus for pipet-
Positive-displace-
piston wipes the walls of the minimal residual wetting is ting.
ment piston
tips/capillaries completely negligible for most applications.
clean – literally to the last drop If carry-over is a concern, such
which can be observed leaving as with infectious or radioactive
Reagent the tip orifice. This principle media, an air interface pipette
always provides reproduc- with disposable tips should be
ible results, regardless of the preferred.
Range of application
Highly viscous media, such Media with high vapor pressure Media which tend to foam,
as highly concentrated protein such as alcohols, ether and such as tenside solutions/
solutions, oils, resins and fats. hydrocarbons. surfactants.
www.brand.de 29
Liquid Handling Instruments · Dispensing
Functional principle
With manual repetitive pipettes, No intermediate volumes can pressure, high viscosity or
the volume delivered in each be selected. A main advantage a tendency to foam pose
step results from the length of these devices is their robust- no problem to the repetitive
of the stroke, defined by the ness; their drawback is their pipettes.
number of steps on a toothed often fatiguing operation. According to volume range, the
rack, and the size of the tip. Repetitive pipettes work on the repetitive pipette can be fitted
Therefore, only a limited num- proven positive-displacement with PD-Tips of different sizes.
ber of defined dispensing steps principle. Therefore, even
is available. difficult media with high vapor
Manual repetitive pipette The repetitive pipette simplifies serial pipetting by taking up a me-
dium once and then delivering it step by step. With one filling, up
e.g., HandyStep® from BRAND to 49 steps between 2 µl and 5 ml can be dispensed, depending
on the size of the PD-Tip. The volumes and number of steps are
a combined result of the setting of the volume selector key (1-5)
and the size of the tip used.
Positive-displacement tips (PD-Tips) from BRAND are available
in 10 different sizes, sterile or non-sterile.
Compatible tips of other manufacturers may also be used.
Steps
30 info@brand.de
Liquid Handling Instruments · Dispensing
Functional principle
Intake and discharge are The ergonomic design results The positive-displacement tips
controlled by a single key. The in fatigue-free operation. The allow the dispensing of media
piston inside the tips is driven piston wipes the walls of the of high density, high vapor
by a motor, with a microproces- tips completely clean, providing pressure or volatility, or with a
sor controlling the volume and precisely reproducible results tendency to foam.
number of steps. without the influences of an air
interface.
Thanks to the patented glance. Operating the settings, the electronic repeti-
encoding on the piston head, instrument using the STEP tive pipettes allow the continu-
BRAND Dispenser Tips feature button located on the back ous selection of intermediate
automatic size detection. After allows fatigue-free (ergonom- volumes, such as 1.01 ml.
insertion, the detected tip size ic) working. When a new PD-
is shown on the display. This Tip of the same size is insert- Automatic tip ejection rounds
prevents errors and both the ed, all instrument settings are out the workflow and allows the
volume to be dispensed, and maintained. contamination-free ejection of
the desired work program can the tip.
now be easily set via the touch In contrast to manual repeti-
display. All the important tive pipettes which only permit
information is visible at a a limited number of volume
The HandyStep® touch with its three modes covers the requirements of standard applications.
The HandyStep® touch S additionally features the modes Sequential Dispensing, Multi-Aspiration
and Titration for more comprehensive applications.
Sequential
Successive dispensing
Dispensing
of different volumes – ✔
(SEQ-DISP)
Multi-Aspiration
(MULTI-ASP)
Aspirating different volumes – ✔
Manual or successive delivery
Titrating
of liquids for titration – ✔
www.brand.de 31
Accuracy
1 2 3 4 5
V - Vspec. s · 100 V A% + 2CV%
EL ≥ Vmeasured - Vspec. A [%] = · 100 CV [%] = A part. [%] = nominal · A nominal% EL ≥ · Vnominal
Vspec. V Vpart. 100%
(analog CVpart. [%] )
32 info@brand.de
Monitoring of Measuring Instruments
Analytical laboratories have to verify and document the accuracy of all measuring devices used in or-
der to achieve reliable results. This especially applies to laboratories which operate according to GLP
guidelines, are accredited to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17 025, or are certified to DIN EN ISO 9001.
