OP

rating
EN) Procedure
Operating for Pipettes
Procedure for Pipettes

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Eppendorf SOP
Standard Operating Procedure for Pipettes
Copyright© 2014 Eppendorf AG, Hamburg. All rights reserved, including graphics and
images. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the
copyright owner.
Eppendorf® and the Eppendorf logo are registered trademarks of Eppendorf AG,
Hamburg, Germany.
Eppendorf ® and the Eppendorf logo are registered trademarks of Eppendorf AG,
Hamburg, Germany.
Biomaster®, Combitips®, Combitips advanced®, Eppendorf Reference®, Eppendorf
Research®, Eppendorf Xplorer®, Multipette®, PICASO®, Varipette® and Varispenser® are
registered trademarks of Eppendorf AG, Hamburg, Germany.
Registered trademarks and protected trademarks are not marked in all cases with ® or ™
in this manual.

ASOP P39 020-09/012014

 Table of contents
Eppendorf SOP 3
English (EN)

Table of contents

1 Test and pipette conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1.1 Balances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.1.1 Balance type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.1.2 Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.1.3 Minimum requirements for balances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.2 Measuring station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.2.1 Evaporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.2.2 Measuring station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.2.3 Test room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.2.4 Temperature differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.2.5 Test liquid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.2.6 Operating Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2 Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1 Scope of testing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1.1 Adjusting adjustable volume pipettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1.2 Multi-channel pipettes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1.3 Multipette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1.4 Bottle-top dispenser and Top Buret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2.1 Work method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2.2 Removing the test volume from the reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2.3 Dispensing the test volume into the weighing vessel . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3 Evaluation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.1 Calculating the systematic error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.2 Calculating the random error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4 Sterilization and cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.1 Sterilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1.1 Reference and Biomaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1.2 Research plus and Reference 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1.3 Research and Research pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1.4 Top Buret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1.5 Varipette and Multipette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1.6 Varispenser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1.7 Xplorer and Xplorer plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.2 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

5 Leakage check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.1 Pipette leakage check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
 Table of contents
4 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

6 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.1 Potential error causes and corrections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

7 Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7.1 General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7.2 Adjusting adjustable-volume pipettes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7.2.1 Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
7.2.2 Biomaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7.2.3 Reference variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7.2.4 Reference 2 adjustable-volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7.2.5 Research variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
7.2.6 Research plusadjustable volume - adjustment to 
environmental parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
7.2.7 Research plus adjustable volume - change to the 
factory adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
7.2.8 Research Multi-channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
7.2.9 Research plus Multi-channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
7.2.10 Varispenser plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7.2.11 Xplorer and Xplorer plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7.3 Adjusting fixed-volume pipettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
7.3.1 Reference fixed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
7.3.2 Reference2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
7.3.3 Research fixed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
7.3.4 Research plus fixed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
7.4 Physical influences of liquids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

8 Factor Z for distilled water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

8.1 Factor Z overview table. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

9 Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
9.1 Fixed-volume pipettes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
9.1.1 Reference fixed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
9.1.2 Reference 2 fixed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
9.1.3 Research fixed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
9.1.4 Research plus fixed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
9.2 Adjusting adjustable volume pipettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
9.2.1 Reference variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
9.2.2 Reference 2 adjustable-volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
9.2.3 Research adjustable-volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
9.2.4 Research pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
9.2.5 Research plus adjustable-volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
9.2.6 Biomaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
9.2.7 Varipette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
9.2.8 Xplorer and Xplorer plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
 Table of contents
Eppendorf SOP 5
English (EN)

9.3 Multi-channel pipettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

9.3.1 Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
9.3.2 Research pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
9.3.3 Research plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
9.3.4 Reference2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
9.3.5 Xplorer and Xplorer plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
9.4 Multipette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
9.4.1 Multipette plus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
9.4.2 Multipette M4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
9.4.3 Multipette stream / Multipette Xstream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
9.5 Varispenser / Top Buret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
9.5.1 Varispenser and Varispenser plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
9.5.2 Top Buret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
9.6 Error limits in accordance with EN ISO 8655 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
9.6.1 Air-cushion pipettes, fixed and adjustable volume . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
9.6.2 Positive displacement pipettes (Biomaster) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
9.6.3 Dispenser (Multipette). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
9.6.4 Single-stroke dispenser (Varispenser). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
9.6.5 Piston stroke burets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
 Test and pipette conditions
6 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

1 Test and pipette conditions

These test and pipetting conditions are valid for all Eppendorf pipettes and
dispensers.
Follow EN ISO 8655 "Volume-measuring equipment with pistons".
For the calibration or adjustment of pipettes, the scales and measuring station should
fulfill the following requirements:

1.1 Balances
1.1.1 Balance type
Use semi-microbalances and microbalances to calibrate pipettes.
Some companies offer balances that are specially designed to meet the requirements of
pipette calibration, e.g. Sartorius and Mettler.

1.1.2 Accuracy
When selecting the balances, ensure that they are suitable for the accuracy of the pipette.
This helps to ensure that deviations within a measuring series are recorded exactly for the
assessment of the systematic and random measurement deviations in accordance with EN
ISO 8655.
For a pipette volume of less than or equal to 10 μL, balances with a 6-digit display must be
used. With larger volumes, balances with a 5-digit display are sufficient.

1.1.3 Minimum requirements for balances

Selected volume* of the pipette to be Display resolution [mg]

tested
1 μL – 10 μL 0.001
>10 μL – 100 μL 0.01
>100 μL – 1000 μL 0.1
>1 mL – 10 mL 0.1
>10 mL – 200 mL 1

* For practical reasons, the nominal volume can be used for the selection of the balances.
 Test and pipette conditions
Eppendorf SOP 7
English (EN)

1.2 Measuring station

1.2.1 Evaporation
Take evaporation protection into account while carrying out the measurement.
With volumes < 50μL in particular, errors caused by the evaporation of the test liquid
must be taken into consideration.
This can be ensured by using a liquid trap or other equipment to prevent evaporation.

1.2.2 Measuring station

For electronic measurement data processing, we recommend calibration software and
accessories for your balance (PICASO, order no. 3113 004.001).
(see also EN ISO 8655, Part 6)

1.2.3 Test room

The tests should be carried out in a draft-free room under constant climatic conditions.
The test room should have a constant temperature between 15 °C and 30 °C and a
constant relative humidity above 50 %.

1.2.4 Temperature differences

Before the test, the device to be tested and test liquid must have stood in the test room for
a sufficient amount of time, at least 2 hours, in order to reach equilibrium with the storage
conditions.
Direct sunlight and other influences which could affect the temperature should be
avoided at all costs.

1.2.5 Test liquid

Distilled or deionized water of "Quality 3 in accordance with ISO 3696", degassed or at
equilibrium with air. The water must be at room temperature.

1.2.6 Operating Manual

Observe the operating instructions for your pipette.
 Calibration
8 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

2 Calibration
2.1 Scope of testing
Note concerning the nominal volume:
The nominal volume of an adjustable-volume pipette is the largest volume to be set by the
user and specified by the manufacturer.
When using the Combitip with the Multipette, the nominal volume is the largest possible
dispensing volume of the Combitip. This means that for the Multipette plus and Multipette
M4, the nominal volume is 1/5 of the filling volume of the Combitip advanced. For the
Multipette stream / Xstream, the nominal volume is the filling volume of the Combitip
advanced.

2.1.1 Adjusting adjustable volume pipettes

For variable pipettes, check 3 different volumes with 10 measured values each:
• the nominal volume,
• approx. 50 % of the nominal volume,
• 10 % of the nominal volume.

2.1.2 Multi-channel pipettes

For Multi-channel pipettes check each channel separately with 3 different volumes, each
with 10 measured values:
• the nominal volume,
• approx. 50 % of the nominal volume,
• 10 % of the nominal volume.

2.1.3 Multipette
With the
• Multipette,
• Multipetteplus,
• Multipette stream,
• MultipetteXstream,
• MultipetteM4
check the nominal volume with 10 measured values with the Eppendorf Combitip used.

2.1.4 Bottle-top dispenser and Top Buret

For bottle-top dispensers and the Top Buret, check the nominal volume with 10 measured
values.
 Calibration
Eppendorf SOP 9
English (EN)

2.2 Measurement
2.2.1 Work method
1. Place the selected pipette tip on the tip cone of the pipette or on the corresponding
Combitip in the Multipette.
2. Implement the following settings:
• Adjustable-volume piston-stroke pipettes: the smallest volume to be tested
• Multipettes: the nominal volume
• Bottle-top dispenser and Top Buret: the nominal volume
3. For all Multipettes with fully drawn up Combitip, always discard the first dispensing
step.
4. Fill test liquid up to a height of min. 3 mm in the weighing vessel.
5. For piston-stroke pipettes fill the pipette tip 5x with test liquid and empty it (pre-wet),
in order to create a moisture balance in the dead air volume.
6. Replace the single-use tip.
7. Pre-wet the tip 1x.

2.2.2 Removing the test volume from the reservoir

1. Hold the pipette vertically.
2. Dip the pipette tip into the test liquid by a few millimeters.
3. Draw in the volume to be tested slowly and evenly. The waiting time of 1 to 3 seconds,
for Research 1 to 10 mL 5 seconds must be observed.
(the waiting time corresponds to the size of the tip, see operating instructions.)
4. Pull the pipette tip slowly out of the liquid, wiping it on the vessel wall.

