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FDA-registered
companies adopt quality control procedures that routinely
require pipetters to be evaluated, maintained and
re-calibrated at least every six months. Non-FDA
registered institutions typically perform similar quality
control procedures every twelve months or more even
frequently. Most pipetter manufacturers’ recommend that
pipetters be serviced at least every twelve months. A
recent technical report published by a leading USA
pipetter manufacturer, found that pipetters evaluated on a
routine twelve-month basis exhibited a 20% failure rate in
accuracy of volumetric delivery. The same report also
stated that 60% of pipetter failure was due to degradation
of the piston seal. Failure of the piston itself accounted
for another 25% of the total and 15% were due to shaft
failure. To reduce the failure rate the report recommends
replacing the piston seal every six months.
Traditional pipetter piston seals are made of Teflon due
to its low friction characteristic. However, sealing
grease is required to maintain a tight tension against the
piston. With time, this grease oxidizes and dries out. As
this occurs, the Teflon seal begins to deteriorate due to
excessive abrasion between the piston and seal. Teflon can
also begin to creep (a process known as “cold flow”),
losing some of its fit to the piston. The alternative to
this problem thus far has been the use of polyethylene
(PE) for the piston seal. PE’s elasticity eliminates the
need for sealing grease; however, it produces greater
friction than Teflon and is less durable.
WPI’s extensive research in this field has resulted in
the development of the most durable pipetter seal
available.
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