All these standards and guidelines require the availability of written instructions describing the moni-
toring procedure in detail.
The error limits or accuracy and coefficient of variation have also to be defined, and there must be
instructions on how to proceed if the acceptable limits are exceeded.
www.brand.de 33
Monitoring of Measuring Instruments
34 info@brand.de
Monitoring of Measuring Instruments
3. Calculation of the standard deviation, necessary for the determination of coefficient of variation
0.8393
s = 1.0032 ·
9
s = 0.306
s · 100
CV [%] = –
V
0.306 · 100
CV [%] =
200.1514
CV [%] = 0.153
The result for the calculated example is: What to do if the instrument exceeds the error limits:
Results of the gravimetric 1. Review the operating manual If despite these steps the
Note:
testing: to ensure that the instru- instrument still does not meet
For checking partial volumes, ment was operated properly. the specifications, remove from
Tested volume (µl): 200.0000
the values A nominal [%] and service and contact the manu-
Mean volume (µl): 200.1514 2. Follow the troubleshoot-
CVnominal [%] which are related facturer for support.
A [%] 0.076 ing guide in the operating
to the nominal volume Vnominal
CV [%] 0.153 manual for assistance.
must be converted.
A [%] specified* 0.600 3. Recalibrate the instrument in
For a partial volume of 20 µl
CV [%] specified* 0.200 accordance with the operat-
this means:
* Error limits in operating manual. ing manual.
Vnominal
A 20 µl [%] = · A nominal [%]
⇒ This pipette meets V20 µl
specifications.
200 µl
A 20 µl [%] = · 0.5%
If the calculated values for Ac- 20 µl
curacy (A [%]) and Coefficient
of Variation (CV [%]) are less A 20 µl [%] = 5%
than or equal to the error limits,
the instrument is calibrated to The calculation of CVpart
operate within specifications. is analog.
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Monitoring of Measuring Instruments
Calibration software
The monitoring of measuring devices to GLP and DIN EN ISO 9001 is not exactly straightforward.
Complex equations easily lead to calculating errors, and the documentation of results can be tiresome.
To facilitate this tedious task, some manufacturers have developed special calibration software.
36 info@brand.de
IVD Directive
IVD Directive
Implications and consequences
How to define
IVD Directive 98/79/EC and In-Vitro-Diagnostic
Regulation (EU) 2017/746 Medical Devices (IVD)? What is a Medical Device? CE Marking
On December 7th, 1998, the An 'In-Vitro-Diagnostic Medical The definition of a 'Medical The CE mark is the official
EU directive for 'In-vitro-Diag- Device' is any medical device Device' includes any instru- marking required by the Eu-
nostic Medical Devices' (IVD used in-vitro for the examina- ment, apparatus, appliance, ropean Community. It shows
Directive) was published in the tion of specimens, including material or other article, includ- the user, that this product
Official Journal of the European blood and tissue donations, ing the software necessary for fulfills all essential safety and
Union and became effective. derived from the human body. its proper application, intended environmental requirements
IVD can be a reagent, calibra- by the manufacturer to be as defined in the so-called
The EU regulation 2017/746
tor, control material, kit, instru- used for human beings for the European Directives. The
for 'In-vitro-Diagnostic Medi-
ment, apparatus, equipment, purpose of: manufacturer marks the instru-
cal Devices' (IVD Regulation)
system, or specimen recepta- ment and produces a declara-
became effective on May 26th, ■ diagnosis, prevention,
cles, intended by the manufac- tion of conformity describing
2017. The transition period monitoring, treatment or al-
turer to be specifically used for the instruments' fulfillment with
ends on May 26th, 2022. leviation of disease, injury or
in-vitro diagnostic examination. the guidelines and technical
Until then the IVD Directive handicap
IVD are mainly used to provide requirements.