2.2.3 Dispensing the test volume into the weighing vessel

1. Rest the filled tip up against the wall of the weighing vessel at an angle.
2. Dispense the test liquid slowly until the first stop (measuring stroke).
3. Press the control button to the second stop (blow-out) and dispense the remaining
liquid in the tip (does not apply for dispensers and burets).
4. Hold down the control button and pull the tip up the vessel wall.
5. Let the control button slide back into position.
6. Determine the weight.
7. Complete all measurements of a measuring series as described and calculate the
systematic and random error (see p. 10).
8. In case of adjustable-volume pipettes, determine the measurement with the nominal
volume, 50 % and 10 % of the nominal volume. Always begin the test with 10 % of
the nominal volume.
 Evaluation
10 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

3 Evaluation
3.1 Calculating the systematic error
Mean value of the dispensed volume:

n = Number of measured values

To convert the measured values into volume values, use correction factor Z for the
dependency of the test liquid on temperature and air pressure for each individual value
(see Factor Z for distilled water on p. 33).
Systematic error es in micro liter:

Systematic error es in percent:

3.2 Calculating the random error

Random error as repeat standard s:

Random error as coefficient of variation CV:

The specifications of the tested pipette can be found in the relevant operating instructions
or technical specifications (see Technical specifications on p. 34).
 Sterilization and cleaning
Eppendorf SOP 11
English (EN)

4 Sterilization and cleaning

Further notes on cleaning and sterilization can found in the relevant operating
manual.

4.1 Sterilization
Parameter for autoclaving
• 121 °C
• 20 minutes
• 1 bar overpressure

4.1.1 Reference and Biomaster

The Reference pipettes and the Biomaster are fully autoclavable.
1. Prior to autoclaving, unscrew the upper and lower part of the pipette apart by approx.
one turn to enable the vapor to enter more easily.
2. After autoclaving, allow the pipette to cool down to room temperature and to dry
completely and then screw together.

4.1.2 Research plus and Reference 2

The Research plus pipettes and Reference 2 pipettes are fully autoclavable.
1. You can put the Research plus and Reference 2 into the autoclave as a complete unit or
with the lower part removed. Do not disassemble the lower part.
2. For 2.5 mL, 5 mL and 10 mL pipettes: remove the old protection filter. Add a new
protection filter and install it after autoclaving. Only autoclave the protection filter
once.
After autoclaving:
3. Cool the pipette down to room temperature and leave to dry.
4. For 2.5 mL, 5 mL / 10 mL pipettes: the protection filter swells during autoclaving.
Slightly squeeze the protection filter when installing it into the cone tip.

4.1.3 Research and Research pro

With the Research and Research pro pipettes, the lower section is autoclavable.
With single-channel models prior to autoclaving
1. Pull off the ejector sleeve with depressed ejector.
2. Unscrew the lower part of the pipette.
With the Multi-channel versions, you can autoclave the entire lower section.
After autoclaving, assemble the parts only after room temperature has been reached and
the parts have been dried.
 Sterilization and cleaning
12 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

4.1.4 Top Buret

The Top Buret can not be autoclaved.

4.1.5 Varipette and Multipette

The
• Varipette,
• Multipette,
• Multipetteplus,
• Multipette stream,
• MultipetteXstream,
• MultipetteM4
are not autoclavable.

4.1.6 Varispenser
The Varispenser and Varispenser plus are only autoclavable when fully assembled.
With theVarispenser plus
1. Set the discharge valve toggle to the dispensing position (–>).
2. Release the volume setting knob, move to the middle position and leave released.
3. Place the dispenser on a cloth and autoclave, avoiding contact with hot surfaces.
4. Only use the dispenser again when it has cooled down to room temperature.

4.1.7 Xplorer and Xplorer plus

The lower part of theXplorer and Xplorer plus pipettes can be autoclaved.
1. Pull off the ejector sleeve with depressed ejector.
2. On the lower part of the pipette, push the ring labeled PUSH UP TO RELEASE upward
until the lower part is released.
After autoclaving, assemble the parts only after room temperature has been reached and
the parts have been dried.

4.2 Cleaning
All areas of the underside of the pipette can be cleaned in a soap solution or
isopropanol 60 % provided that no differing instructions are given in the
operating manual.
1. Clean the parts in soap solution or isopropanol.
2. Rinse the parts in distilled water.
3. Allow the parts to dry completely and then assemble.
4. Lightly lubricate the piston of the pipette (Eppendorf special grease
 Leakage check
Eppendorf SOP 13
English (EN)

5 Leakage check
5.1 Pipette leakage check
In order to carry out a leakage check on a pipette, follow the procedure outlined below:
1. For adjustable-volume pipettes: set the nominal volume.
2. For volumes < 20 μL pre-wet the tip several times.
3. Hold the pipette vertically with a full tip for approx. 15 seconds. Do not touch the
pipette tip.
4. Observe the meniscus of the liquid on the tip opening. If there is a leak in the pipette, a
drip will form on the tip opening.
 Troubleshooting
14 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

6 Troubleshooting
6.1 Potential error causes and corrections

Observe the error descriptions in the operating instructions.

Error Cause Elimination

Droplets on the inner Uneven wetting of the plastic  Attach a new pipette tip.
wall of the pipette tip. wall.
Pipette is dripping, • Tip loose.  Press the tip on firmLy.
pipetted volume is • Incorrect pipette tip.  Use an original Eppendorf
incorrect. tip.
Pipette is leaking because:
• The piston is contaminated.  Clean the piston and
lubricate slightly.
• The piston is damaged.  Replace the piston and
piston sealing and lubricate
slightly.
• The seal is damaged.  Replace the seal.
Liquid cannot be • Leakage in the Combitip  Replace the Combitip
aspirated correctly or advanced. advanced with a new
dripping occurs. Combitip advanced.
• Combitip advanced has  Ensure that the temperature
heated up. is uniform as the liquid
expands when heated.
The control button is • The piston is contaminated.  Clean the piston and
jammed, runs jerky. lubricate slightly.
• The seal is contaminated.  Disassemble the pipette,
clean all seals, replace if
necessary.
• The piston is damaged.  Replace the piston and
piston seal and lubricate
slightly.
• Penetration of solvent  Unscrew the lower part of
vapors the pipette and aerate the
lower part.
 Clean the piston and
lubricate slightly.
 Adjustment
Eppendorf SOP 15
English (EN)

7 Adjustment
7.1 General information
Prior to delivery, all pipettes are adjusted with distilled or de-ionized, degassed water
under the conditions described in Chapters 1 to 3 and according to ISO 3696 
(see Calibration on p. 8).
If you have doubts regarding the accuracy of the volume entered, please check the
following points first:
• Is there a leak in the device (see Leakage check on p. 13)?
Exception: Biomaster
• Does the temperature of the pipetted liquid correspond to:
– the temperature of the device?
– the ambient air temperature?
• Is the set volume correct?
• Has the liquid density and air pressure been taken into consideration?
• Does the density of the pipetted liquid deviate from the double-distilled, degassed
water?
• Was the work completed correctly, as described in the "Calibration" chapter (see
p. 8)and "Evaluation" chapter (see p. 10)?
• Were original Eppendorf pipette tips used?
Volume errors can also occur when pipetting liquids with high vapor pressure, where the
density or viscosity deviates considerably from the values of water.
Adjustments should only be carried out on the device after these conditions have been
taken into consideration.

7.2 Adjusting adjustable-volume pipettes

Observe the operating instructions for your pipette. There you will find detailed
descriptions on adjustment.
The adjustment of the following adjustable-volume pipettes is a zero point offset:
• Research
• Research plus
• Reference
• Biomaster
• Reference2
 Adjustment
16 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

7.2.1 Procedure
Requirements
Device, original Eppendorf tip, test liquid and ambient air must have the same
temperature (15 °C – 30 °C) at a constant temperature of ±0.5 °C during the test
(according to EN ISO 8655, Part 6).

If your Research, Research plus or Reference has an adjustment, remove it

before carrying out the adjustment.
After adjusting, lock the adjustment opening with a new adjustment seal.
Adjustment seals can be reordered (see operating manual).
1. Set the pipette to the smallest volume to be tested.
2. Use a matching original Eppendorf tip for single-channel pipettes. For Multi-channel
pipettes, use any channel.
3. Pipette the set volume 10 times.
4. Conduct a weighing after every volume dispensing.
5. Calculate the mean value after 10 measurements (see Evaluation on p. 10).
The calculated mean value of these weighings (observe conversion factor Z = mg to μL)
yields the actual volume.
6. For adjusting, introduce the suitable tool into the opening intended for this purpose, or
place it on the designated location, and adjust the actual volume (see the following
figures or operating manual).
7. Check the set volume by measuring again. If the target volume does not match the
result of the measurement, repeat steps 2 to 6.
8. After the adjustment, check the measured values for accuracy at 50 % of the nominal
volume and check the nominal volume for accuracy.
 Adjustment
Eppendorf SOP 17
English (EN)

7.2.2 Biomaster
Auxiliary equipment
• Supplied pipette wrench (order no. 4910 092.001)

1. Use the pipette wrench to adjust the

volume display of the pipette, with the
piston stroke unchanged, to the actual
volume value of the measurement.
1
0
0
2
2. Pull off the pipette wrench.
3. Set the pipette to the target volume in
the usual manner.
4. Mark the adjustment on the pipette.

7.2.3 Reference variable

Auxiliary equipment
• Supplied pipette wrench (order no. 4910 092.001)
• Supplied red CAL seal

1. Insert side B of the pipette wrench into

the adjustment opening in the lid.
2. Using the pipette wrench, set the digital
display of the pipette, with unaltered
0
6
2
6
piston stroke, to the actual volume value
of the measurement.
3. Pull off the pipette wrench.
4. Set the pipette to the target volume in
the usual manner.
5. After the adjustment has been
successfully completed, lock the
adjustment opening with a red CAL seal.
 Adjustment
18 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

7.2.4 Reference 2 adjustable-volume

7.2.4.1 User adjustment
Changing the adjustment will change the volume by a specific value. Strictly speaking, the
change only applies to the testing volume.
Example:
You readjust a 10 – 100 μL pipette, with a volume setting of 100 μL, by 1 μL (1 μL ≙ 1%).
If the volume setting is 10 μL, the pipette is also adjusted by 1 μL (≙ 10%).
Auxiliary aids from the delivery package
• Pin
• Red plastic adjustment seal (ADJ)
Reference 2

Reference 2

Reference 2
J
AD

1. Insert the pin in the middle of the gray adjustment seal (ADJ).
2. Remove the adjustment seal.
3. Insert the adjustment tool.
4. Turn the adjustment tool until the adjustment display shows the desired value.
5. Read the set value distortion-free using the
aligning aid in the viewing window.
6. Carry out weighings to check the accuracy and precision.