remains valid. ■ investigation, replacement or
information
modification of the anat-
■ concerning a physiological omy or of a physiological
or pathological state process
■ concerning a congenital ■ control of conception.
abnormality
Excluded are pharmacological
■ to monitor therapeutic
or immunological means, which
measures.
are regulated by appropriate
drug laws.
www.brand.de 37
Certificates
38 info@brand.de
Overview · Certificates
Description Document that certifies the Confirmation that the instrument Internationally recognized certi-
accuracy of an instrument. meets the requirements of the fication of the traceability of the
Quality certificates are available as German Weights and Measures Act measurement results to national
individual certificates (with serial and the ordinances based on it. standards.
number) or batch certificates (with
batch number).
Area of ■ To minimize the effort required For all instruments in legally regu- ■ For especially high-profile
application for initial inspection lated areas (e.g. pharmacies, diag- calibrations
■ For assuring the demanded nostic laboratories, public offices) ■ For calibration in accredited
traceability of results laboratories
Reference Selectable: Either manufacturer Approval for legally regulated areas ISO/IEC 17 025
standard specifications or industrial in accordance with the German
standards Weights and Measures Act and the
ordinances based on it.
Marking: DE-M 19
Content All BRAND quality certificates All BRAND declarations ■ Name of the accreditation body
include a declaration of conformity. of conformity include a quality ■ Name and address of
certificate. the issuing laboratory plus
General: accreditation number
■ Manufacturer ■ Product designation including ■ Unique sequential number of
■ Product ID number the calibration certificate and
■ Batch/serial number ■ Date of issue customer
■ Single/mean value ■ Manufacturer ■ Applied methods and conditions
■ Error of measurement/ ■ Laws and technical rules used (e.g. ambient conditions)
standard deviation as a basis under which the calibrations or
■ Signature of a company measurements were executed
Additional information on BRAND representative ■ Designation of the calibrated or
certificates measured object
■ All test equipment used ■ Date of the measurement and
■ Measurement method date of issue
■ Comparative values ■ Measurement results and
(volume/error limit) measurement uncertainties
■ QC representative/Date ■ Name, function, and signature
of authorized representatives
These specifications are provided
either as a mean value of the total
batch (batch certificate) or as a
value of the individual measuring
instrument (individual certificate)
www.brand.de 39
Standards
With many glass volumetric instruments (bulb pipettes, graduated pipettes, volumetric flasks, and graduated
cylinders), the error limits are different between ISO and USP. The American and European specifications for
the error limit are only identical for burettes. Subject the regulatory environment suitable measuring instruments
must be used in order to obtain standard-conforming results.
0.015
0.01
0.06 0.04
0.05
0
0.04
0.5 1 2 3 4
0.02
Error limits (± ml)
Error limits (± ml)
0.02
0 0
0.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 15 20 25 30 40 50 100 1 2 5 10
Nominal volume (ml) Nominal volume (ml)
0.6 10
0.5
0.1
0.4
0
0 6 5 10 25 50 100
5 10 20 25 50 100
0.2
Error limits (± ml)
0 0
5 10 20 25 50 100 200 250 500 1000 2000 5 10 25 50 100 250 500 1000 2000
ISO USP
40 info@brand.de
Quality Management
Quality Management
Quality management is indispensable. Ideally, it should already begin at project stage, and should ac-
company a product’s design, development and manufacturing process. This guarantees the greatest
possible security in working with laboratory equipment, and the reliability of analytical results.