1000 µL

ADJ

1
- 1
+

7. Attach the red adjustment seal after the inspections.

If the adjustment only applies to a specific liquid, mark the pipette accordingly. Use the
labeling area on the pipette and mark it with the liquid and the volume. Carry out a
gravimetric test for each adjustment change. Follow the EN ISO 8655-2 and 
EN ISO 8655-6 test procedures.
 Adjustment
Eppendorf SOP 19
English (EN)

7.2.4.2 Changing the factory adjustment

Auxiliary aids from the delivery package
• Red plastic safety plug
• Pin

The factory adjustment can be changed using the corresponding

accessories.
The factory adjustment will be marked by a safety plug. The
color of the safety plug indicates the implementing authority:
• Gray - Eppendorf AG
• Red - User
AD
J

The random and systematic errors recorded on delivery can be found in the Eppendorf
Certificate. This certificate is included in delivery. The certificate is no longer valid if the
default settings have been changed.
If the dispensing accuracy is only be to changed temporarily, the correct method is to
change the user adjustment. Before changing the user or factory adjustment, observe the
general notes and the associated gravimetric tests.
For the factory setting, the volume display will be set to match the piston stroke and the
detected actual volume. If a gravimetric test indicates that an error needs to be corrected
and you will be required to change to factory adjustment, proceed as follows:

1. Check whether the adjustment display is

set to "0".
If the adjustment display is not set to
“0”, it must be set to “0” first using the
adjustment tool. In this case, instead of
continuing with the factory adjustment
1000 µL
changes, carry out a gravimetric test of
the Reference2 with the adjustment
ADJ
display set to "0".
1
- 1
+
 Adjustment
20 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

2. Use the plug to pierce the safety plug,

and remove it.

AD
J
Re

3. Insert the adjustment tool.

AD
J
Re

4. Hold the control button with one hand.

AD
J
Re

5. Turn the adjustment tool to set the volume display. Set the volume display (from the
volume setting used during the inspection to the calculated volume of the gravimetric
test).
The volume change applies to the entire volume range. For the volume change, you
should initially set the value for 10% of the nominal volume of the value calculated
during the gravimetric test. Then carry out gravimetric tests to check 50% and 100%
of the nominal volume with this setting. If necessary, change the selected setting again
to achieve the best possible correction for all volumes. Use the error limits in
 Adjustment
Eppendorf SOP 21
English (EN)

accordance with ISO 8655-2 and the technical data provided by Eppendorf AG to
decide whether the data obtained meets your requirements.
6. Carry out a gravimetric check of the changes that have been completed.
7. Insert the red safety plug into the
adjustment opening.
The red safety plug on the pipette
indicates that the pipette has been
adjusted and calibrated by the user.

AD
J
Re

8. Record executed changes and

measurements.

7.2.5 Research variable

Auxiliary equipment
• Supplied pipette wrench (order no. 3111 501.016)
• Supplied red CAL seal

1. Insert side D of the pipette wrench

vertically into the lateral adjustment
200
opening of the pipette grip.
2. Move the pipette wrench into the vertical
B
position.
A 3. Turn the volume setting ring toward – or
D

+.
This adjusts the piston stoke of the
Re
se

pipette. The digital display does not

arc

C
h

0
20 change in the process.
 Adjustment
22 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

4. A revolution corresponds to:

Volume range Vol. /turn
0.1 μL – 2.5 μL approx. 0.1 μL
0.5 μL – 10 μL approx. 0.5 μL
2 μL – 20 μL approx. 1 μL
10 μL – 100 μL approx. 5 μL
20 μL – 200 μL approx. 10 μL
100 μL – 1000 μL approx. 50 μL
500 μL – 5000 μL approx. 250 μL
1 μL – 10 mL approx. 510 μL

5. Pull off the pipette wrench.

6. Move the volume setting ring slightly forwards and backwards so that the counting and
stroke systems engage again.
7. After the adjustment has been successfully completed, lock the adjustment opening
with a red CAL seal.

7.2.6 Research plusadjustable volume - adjustment to environmental parameters

Adjustment change for specific liquid densities, changed altitudes or pipette tips that are
not used to calculate the random and systematic error.
The Research plus was adjusted, tested and fitted with a gray adjustment seal with the
abbreviation "ADJ" before delivery. The adjustment display on the side reads "0".
Changing the adjustment will change the volume by a specific value. Strictly speaking, the
change only applies to the testing volume.
Auxiliary equipment
• Supplied adjustment tool (order no. 3120 633.006)
• Supplied red adjustment seal (ADJ)
 Adjustment
Eppendorf SOP 23
English (EN)

1. Remove the gray adjustment seal.

2. Keep the ejector pressed.
3. Insert the adjustment tool (from the delivery package).
4. Turn the adjustment tool until the adjustment display shows the desired value.
5. Place the Research plus on a horizontal surface
(table). When completing the adjustment, look
absolutely vertically at the window and read the
set value via the backsight in the viewing window.

6. Carry out weighing procedures to check the accuracy and precision.

7. After the tests, close the opening with the red adjustment seal (from the delivery
package).
If the adjustment only applies to a specific liquid, mark the pipette accordingly. Use the
labeling area on the pipette and mark it with the liquid and the volume.

7.2.7 Research plus adjustable volume - change to the factory adjustment

Auxiliary equipment
• Supplied safety plug tool
• Supplied pin to loosen the safety plug

The factory adjustment can be changed with the

corresponding accessories on a Research plus with
variable volume setting.

You can recognize a change to the factory adjustment that was made by the user of the
Research plus from the red safety plug behind the ejector. If the Research plus has been
adjusted and calibrated by Eppendorf AG, this is indicated by a gray safety plug.
 Adjustment
24 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

1. Check whether the adjustment display on the side

is set to “0”.
If the adjustment display is not set to “0”, it must
be set to “0” first using the adjustment tool. In
this case, instead of continuing with the factory
adjustment changes, carry out a gravimetric test
of the Research plus with the adjustment display
set to “0”.

2. Provide the volume setting ring and the ejector

with a common mark with a pen. This mark is
used for orientation purposes when changing the
factory adjustment. When changing the factory
adjustment, you can turn the volume setting ring
without changing the volume display. The mark
on the volume setting ring and the ejector informs
you how far you have moved from the factory
setting.

3. Keep the ejector pressed and remove the safety

plug with the pin.
 Adjustment
Eppendorf SOP 25
English (EN)

4. Continue to keep the ejector pressed. Insert the

safety plug tool in such a way that the counter
locking mechanism is pushed down.

5. Turn the volume setting ring slightly to change

the volume. Proceed as shown in the illustration.
 Adjustment
26 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

6. This results in the following approximate volume changes:

single-channel
Nominal +½ revolution +¼ revolution -¼ revolution -½ revolution
volume
Color code
2.5 μL 0.106 μL 0.053 μL -0.053 μL -0.106 μL
Dark gray
10 μL 0.53 μL 0.27 μL -0.27 μL -0.53 μL
Medium gray
20 μL 1.06 μL 0.53 μL -0.53 μL -1.06 μL
light gray
20 μL 1.07 μL 0.54 μL -0.54 μL -1.07 μL
Yellow
100 μL 5.4 μL 2.7 μL -2.7 μL -5.4 μL
Yellow
200 μL 10.8 μL 5.4 μL -5.4 μL -10.8 μL
Yellow
300 μL 10.7 μL 5.4 μL -5.4 μL -10.7 μL
Orange
1000 μL 54 μL 27 μL -27 μL -54 μL
Blue
5 mL 271 μL 135 μL -135 μL -271 μL
Purple
10 mL 542 μL 271 μL -271 μL -542 μL
Turquoise

multi-channel
Nominal +½ revolution +¼ revolution -¼ revolution -½ revolution
volume
Color code
10 μL 0.53 μL 0.27 μL -0.27 μL -0.53 μL
Medium gray
100 μL 5.4 μL 2.7 μL -2.7 μL -5.4 μL
Yellow
300 μL 10.7 μL 5.4 μL -5.4 μL -10.7 μL
Orange

The values mentioned are theoretical values and are for orientation purposes only. The
volume changes mentioned apply to each volume setting.
 Adjustment
Eppendorf SOP 27
English (EN)

7. Push the locking mechanism upwards and carry

out a gravimetric test of the changes made.

8. If the values measured during the gravimetric test

meet your requirements: insert the red safety plug
in the tool in the opening of the Research plus and
snap it off the tool.
The red safety plug on the pipette indicates that
the Research plus has been adjusted and
calibrated by the user. If the adjustment display
had also been set to "0" previously, you must
close the opening with a new, red adjustment seal
at the position for the adjustment seal.

9. Document the changes made and the measurements conducted. Remove the mark on
the volume setting ring and on the ejector. The red safety plug on the pipette indicates
that the Research plus has been adjusted and calibrated by the user.
 Adjustment
28 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

7.2.8 Research Multi-channel

Auxiliary equipment
• Supplied pipette wrench (order no. 3111 501.016)
• Supplied red ADJ seal

1. Insert the D side of the pipette wrench

horizontally into the adjustment opening
on the side of the pipette grip.
2. Move the pipette wrench into the vertical
B
position.
A 3. Turn the volume setting ring toward 
– or +. This adjusts the piston stoke of
D

the pipette. The digital display does not

C
change in the process.

4. A revolution corresponds to:

Volume range Vol./turn
0.5 μL – 10 μL approx. 0.5 μL
10 μL – 300 μL approx. 5 μL
30 μL approx. 10 μL

5. Pull off the pipette wrench.

6. Move the volume setting ring slightly forwards and backwards so that the counting and
stroke systems engage again.
7. After the adjustment has been successfully completed, lock the adjustment opening
with a red ADJ-seal.

7.2.9 Research plus Multi-channel

Carry out the adjustment as described for the Research plus single-channel pipette 
(see p. 22).
 Adjustment
Eppendorf SOP 29
English (EN)

7.2.10 Varispenser plus

 Turn the fine adjustment toward + or –. A

revolution corresponds to the smallest
dispensing step:
Reduce volume:
 Turn toward -.
Increase volume:
 Turn toward +.
The factory adjustment was carried out at
20 °C, using double-distilled, degassed
water.

7.2.11 Xplorer and Xplorer plus

The re-adjustment of the Xplorer pipette is described on the CD which is
enclosed with the pipette.
If you have selected a different adjustment in the Xplorer
pipette options, a wrench symbol will be displayed in the
header of the display.

Another symbol showing the selected adjustment is displayed

to the right of the wrench symbol. If you are changing back to
the factory adjustment at a later stage, the previously selected
adjustment will be deleted and both symbols will disappear
from the header.
 Adjustment
30 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

7.3 Adjusting fixed-volume pipettes

The adjustment process for fixed-volume pipettes is identical to the adjustment process
for variable pipettes (see Adjusting adjustable-volume pipettes on p. 15). For fixed-volume
pipettes, 10 measured values of the nominal volume are checked.

7.3.1 Reference fixed

Auxiliary equipment
• Adhesive label as an adjusting aid for the basic setting
• Supplied pipette wrench (order no. 4910 092.001)

1. In order to simplify relocating the basic

setting, attach the adhesive label
supplied as an adjusting aid to the
control button.
0
4
4 2. Using the B side of the pipette wrench,
0
loosen the inside screw until the control
button can be turned.
3. Set the control button to the calculated
actual volume value of the measurement
(see Adjusting adjustable-volume pipettes
on p. 15).

One revolution of the control button corresponds to the following (based on water):

Reference fixed-volume Vol./turn

1 μL, 2 μL, 5 μL, 10 μL approx. 0.5 μL
10 μL, 20 μL approx. 1 μL
25 μL, 50 μL approx. 2.4 μL
100 μL approx. 5 μL
200 μL, 250 μL approx. 12 μL
500 μL, 1 000 μL approx. 46 μL
1500 μL, 2000 μL, 2500 μL approx. 118 μL
 Adjustment
Eppendorf SOP 31
English (EN)

7.3.2 Reference2
Adjustment is carried out as described for the Reference 2 adjustable-volume(see p. 18).

7.3.3 Research fixed

Auxiliary equipment
• Supplied pipette wrench (order no. 3111 501.016)

1. Insert side D of the pipette wrench

vertically into the lateral adjustment
opening of the pipette grip.
2. Move the tool into the vertical position.
3. Turn the volume setting ring toward 
B
– or +. This adjusts the piston stoke of
the pipette.
A
D

With reference to water, one revolution of the volume setting ring corresponds to:

Volume range Vol./turn

10 μL approx. 0.8 μL
20 μL approx. 0.8 μL
25 μL approx. 0.8 μL
50 μL approx. 0.8 μL
100 μL approx. 0.8 μL
200 μL approx. 38 μL
250 μL approx. 38 μL
500 μL approx. 38 μL
1000 μL approx. 38 μL
 Adjustment
32 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

7.3.4 Research plus fixed

Adjustment is carried out as described for the Research plus adjustable-volume
(see p. 22).

7.4 Physical influences of liquids

It is possible to adjust the previously described devices for a volume of a liquid with a
different density than water so that the displayed volume value corresponds to the
pipetted volume.

With adjustable-volume pipettes, all other values are then readjusted, as the
adjustable-volume pipette then becomes a fix-volume pipette.
The adjustment process is comparable to the described procedure (see p. 16). The
difference is that the mean value of the weighings is converted to microliters according to
the formula:

1. Determine the mean value and convert it to microliters.

The calculated value is the nominal value.
2. The digital display of variable pipettes, or the volume of fix-volume pipettes, must be
set to the calculated actual value.
3. Check the value set for the liquid gravimetrically. The accordingly set device only
delivers a dispensing value, which corresponds to the digital display, for the used
liquid and set volume.
4. If necessary correct and check the setting.
5. Label the measuring device following adjustment with the measured value and the
name of the liquid which was used for the adjustment.
Following adjustment, the certificate accompanying the pipette becomes invalid.
 Factor Z for distilled water
Eppendorf SOP 33
English (EN)

8 Factor Z for distilled water

8.1 Factor Z overview table
Factor Z (μl/mg) in accordance with EN ISO 8655 for distilled water depending on test
temperature and air pressure:

Temperature Air pressure (kPa)

[°C] 80 85 90 95 100 101.3 105
15 1.0017 1.0018 1.0019 1.0019 1.0020 1.0020 1.0020
15.5 1.0018 1.0019 1.0019 1.0020 1.0020 1.0020 1.0021
16 1.0019 1.0020 1.0020 1.0021 1.0021 1.0021 1.0022
16.5 1.0020 1.0020 1.0021 1.0021 1.0022 1.0022 1.0022
17 1.0021 1.0021 1.0022 1.0022 1.0023 1.0023 1.0023
17.5 1.0022 1.0022 1.0023 1.0023 1.0024 1.0024 1.0024
18 1.0022 1.0023 1.0023 1.0024 1.0025 1.0025 1.0025
18.5 1.0023 1.0024 1.0024 1.0025 1.0025 1.0026 1.0026
19 1.0024 1.0025 1.0025 1.0026 1.0026 1.0027 1.0027
19.5 1.0025 1.0026 1.0026 1.0027 1.0027 1.0028 1.0028
20 1.0026 1.0027 1.0027 1.0028 1.0028 1.0029 1.0029
20.5 1.0027 1.0028 1.0028 1.0029 1.0029 1.0030 1.0030
21 1.0028 1.0029 1.0029 1.0030 1.0031 1.0031 1.0031
21.5 1.0030 1.0030 1.0031 1.0031 1.0032 1.0032 1.0032
22 1.0031 1.0031 1.0032 1.0032 1.0033 1.0033 1.0033
22.5 1.0032 1.0032 1.0033 1.0033 1.0034 1.0034 1.0034
23 1.0033 1.0033 1.0034 1.0034 1.0035 1.0035 1.0036
23.5 1.0034 1.0035 1.0035 1.0036 1.0036 1.0036 1.0037
24 1.0035 1.0036 1.0036 1.0037 1.0037 1.0038 1.0038
24.5 1.0037 1.0037 1.0038 1.0038 1.0039 1.0039 1.0039
25 1.0038 1.0038 1.0039 1.0039 1.0040 1.0040 1.0040
25.5 1.0039 1.0040 1.0040 1.0041 1.0041 1.0041 1.0042
26 1.0040 1.0041 1.0041 1.0042 1.0042 1.0043 1.0043
26.5 1.0042 1.0042 1.0043 1.0043 1.0044 1.0044 1.0044
27 1.0043 1.0044 1.0044 1.0045 1.0045 1.0045 1.0046
27.5 1.0045 1.0045 1.0046 1.0046 1.0047 1.0047 1.0047
28 1.0046 1.0046 1.0047 1.0047 1.0048 1.0048 1.0048
28.5 1.0047 1.0048 1.0048 1.0049 1.0049 1.0050 1.0050
29 1.0049 1.0049 1.0050 1.0050 1.0051 1.0051 1.0051
29.5 1.0050 1.0051 1.0051 1.0052 1.0052 1.0052 1.0053
30 1.0052 1.0052 1.0053 1.0053 1.0054 1.0054 1.0054
 Technical specifications
34 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

9 Technical specifications
The following specifications are valid for the following conditions:

Liquid: Distilled or deionized water

Reference 20 °C to 25 °C ±0.5 °C
temperature:
Number of 10, in accordance with EN ISO 8655 with original Eppendorf pipette
determinations: tips

Technical specifications subject to change!

9.1 Fixed-volume pipettes

9.1.1 Reference fixed

Model Test tip Error limits

epT.I.P.S. Color code Error
Volume range
Length Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
1 μL light gray ±2.5 ±0.025 ±1.8 ±0.018
2 μL 0.5 μL – 20 μL L ±2.0 ±0.04 ±1.2 ±0.024
46 mm
5 μL ±1.5 ±0.075 ±0.8 ±0.04
10 μL ±1.0 ±0.1 ±0.5 ±0.05
10 μL Yellow ±1.0 ±0.1 ±0.5 ±0.05
20 μL 2 μL – 200 μL ±0.8 ±0.16 ±0.3 ±0.06
53 mm
25 μL ±0.8 ±0.2 ±0.3 ±0.075
50 μL ±0.7 ±0.35 ±0.3 ±0.15
100 μL ±0.6 ±0.6 ±0.2 ±0.2
200 μL Blue ±0.6 ±1.2 ±0.2 ±0.4
250 μL 50 μL – 1000 μL ±0.6 ±1.5 ±0.2 ±0.5
71 mm
500 μL ±0.6 ±3.0 ±0.2 ±1.0
1000 μL ±0.6 ±6.0 ±0.2 ±2.0
1500 μL Red ±0.6 ±9.0 ±0.2 ±3.0
2000 μL 500 μL – 2500 μL ±0.6 ±12 ±0.2 ±4.0
115 mm
2500 μL ±0.6 ±15 ±0.2 ±5.0
 Technical specifications
Eppendorf SOP 35
English (EN)