Quality management at BRAND The quality management All measuring instruments used All test results are docu-
begins at product conception system applied at BRAND and in quality control are regularly mented and filed for 7 years.
and continues through the certified to DIN EN ISO 9001 checked and are referenced to If the batch or serial number is
design process and production. is a combination of process the national standards of PTB known, each specific test result
Routine checks throughout the monitoring and random checks. (The German Federal Institute on the date of production can
entire manufacturing process The accepted quality level of Physics and Metrology). be traced.
result in volumetric instruments (AQL) is at the very least 0.4., Quality management accord- As BRAND manufactures
with the smallest possible i.e., the limiting values are met ing to DIN EN ISO 9001 is the DE-M marking volumetric in-
deviation from the true volume with a statistical certainty of at basis for issuing of calibration struments, the quality of prod-
(accuracy) and narrow scatter least 99.6 %. certificates (e.g., our certifi- ucts is automatically supervised
of individual values (coefficient cates of performance). by the 'Eichamt', the German
of variation). The final step of State Office of Weights and
this Statistical Process Control Measures. The requirements
is random finished product for monitoring of measuring
sampling according to DIN instruments, traceability to
ISO 3951. national standards, and staff
qualification are fully met.
www.brand.de 41
Cleaning
Note:
Carefully disinfect labware before cleaning when there is a risk of injury during cleaning procedure.
The generally accepted wiping For the immersion method, lab- Both glass and plastic labware
and scrubbing method with ware is soaked in the cleaning may be cleaned in an ultrasonic
a cloth or sponge soaked in solution for 20 to 30 minutes at bath. However, direct contact
cleaning solution is the most room temperature, then rinsed with the sonic membranes must
popular cleaning method. with tap water, and finally with be avoided.
Labware must never be treated distilled water. Only for stub-
with abrasive scouring agents born residues should the soak-
or pads which might damage ing time be extended and the
the surface. temperature increased.
Machine cleaning
42 info@brand.de
Safety Information
Gentle cleaning
For gentle treatment of labware, clean immediately after use – at .
50
10
Information 0 6 8 10 12 14
temperature (°C) pH
At 70 °C, a 1N sodium hydrox- 1.4 µm, or tenfold more, will be Alkali attack on Boro 3.3 in relation to Alkali attack on Boro 3.3 in relation to
ide solution will corrode a layer removed. Therefore, clean- temperature, calculated from weight pH value, at 100 °C. Exposure time:
loss. c (NaOH) = 1 mol/l. Exposure 3 hours.
of approx. 0.14 µm off the ing temperatures above 70 °C time: 1 hour.
surface of Boro 3.3 (borosili- should be avoided and low
cate glass 3.3) within 1 hour. alkaline cleaning agents are (Graphs are from the brochure 'Technische Gläser' by SCHOTT AG, Mainz.)
However, at 100 °C, a layer of preferrable.
Laboratory instruments that Steam sterilization (autoclaving) ■ Efficient steam sterilization is assured only if the steam is satu-
have come into contact with is defined as the destruction rated and has unrestricted access to all contaminated areas.
infectious material or geneti- or irreversible inactivation of all ■ To prevent pressure build-up, containers or vessels must al-
cally modified organisms must reproducible microorganisms ways be open.
be disinfected prior to reuse/ under exposure to saturated
■ Contaminated reusable labware must be cleaned thoroughly
disposal; i.e., they must be steam at 121 °C (2 bar) ac-
before steam sterilization. Otherwise, residue will bake on
brought to a condition in which cording to DIN EN 285.
during sterilization and microorganisms may not be effectively
they no longer pose a risk of For correct sterilization pro-
destroyed if they are protected by the residue. Furthermore,
infection. cedure, including biological
any adhering chemical residues may damage the surfaces due
Therefore laboratory instru- security, please contact your
to the high temperatures.
ments can be treated with dis- sterilization officer.
infecting detergents for exam- ■ Not all plastics are resistant to steam sterilization. Polycarbon-
ple. If necessary and suitable, ate, e.g., will lose its strength. Polycarbonate centrifuge tubes
the items may subsequently be cannot be steam sterilized.
sterilized (autoclaved). ■ During sterilization (autoclaving), plastic equipment in particular
should not be mechanically stressed (e.g., do not stack). Thus,
to avoid shape deformation, beakers, flasks, and graduated
cylinders should be autoclaved in an upright position.