9.1.2 Reference 2 fixed

Reference2 Fixed volume

Model Test tip Maximum permissible errors Eppendorf AG
epT.I.P.S. color code Error
Volume range
Systematic error Random error
Length
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
1 μL dark gray ±2.5 ±0.025 ±1.8 ±0.018
2 μL 0.1 μL – 10 μL ±2.0 ±0.04 ±1.2 ±0.024
34 mm
5 μL medium gray ±1.2 ±0.06 ±0.6 ±0.03
10 μL 0.1 μL – 20 μL ±1.0 ±0.1 ±0.5 ±0.05
40 mm
20 μL light gray ±0.8 ±0.16 ±0.3 ±0.06
0.5 μL – 20 μL L
46 mm
10 μL yellow ±1.2 ±0.12 ±0.6 ±0.06
20 μL 2 μL – 200 μL ±1.0 ±0.2 ±0.3 ±0.06
53 mm
25 μL ±1.0 ±0.25 ±0.3 ±0.075
50 μL ±0.7 ±0.35 ±0.3 ±0.15
100 μL ±0.6 ±0.6 ±0.2 ±0.2
200 μL ±0.6 ±1.2 ±0.2 ±0.4
200 μL blue ±0.6 ±1.2 ±0.2 ±0.4
250 μL 50 μL – 1000 μL ±0.6 ±1.5 ±0.2 ±0.5
71 mm
500 μL ±0.6 ±3.0 ±0.2 ±1.0
1 000 μL ±0.6 ±6.0 ±0.2 ±2.0

Reference2 Fixed volume

Model Test tip Maximum permissible errors Eppendorf AG
epT.I.P.S. color code Error
Volume range
Systematic error Random error
Length
±% ± mL ±% ± mL
2.0 mL red ±0.6 ±0.012 ±0.2 ±0.004
2.5 mL 0.5 mL – 2.5 mL ±0.6 ±0.015 ±0.2 ±0.005
115 mm
 Technical specifications
36 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

9.1.3 Research fixed

Model Test tip Error limits

epT.I.P.S. Color code Error
Volume range
Length Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
10 μL Yellow ±1.2 ±0.12 ±0.6 ±0.06
20 μL 2 μL – 200 μL ±1.0 ±0.2 ±0.3 ±0.06
53 mm
25 μL ±1.0 ±0.25 ±0.3 ±0.075
50 μL ±0.7 ±0.35 ±0.3 ±0.15
100 μL ±0.6 ±0.6 ±0.2 ±0.2
200 μL Blue ±0.6 ±1.2 ±0.2 ±0.4
250 μL 50 μL – 1000 μL ±0.6 ±1.5 ±0.2 ±0.5
71 mm
500 μL ±0.6 ±3.0 ±0.2 ±1.0
1000 μL ±0.6 ±6.0 ±0.2 ±2.0

9.1.4 Research plus fixed

Research plus fixed volume

Model Test tip Eppendorf AG error limits
epT.I.P.S. Color code Error
Volume range
Length Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
10 μL Medium gray ±1.2 ±0.12 ±0.6 ±0.06
0.1 μL – 20 μL
40 mm
20 μL light gray ±0.8 ±0.16 ±0.3 ±0.06
0.5 μL – 20 μL L
46 mm
10 μL Yellow ±1.2 ±0.12 ±0.6 ±0.06
20 μL 2 μL – 200 μL ±1.0 ±0.2 ±0.3 ±0.06
53 mm
25 μL ±1.0 ±0.25 ±0.3 ±0.08
50 μL ±0.7 ±0.35 ±0.3 ±0.15
100 μL ±0.6 ±0.6 ±0.2 ±0.2
200 μL ±0.6 ±1.2 ±0.2 ±0.4
200 μL Blue ±0.6 ±1.2 ±0.2 ±0.4
250 μL 50 μL – 1 000 μL ±0.6 ±1.5 ±0.2 ±0.5
71 mm
500 μL ±0.6 ±3.0 ±0.2 ±1.0
1000 μL ±0.6 ±6.0 ±0.2 ±2.0
 Technical specifications
Eppendorf SOP 37
English (EN)

9.2 Adjusting adjustable volume pipettes

9.2.1 Reference variable

Model Test tip Testing Error limits

epT.I.P.S. Color code volume Error
Volume range
Length Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
0.1 μL – 2.5 μL Dark gray 0.25 μL ±12.0 ±0.03 ±6.0 ±0.015
0.1 μL – 10 μL 1.25 μL ±2.5 ±0.031 ±1.5 ±0.019
34 mm
2.5 μL ±1.4 ±0.035 ±0.7 ±0.018
0.5 μL – 10 μL light gray 1 μL ±2.5 ±0.025 ±1.8 ±0.018
0.5 μL – 20 μL 5 μL ±1.5 ±0.075 ±0.8 ±0.04
46 mm
10 μL ±1.0 ±0.1 ±0.4 ±0.04
2 μL – 20 μL light gray 2 μL ±3.0 ±0.06 ±2.0 ±0.04
0.5 μL – 20 μL 10 μL ±1.0 ±0.1 ±0.5 ±0.05
46 mm
20 μL ±0.8 ±0.16 ±0.3 ±0.06
2 μL – 20 μL Yellow 2 μL ±5.0 ±0.1 ±1.5 ±0.03
2 μL – 200 μL 10 μL ±1.2 ±0.12 ±0.6 ±0.06
53 mm
20 μL ±1.0 ±0.2 ±0.3 ±0.06
10 μL – 100 μL Yellow 10 μL ±3.0 ±0.3 ±0.7 ±0.07
2 μL – 200 μL 50 μL ±1.0 ±0.5 ±0.3 ±0.15
53 mm
100 μL ±0.8 ±0.8 ±0.15 ±0.15
50 μL – 200 μL Yellow 50 μL ±1.0 ±0.5 ±0.3 ±0.15
2 μL – 200 μL 100 μL ±0.9 ±0.9 ±0.3 ±0.3
53 mm
200 μL ±0.6 ±1.2 ±0.2 ±0.4
50 μL – 250 μL Blue 50 μL ±1.4 ±0.7 ±0.3 ±0.15
50 μL – 1000 μL 100 μL ±1.1 ±1.1 ±0.3 ±0.3
71 mm
250 μL ±0.6 ±1.5 ±0.2 ±0.5
100 μL – 1000 μL Blue 100 μL ±3.0 ±3.0 ±0.3 ±0.3
50 μL – 1000 μL 500 μL ±1.0 ±5.0 ±0.2 ±1.0
71 mm
1000 μL ±0.6 ±6.0 ±0.2 ±2.0
500 μL – 2500 μL Red 0.5 mL ±1.5 ±7.5 ±0.3 ±1.5
500 μL – 2500 μL 1.25 mL ±0.8 ±10 ±0.2 ±2.5
115 mm
2.5 mL ±0.6 ±15 ±0.2 ±5.0
 Technical specifications
38 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

9.2.2 Reference 2 adjustable-volume

Reference2 Single-channel variable

Model Test tip Testing Maximum permissible errors
epT.I.P.S. color code volume Eppendorf AG
Volume range Error
Length
Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
0.1 μL – 2.5 μL dark gray 0.1 μL ±48.0 ±0.048 ±12.0 ±0.012
Increment: 0.1 μL – 10 μL 0.25 μL ±12.0 ±0.03 ±6.0 ±0.015
0.002 μL 34 mm
1.25 μL ±2.5 ±0.031 ±1.5 ±0.019
2.5 μL ±1.4 ±0.035 ±0.7 ±0.018
0.5 μL – 10 μL medium gray 0.5 μL ±8.0 ±0.04 ±5.0 ±0.0025
Increment: 0.1 μL – 20 μL 1 μL ±2.5 ±0.025 ±1.8 ±0.018
0.01 μL 40 mm
5 μL ±1.5 ±0.075 ±0.8 ±0.04
10 μL ±1.0 ±0.10 ±0.4 ±0.04
2 μL – 20 μL light gray 2 μL ±5.0 ±0.10 ±1.5 ±0.03
Increment: 0.5 μL – 20 μL L 10 μL ±1.2 ±0.12 ±0.6 ±0.06
0.02 μL 46 mm
20 μL ±1.0 ±0.20 ±0.3 ±0.06
2 μL – 20 μL yellow 2 μL ±5.0 ±0.10 ±1.5 ±0.03
Increment: 2 μL –200 μL 10 μL ±1.2 ±0.12 ±0.6 ±0.06
0.02 μL 53 mm
20 μL ±1.0 ±0.2 ±0.3 ±0.06
10 μL – 100 μL yellow 10 μL ±3.0 ±0.3 ±0.7 ±0.07
Increment: 2 μL – 200 μL 50 μL ±1.0 ±0.5 ±0.3 ±0.15
0.1 μL 53 mm
100 μL ±0.8 ±0.8 ±0.2 ±0.2
20 μL – 200 μL yellow 20 μL ±2.5 ±0.5 ±0.7 ±0.14
Increment: 2 μL – 200 μL 100 μL ±1.0 ±1.0 ±0.3 ±0.3
0.2 μL 53 mm
200 μL ±0.6 ±1.2 ±0.2 ±0.4
30 μL – 300 μL orange 30 μL ±2.5 ±0.75 ±0.7 ±0.21
Increment: 20 μL – 300 μL 150 μL ±1.0 ±1.5 ±0.3 ±0.45
0.2 μL 55 mm
300 μL ±0.6 ±1.8 ±0.2 ±0.6
100 μL – blue 100 μL ±3.0 ±3.0 ±0.6 ±0.6
1 000 μL 50 μL – 1 000 μL 500 μL ±1.0 ±5.0 ±0.2 ±1.0
Increment: 71 mm
1 μL 1000 μL ±0.6 ±6.0 ±0.2 ±2.0
 Technical specifications
Eppendorf SOP 39
English (EN)