Thermal resistance
www.brand.de 43
Safety Information
Safety Information
Handling of hazardous substances
The handling of hazardous chemicals, infectious, toxic or radioactive substances and genetically
modified organisms, calls for a high degree of responsibility on the part of everyone involved, to
ensure personal and environmental protection.
The relevant regulations must be scrupulously observed including laboratory, professional associa-
tion, environmental, radiation, waste disposal and generally accepted technical standards and
guidelines (e.g., DIN or ISO).
■ Before use, laboratory in- ■ Do not heat volumetric ■ Instruments to be repaired ■ Waste must be disposed of
struments must be examined instruments, measuring must be cleansed of all res- according to local laws and
by the user for suitability cylinders and flasks on hot idues and be sterilized, as regulations. This applies
and functionality. plates. necessary. Radioactive- also to disposable articles.
ly contaminated items must It must not pose a hazard to
■ Always hold pipettes near ■ Exothermic reactions such
be decontaminated as pre- human beings or the envi-
the suction end, and care- as diluting sulfuric acid or
scribed by ISO. Volumetric ronment.
fully insert the pipette into dissolving solid alkaline hy-
glass instruments (e.g., vol-
the adapter of the pipette droxides must always be ■ Laboratory equipment must
umetric flasks, graduated
controller until it is secure- carried out while stirring and be disposed of according to
cylinders, etc.) should not
ly and firmly seated. Do not cooling the reagents, and in the materials they are made
be repaired when damaged.
use force. Broken glass can suitable vessels such as Er- of, and in a clean state, in
Exposure to heat may result
cause injury! lenmeyer flasks – never in accordance with the regula-
in residual stress within the
graduated cylinders or volu- tions in force.
■ In the course of repeated glass (greatly increasing the
metric flasks! Please note that laboratory
use, laboratory instruments probability of breakage), or
glassware is not recyclable.
should be examined for ■ Glass instruments must an uncontrolled cooling pro-
eventual damage, especially never be exposed to sudden cess may lead to permanent
instruments subjected to temperature changes. When volume alterations.
pressure or vacuum (e.g., taking them out of a drying
■ It is not permissible to sim-
desiccators, filter flasks, cabinet while hot, never
ply truncate defective grad-
etc.). place on a cold or wet lab
uated cylinders. This short-
bench.
■ The hazards of working with ens the distance between
defective labware should ■ For compressive loads, only the upper graduation mark
never be under-estimated glass instruments intended and the spout, as defined
(e.g., cuts, burns, risk of for this purpose may be by DIN, resulting in an in-
infection). If a professional used. For example, filter- creased danger of chemicals
repair is not practical, prop- ing flasks and desiccators being spilled and the oper-
erly dispose of such items. may be evacuated only after ational safety is no longer
confirming that they are in guaranteed.
perfect condition.
44 info@brand.de
Trademark Index
www.brand.de
BRAND (Shanghai) Trading Co., Ltd. BRAND Scientific Equipment Pvt. Ltd. BrandTech® Scientific, Inc.
Shanghai, China Mumbai, India Essex, CT. United States of America
Tel.: +86 21 6422 2318 Tel.: +91 22 42957790 Tel.: +1 860 767 2562
info@brand.com.cn customersupport@brand.co.in info@brandtech.com
www.brand.cn.com www.brand.co.in www.brandtech.com
994643 | Printed in Germany | 0720
BRAND GMBH + CO KG
P.O. Box 1155 | 97861 Wertheim | Germany
T +49 9342 808 0 | F +49 9342 808 98000 | info@brand.de | www.brand.de