Reference2 Single-channel variable

Model Test tip Testing Maximum permissible errors
epT.I.P.S. color code volume Eppendorf AG
Volume range Error
Length
Systematic error Random error
±% ± mL ±% ± mL
0.25 mL – red 0.25 mL ±4.8 ±0.012 ±1.2 ±0.003
2.5 mL 0.25 mL – 2.5 mL 1.25 mL ±0.8 ±0.010 ±0.2 ±0.0025
Increment: 115 mm
0.002 mL 2.5 mL ±0.6 ±0.015 ±0.2 ±0.005
0.5 mL – 5 mL violet 0.5 mL ±2.4 ±0.012 ±0.6 ±0.003
Increment: 0.1 mL – 5 mL 2.5 mL ±1.2 ±0.030 ±0.25 ±0.006
0.005 mL 120 mm
5.0 mL ±0.6 ±0.030 ±0.15 ±0.0075
1 mL – 10 mL turquoise 1.0 mL ±3.0 ±0.030 ±0.6 ±0.006
Increment: 1 mL – 10 mL 5.0 mL ±0.8 ±0.040 ±0.2 ±0.010
0.01 mL 165 mm
10.0 mL ±0.6 ±0.060 ±0.15 ±0.015
 Technical specifications
40 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

9.2.3 Research adjustable-volume

Model Test tip Testing Error limits

epT.I.P.S. Color code volume Error
Volume range
Length Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
0.1 μL – 2.5 μL Dark gray 0.25 μL ±12.0 ±0.03 ±6.0 ±0.015
0.1 μL – 10 μL 1.25 μL ±2.5 ±0.031 ±1.5 ±0.019
34 mm
2.5 μL ±1.4 ±0.035 ±0.7 ±0.018
0.5 μL – 10 μL light gray 1 μL ±2.5 ±0.025 ±1.8 ±0.018
0.5 μL – 20 μL L 5 μL ±1.5 ±0.075 ±0.8 ±0.04
46 mm
10 μL ±1.0 ±0.1 ±0.4 ±0.04
2 μL – 20 μL Yellow 2 μL ±5.0 ±0.1 ±1.5 ±0.03
2 μL – 200 μL 10 μL ±1.2 ±0.12 ±0.6 ±0.06
53 mm
20 μL ±1.0 ±0.2 ±0.3 ±0.06
10 μL – 100 μL Yellow 10 μL ±3.0 ±0.3 ±1.0 ±0.1
2 μL – 200 μL 50 μL ±1.0 ±0.5 ±0.3 ±0.15
53 mm
100 μL ±0.8 ±0.8 ±0.2 ±0.20
20 μL – 200 μL Yellow 20 μL ±2.5 ±0.5 ±0.7 ±0.14
2 μL – 200 μL 100 μL ±1.0 ±1.0 ±0.3 ±0.3
53 mm
200 μL ±0.6 ±1.2 ±0.2 ±0.4
100 μL – 1000 μL Blue 100 μL ±3.0 ±3.0 ±0.6 ±0.6
0.05 – 1 mL 500 μL ±1.0 ±5.0 ±0.2 ±1.0
71 mm
1000 μL ±0.6 ±6.0 ±0.2 ±2.0
0.5 mL – 5 mL Purple 0.5 mL ±2.4 ±12 ±0.6 ±3.0
0.1 – 5 mL 2.5 mL ±1.2 ±30 ±0.25 ±6.25
120 mm
5.0 mL ±0.6 ±30 ±0.15 ±7.5
1 mL – 10 mL Turquoise 1.0 mL ±3.0 ±30 ±0.6 ±6.0
1 – 10 mL 5.0 mL ±0.8 ±40 ±0.2 ±10
165 mm
10.0 mL ±0.6 ±60 ±0.15 ±15
 Technical specifications
Eppendorf SOP 41
English (EN)

9.2.4 Research pro

Model Test tip Testing Error limits

epT.I.P.S. Color code volume Error
Volume range
Length Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
0.5 μL – 10 μL light gray 1 μL ±2.5 ±0.025 ±1.8 ±0.018
0.5 – 20 μL L 5 μL ±1.5 ±0.075 ±0.8 ±0.04
46 mm
10 μL ±1.0 ±0.1 ±0.4 ±0.04
5 μL – 100 μL Yellow 10 μL ±2.0 ±0.2 ±1.0 ±0.1
2 – 200 μL 50 μL ±1.0 ±0.5 ±0.3 ±0.15
53 mm
100 μL ±0.8 ±0.8 ±0.2 ±0.2
20 μL – 300 μL Orange 30 μL ±2.5 ±0.75 ±0.7 ±0.21
20 – 300 μL 150 μL ±1.0 ±1.5 ±0.3 ±0.45
55 mm
300 μL ±0.6 ±1.8 ±0.2 ±0.6
50 μL – 1000 μL Blue 100 μL ±3.0 ±3.0 ±0.6 ±0.6
50 – 1000 μL 500 μL ±1.0 ±5.0 ±0.2 ±1.0
71 mm
1000 μL ±0.6 ±6.0 ±0.2 ±2.0
500 μL – 5000 μL Purple 0.5 mL ±3.0 ±15 ±0.6 ±3.0
0.1 – 5 mL 2.5 mL ±1.2 ±30 ±0.25 ±6.25
120 mm
5.0 mL ±0.6 ±30 ±0.15 ±7.5
 Technical specifications
42 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

9.2.5 Research plus adjustable-volume

Research plus adjustable single-channel

Model Test tip Testing Eppendorf AG error limits
epT.I.P.S. Color code volume Error
Volume range
Length Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
0.1 μL – 2.5 μL Dark gray 0.1 μL ±48 ±0.048 ±12 ±0.012
Increment: 0.1 μL – 10 μL 0.25 μL ±12 ±0.03 ±6.0 ±0.015
0.002 μL 34 mm
1.25 μL ±2.5 ±0.031 ±1.5 ±0.019
2.5 μL ±1.4 ±0.035 ±0.7 ±0.018
0.5 μL – 10 μL Medium gray 0.5 μL ±8.0 ±0.04 ±5.0 ±0.025
Increment: 0.1 μL – 20 μL 1 μL ±2.5 ±0.025 ±1.8 ±0.018
0.01 μL 40 mm
5 μL ±1.5 ±0.075 ±0.8 ±0.04
10 μL ±1.0 ±0.1 ±0.4 ±0.04
2 μL – 20 μL light gray 2 μL ±5.0 ±0.1 ±1.5 ±0.03
Increment: 0.5 μL – 20 μL L 10 μL ±1.2 ±0.12 ±0.6 ±0.06
0.02 μL 46 mm
20 μL ±1.0 ±0.2 ±0.3 ±0.06
2 μL – 20 μL Yellow 2 μL ±5.0 ±0.1 ±1.5 ±0.03
Increment: 2 μL – 200 μL 10 μL ±1.2 ±0.12 ±0.6 ±0.06
0.02 μL 53 mm
20 μL ±1.0 ±0.2 ±0.3 ±0.06
10 μμL – Yellow 10 μL ±3.0 ±0.3 ±1.0 ±0.1
100 μL 2 μL – 200 μL 50 μL ±1.0 ±0.5 ±0.3 ±0.15
Increment: 53 mm
0.1 μL 100 μL ±0.8 ±0.8 ±0.2 ±0.2
20 μL – 200 μL Yellow 20 μL ±2.5 ±0.5 ±0.7 ±0.14
Increment: 2 μL – 200 μL 100 μL ±1.0 ±1.0 ±0.3 ±0.3
0.2 μL 53 mm
200 μL ±0.6 ±1.2 ±0.2 ±0.4
30 μL – 300 μL Orange 30 μL ±2.5 ±0.75 ±0.7 ±0.21
Increment: 20 μL – 300 μL 150 μL ±1.0 ±1.5 ±0.3 ±0.45
0.2 μL 55 mm
300 μL ±0.6 ±1.8 ±0.2 ±0.6
100 μL – 1000 μL Blue 100 μL ±3.0 ±3.0 ±0.6 ±0.6
Increment: 50 μL – 1000 μL 500 μL ±1.0 ±5.0 ±0.2 ±1.0
1 μL 71 mm
1000 μL ±0.6 ±6.0 ±0.2 ±2.0
0.5 μL – 5 mL Purple 0.5 mL ±2.4 ±12 ±0.6 ±3.0
Increment: 0.1 μL – 5 mL 2.5 mL ±1.2 ±30 ±0.25 ±6.0
0.005 mL 120 mm
5.0 mL ±0.6 ±30 ±0.15 ±8.0
 Technical specifications
Eppendorf SOP 43
English (EN)

Research plus adjustable single-channel

Model Test tip Testing Eppendorf AG error limits
epT.I.P.S. Color code volume Error
Volume range
Length Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
1 μL – 10 mL Turquoise 1.0 mL ±3.0 ±30 ±0.6 ±6.0
Increment: 1 μL – 10 mL 5.0 mL ±0.8 ±40 ±0.2 ±10
0.01 mL 165 mm
10.0 mL ±0.6 ±60 ±0.15 ±15

9.2.6 Biomaster

Model Pipette tip Testing Error limits

volume Error
Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
Biomaster 4830 Mastertip 2 μL ±6.0 ±0.12 ±4.0 ±0.08
3 μL ±5.0 ±0.15 ±3.0 ±0.09
5 μL ±4.0 ±0.2 ±2.0 ±0.1
10 μL ±3.0 ±0.3 ±1.5 ±0.15
20 μL ±2.5 ±0.5 ±0.8 ±0.16

9.2.7 Varipette

Model Pipette tip Testing Error limits

volume Error
Systematic error Random error
±% ± mL ±% ± mL
Varipette 4720 Varitip S 2.5 mL ±1.0 ±0.025 ±0.2 ±0.005
5 mL ±0.4 ±0.02 ±0.2 ±0.01
10 mL ±0.3 ±0.03 ±0.2 ±0.02
Varipette 4720 Varitip P 1 mL ±0.6 ±0.006 ±0.2 ±0.002
5 mL ±0.5 ±0.025 ±0.1 ±0.005
10 mL ±0.3 ±0.03 ±0.1 ±0.01
 Technical specifications
44 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

9.2.8 Xplorer and Xplorer plus

Model Test tip Testing Error limits Eppendorf AG

epT.I.P.S. color code volume Error
Volume range
Length Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
0.5 μL – 10 μL Medium gray 1 μL ± 2.5 ± 0.025 ± 1.8 ± 0.018
Increment: 0.1 μL – 20 μL 5 μL ± 1.5 ± 0.075 ± 0.8 ± 0.04
0.01 μL 40 mm
10 μL ± 1.0 ± 0.1 ± 0.4 ± 0.04
5 μL – 100 μL Yellow 10 μL ± 2.0 ± 0.2 ± 1.0 ± 0.1
Increment: 2 μL – 200 μL 50 μL ± 1.0 ± 0.5 ± 0.3 ± 0.15
0.1 μL 53 mm
100 μL ± 0.8 ± 0.8 ± 0.2 ± 0.2
15 μL – 300 μL Orange 30 μL ± 2.5 ± 0.75 ± 0.7 ± 0.21
Increment: 15 μL – 300 μL 150 μL ± 1.0 ± 1.5 ± 0.3 ± 0.45
0.2 μL 55 mm
300 μL ± 0.6 ± 1.8 ± 0.2 ± 0.6
50 μL – 1 000 μL Blue 100 μL ± 3.0 ± 3.0 ± 0.6 ± 0.6
Increment: 50 μL – 1 000 μL 500 μL ± 1.0 ± 5.0 ± 0.2 ±1
1 μL 71 mm
1 000 μL ± 0.6 ± 6.0 ± 0.2 ±2
0.2 mL – 5 mL Violet 0.5 mL ± 3.0 ± 15.0 ± 0.6 ±3
Increment: 0.1 mL – 5 mL 2.5 mL ± 1.2 ± 30.0 ± 0.25 ± 6.25
0.005 mL 120 mm
5 mL ± 0.6 ± 30.0 ± 0.15 ± 7.5
0.5 mL – 10 mL Turquoise 1 mL ± 3.0 ± 30.0 ± 0.60 ± 6.0
Increment: 1 mL – 10 mL 5 mL ± 0.8 ± 40.0 ± 0.20 ± 10.0
0.01 mL 165 mm
10 mL ± 0.6 ± 60.0 ± 0.15 ± 15.0
 Technical specifications
Eppendorf SOP 45
English (EN)

9.3 Multi-channel pipettes

9.3.1 Research

Model Test tip Volume Error limits

epT.I.P.S. Color code in µL Error
Volume range
Length Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
Research8-cha light gray 1 ±8.0 ±0.08 ±5.0 ±0.05
nnel 0.5 μL – 20 μL L 5 ±4.0 ±0.2 ±2.0 ±0.1
0.5 μL – 10 μL 46 mm
10 ±2.0 ±0.2 ±1.0 ±0.1
Research12-ch see 8-channel
annel
0.5 μL – 10 μL
Research8-cha Yellow 10 ±3.0 ±0.3 ±2.0 ±0.2
nnel 2 μL – 200 μL 50 ±1.0 ±0.5 ±0.8 ±0.4
10 μL – 100 μL 53 mm
100 ±0.8 ±0.8 ±0.3 ±0.3
Research12-ch see 8-channel
annel
10 μL – 100 μL
Research8-cha Orange 30 ±3.0 ±0.9 ±1.0 ±0.3
nnel 20 μL – 300 μL 150 ±1.0 ±1.5 ±0.5 ±0.75
30 μL – 300 μL 55 mm
300 ±0.6 ±1.8 ±0.3 ±0.9
Research12-ch see 8-channel
annel
30 μL – 300 μL
 Technical specifications
46 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

9.3.2 Research pro

Model Test tip Testing Error limits

epT.I.P.S. Color code volume Error
Volume range
Length Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
Research pro light gray 1 μL ±5.0 ±0.05 ±3.0 ±0.03
8-channel / 0.5 μL – 20 μL L 5 μL ±3.0 ±0.15 ±1.5 ±0.075
12-channel 46 mm
0.5 μL – 10 μL 10 μL ±2.0 ±0.2 ±0.8 ±0.08
Research pro Yellow 10 μL ±2.0 ±0.2 ±2.0 ±0.2
8-channel / 2 μL – 200 μL 50 μL ±1.0 ±0.5 ±0.8 ±0.4
12-channel 53 mm
5 μL – 100 μL 100 μL ±0.8 ±0.8 ±0.25 ±0.25
Research pro Orange 30 μL ±2.5 ±0.75 ±1.0 ±0.3
8-channel / 20 μL – 300 μL 150 μL ±1.0 ±1.5 ±0.5 ±0.75
12-channel 55 mm
20 μL – 300 μL 300 μL ±0.6 ±1.8 ±0.25 ±0.75
Research pro Green 120 μL ±6.0 ±7.2 ±0.9 ±1.08
8-channel / 50 μL – 1250 μL 600 μL ±2.7 ±16.2 ±0.4 ±2.4
12-channel 76 mm
50 μL – 1250 μL 1200 μL ±1.2 ±14.4 ±0.3 ±3.6

9.3.3 Research plus

Research plus adjustable multi-channel

Model Test tip Testing Eppendorf AG error limits
epT.I.P.S. Color code volume Error
Volume range
Length Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
0.5 μL – 10 μL Medium gray 0.5 μL ±12 ±0.06 ±8.0 ±0.04
Increment: 0.1 μL – 20 μL 1 μL ±8.0 ±0.08 ±5.0 ±0.05
0.01 μL 40 mm
5 μL ±4.0 ±0.2 ±2.0 ±0.1
10 μL ±2.0 ±0.2 ±1.0 ±0.1
10 μL – 100 μL Yellow 10 μL ±3.0 ±0.3 ±2.0 ±0.2
Increment: 2 μL – 200 μL 50 μL ±1.0 ±0.5 ±0.8 ±0.4
0.1 μL 53 mm
100 μL ±0.8 ±0.8 ±0.3 ±0.3
 Technical specifications
Eppendorf SOP 47
English (EN)

Research plus adjustable multi-channel

Model Test tip Testing Eppendorf AG error limits
epT.I.P.S. Color code volume Error
Volume range
Length Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
30 μL – 300 μL Orange 30 μL ±3.0 ±0.9 ±1.0 ±0.3
Increment: 20 μL – 300 μL 150 μL ±1.0 ±1.5 ±0.5 ±0.75
0.2 μL 55 mm
300 μL ±0.6 ±1.8 ±0.3 ±0.9

9.3.4 Reference2

Reference2 Multi-channel variable (8-channel / 12-channel)

Model Test tip Testing Maximum permissible errors
epT.I.P.S. color code volume Eppendorf AG
Volume range Error
Length
Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
0.5 μL – 10 μL medium gray 0.5 μL ±12.0 ±0.06 ±8.0 ±0.04
0.1 μL – 20 μL 1 μL ±8.0 ±0.08 ±5.0 ±0.05
40 mm
5 μL ±4.0 ±0.2 ±2.0 ±0.1
10 μL ±2.0 ±0.2 ±1.0 ±0.1
10 μL – 100 μL yellow 10 μL ±3.0 ±0.3 ±2.0 ±0.2
2 μL – 200 μL 50 μL ±1.0 ±0.5 ±0.8 ±0.4
53 mm
100 μL ±0.8 ±0.8 ±0.3 ±0.3
30 μL – 300 μL orange 30 μL ±3.0 ±0.9 ±1.0 ±0.3
20 μL – 300 μL 150 μL ±1.0 ±1.5 ±0.5 ±0.75
55 mm
300 μL ±0.6 ±1.8 ±0.3 ±0.9
 Technical specifications
48 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

9.3.5 Xplorer and Xplorer plus

Model Test tip Testing Error limits Eppendorf AG

Increment epT.I.P.S. color code volume Error
Volume range
Length Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
0.5 μL – 10 μL Medium gray 1 μL ± 5.0 ± 0.05 ± 3.0 ± 0.03
Increment: 0.1 – 20 μL 5 μL ± 3.0 ± 0.15 ± 1.5 ± 0.075
0.01 μL 40 mm
10 μL ± 2.0 ± 0.2 ± 0.8 ± 0.08
5 μL – 100 μL Yellow 10 μL ± 2.0 ± 0.2 ± 2.0 ± 0.2
Increment: 2 – 200 μL 50 μL ± 1.0 ± 0.5 ± 0.8 ± 0.4
0.1 μL 53 mm
100 μL ± 0.8 ± 0.8 ± 0.25 ± 0.25
15 μL – 300 μL Orange 30 μL ± 2.5 ± 0.75 ± 1.0 ± 0.3
Increment: 15 – 300 μL 150 μL ± 1.0 ± 1.5 ± 0.5 ± 0.75
0.2 μL 55 mm
300 μL ± 0.6 ± 1.8 ± 0.25 ± 0.75
50 μL – 1 200 μL Green 120 μL ± 6.0 ± 7.2 ± 0.9 ± 1.08
Increment: 50 – 1 250 μL 600 μL ± 2.7 ± 16.2 ± 0.4 ± 2.4
1 μL 76 mm
1 200 μL ± 1.2 ± 14.2 ± 0.3 ± 3.6

9.4 Multipette
The following specifications for the Multipette plus, Multipette stream / Multipette
Xstream, Multipette M4 apply to the following conditions:
• Using the Combitips advanced
• Liquid: Distilled or deionized water
• Reference temperature: 20 °C to 25 °C, ±0.5 °C
• Number of determinations: 10 according to EN ISO 8655, with the original Eppendorf
Combitip advanced
Multipette stream / Multipette Xstream:
• Volume test in "DIS" mode
• Set speed level: 7
 Technical specifications
Eppendorf SOP 49
English (EN)

9.4.1 Multipette plus

Combitip advanced Testing volume Error limits

Error
Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
0.1 mL 2 μL ±1.6 ±0.032 ±3.0 ±0.06
(beige piston) 20 μL ±1.0 ±0.2 ±2.0 ±0.4
0.2 mL 4 μL ±1.3 ±0.052 ±2.0 ±0.08
(blue piston) 40 μL ±0.8 ±0.32 ±1.5 ±0.6
0.5 mL 10 μL ±0.9 ±0.09 ±1.5 ±0.15
100 μL ±0.8 ±0.8 ±0.6 ±0.6
1 mL 20 μL ±0.9 ±0.18 ±0.9 ±0.18
200 μL ±0.6 ±1.2 ±0.4 ±0.8
2.5 mL 50 μL ±0.8 ±0.4 ±0.8 ±0.4
500 μL ±0.5 ±2.5 ±0.3 ±1.5
5 mL 100 μL ±0.6 ±0.6 ±0.6 ±0.6
1000 μL ±0.5 ±5.0 ±0.25 ±2.5
10 mL 200 μL ±0.5 ±1.0 ±0.6 ±1.2
2 000 μL ±0.5 ±10 ±0.25 ±5.0
25 mL 500 μL ±0.4 ±2.0 ±0.6 ±3.0
(blue adapter) 5000 μL ±0.3 ±15 ±0.25 ±12.5
50 mL 1000 μL ±0.3 ±3.0 ±0.5 ±5.0
(Dark gray adapter) 10000 μL ±0.3 ±30 ±0.3 ±30
 Technical specifications
50 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

9.4.2 Multipette M4

Combitip advanced Testing volume Error limits

Error
Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
0.1 mL 2 μL ±1.6 ±0.032 ±3.0 ±0.06
white
Increment: 20 μL ±1.0 ±0.2 ±2.0 ±0.4
1 μL
0.2 mL 4 μL ±1.3 ±0.052 ±2.0 ±0.08
light blue
Increment: 40 μL ±0.8 ±0.32 ±1.5 ±0.6
2 μL
0.5 mL 10 μL ±0.9 ±0.09 ±1.5 ±0.15
purple
Increment: 100 μL ±0.8 ±0.8 ±0.6 ±0.6
5 μL
1 mL 20 μL ±0.9 ±0.18 ±0.9 ±0.18
yellow
Increment: 200 μL ±0.6 ±1.2 ±0.4 ±0.8
10 μL
2.5 mL 50 μL ±0.8 ±0.4 ±0.8 ±0.4
green
Increment: 500 μL ±0.5 ±2.5 ±0.3 ±1.5
25 μL
5 mL 100 μL ±0.6 ±0.6 ±0.6 ±0.6
blue
Increment: 1000 μL ±0.5 ±5.0 ±0.25 ±2.5
50 μL
10 mL 200 μL ±0.5 ±1.0 ±0.6 ±1.2
orange 0.2 mL
Increment: 2 000 μL ±0.5 ±10 ±0.25 ±5.0
0.1 mL 2 mL
25 mL 500 μL ±0.4 ±2.0 ±0.6 ±3.0
red 0.5 mL
Increment: 5000 μL ±0.3 ±15 ±0.25 ±12.5
0.25 mL 5 mL
50 mL 1000 μL ±0.3 ±3.0 ±0.5 ±5.0
light gray 1 mL
Increment: 10000 μL ±0.3 ±30 ±0.3 ±30
0.5 mL 10 mL
 Technical specifications
Eppendorf SOP 51
English (EN)

9.4.3 Multipette stream / Multipette Xstream

Combitip advanced Volume range Testing Error limits

volume Error
Systematic error Random error
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
0.1 mL 1 μL – 100 μL 10 μL ±1.6 ±0.16 ±2.5 ±0.25
(white piston) 50 μL ±1.0 ±0.5 ±1.5 ±0.75
Increment:
0.1 μL 100 μL ±1.0 ±1.0 ±0.5 ±0.5
0.2 mL 2 μL – 200 μL 20 μL ±1.3 ±0.26 ±1.5 ±0.3
(blue piston) 100 μL ±1.0 ±1.0 ±1.0 ±1.0
Increment:
0.2 μL 200 μL ±1.0 ±2.0 ±0.5 ±1.0
0.5 mL 5 μL – 500 μL 50 μL ±0.9 ±0.45 ±0.8 ±0.4
Increment: 250 μL ±0.9 ±2.25 ±0.5 ±1.25
0.5 μL
500 μL ±0.9 ±4.5 ±0.3 ±1.5
1 mL 10 μL – 1000 μL 100 μL ±0.9 ±0.9 ±0.55 ±0.55
Increment: 500 μL ±0.6 ±3.0 ±0.3 ±1.5
1 μL
1000 μL ±0.6 ±6.0 ±0.2 ±2.0
2.5 mL 25 μL – 2500 μL 250 μL ±0.8 ±2.0 ±0.45 ±1.125
Increment: 1250 μL ±0.5 ±6.25 ±0.3 ±3.75
2.5 μL
2500 μL ±0.5 ±12.5 ±0.15 ±3.75
5 mL 50 μL – 5000 μL 500 μL ±0.8 ±4.0 ±0.35 ±1.75
Increment: 2500 μL ±0.5 ±12.5 ±0.25 ±6.25
5 μL
5000 μL ±0.5 ±25 ±0.15 ±7.5

Combitip advanced Volume range Testing Error limits

volume Error
Systematic error Random error
±% ± mL ±% ± mL
10 mL 0.1 mL – 10 mL 1 mL ±0.5 ±0.005 ±0.25 ±0.0025
Increment: 5 mL ±0.4 ±0.02 ±0.25 ±0.0125
10 μL
10 mL ±0.4 ±0.04 ±0.15 ±0.015
 Technical specifications
52 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

Combitip advanced Volume range Testing Error limits

volume Error
Systematic error Random error
±% ± mL ±% ± mL
25 mL 0.25 mL – 25 mL 2.5 mL ±0.3 ±0.0075 ±0.35 ±0.0088
(blue adapter) 12.5 mL ±0.3 ±0.0375 ±0.25 ±0.0313
Increment:
25 μL 25 mL ±0.3 ±0.075 ±0.15 ±0.0375
50 mL 0.5 mL – 50 mL 5 mL ±0.3 ±0.015 ±0.50 ±0.025
(Dark gray adapter) 25 mL ±0.3 ±0.075 ±0.20 ±0.05
Increment:
50 μL 50 mL ±0.3 ±0.15 ±0.15 ±0.075

9.5 Varispenser / Top Buret

The following specifications for Varispenser and Top Buret are valid for the following
conditions:

Liquid: Distilled or deionized water

Reference temperature: 20 °C to 25 °C, ±0.5 °C unchanging
Number of determinations: 10, in accordance with EN ISO 8655

9.5.1 Varispenser and Varispenser plus

Setting range Tested volume Systematic error Random error

(inaccuracy) (imprecision)
0.5 mL – 2.50 mL 2.5 mL ±0.6 % ≤ 0.1 %
1.00 mL – 5.00 mL 5.0 mL ±0.5 % ≤ 0.1 %
2.00 mL – 10.0 mL 10.0 mL ±0.5 % ≤ 0.1 %
5.00 mL – 25.0 mL 25.0 mL ±0.5 % ≤ 0.1 %
10.0 mL – 50.0 mL 50.0 mL ±0.5 % ≤ 0.1 %
20.0 mL – 100.0 mL 100.0 mL ±0.5 % ≤ 0.1 %

9.5.2 Top Buret

Size Setting range Systematic error Random error

(inaccuracy) (imprecision)
C 25 mL ±0.2 % ≤ 0.1 %
H 50 mL ±0.2 % ≤ 0.1 %
 Technical specifications
Eppendorf SOP 53
English (EN)

9.6 Error limits in accordance with EN ISO 8655

The error limits always refer to the overall system: pipette and tip. If the nominal volume
of the pipette lies between two entries in the table, the absolute error values for the next
largest nominal volume apply.
The absolute error limits in μL referring to the nominal volume apply to each volume
which can be set on the piston stroke pipette. The list below includes the absolute and
relative error limits in relation to the volume.

9.6.1 Air-cushion pipettes, fixed and adjustable volume

Nominal volume Error limits

Measurement errors
Systematic Random
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
1μL ±5.0 ±0.05 ±5.0 ±0.05
2μL ±4.0 ±0.08 ±2.0 ±0.04
5μL ±2.5 ±0,125 ±1.5 ±0.075
10μL ±1.2 ±0,12 ± 0.8 ±0.08
20μL ±1.0 ±0.2 ±0.5 ±0.1
50μL ±1.0 ±0.5 ±0.4 ±0.2
100μL ± 0.8 ±0.8 ±0.3 ±0.3
200 μL ± 0.8 ±1,6 ±0.3 ±0.6
500μL ± 0.8 ±4.0 ±0.3 ±1.5
1000 μL ± 0.8 ±8.0 ±0.3 ±3.0
2000 μL ± 0.8 ±16.0 ±0.3 ±6.0
5000 μL ± 0.8 ±40.0 ±0.3 ±15.0
10000 μL ±0.6 ±60.0 ±0.3 ±30.0

For Multi-channel pipettes, the error values are two times the values specified
for single-channel pipettes.
 Technical specifications
54 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

9.6.2 Positive displacement pipettes (Biomaster)

Nominal volume Error limits

Measurement errors
Systematic Random
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
5μL ±2.5 ±0,13 ±1.5 ±0.08
10μL ±2.0 ±0.2 ±1.0 ±0.1
20μL ±2.0 ±0.4 ± 0.8 ±0,16
50μL ±1.4 ±0,7 ±0.6 ±0.3
100μL ±1.5 ±1.5 ±0.6 ±0.6
200 μL ±1.5 ±3.0 ±0.4 ±0.8
500μL ±1.2 ±6.0 ±0.4 ±2.0
1000 μL ±1.2 ±12.0 ±0.4 ±4.0
 Technical specifications
Eppendorf SOP 55
English (EN)

9.6.3 Dispenser (Multipette)

Nominal volume Error limits

Measurement errors
Systematic Random
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
0.001 mL ±5.0 ±0.05 ±5.0 ±0.05
0.002 mL ±5.0 ±0.1 ±5.0 ±0.1
0.003 mL ±2.5 ±0.075 ±3.5 ±0,11
0.01 mL ±2.0 ±0.2 ±2.5 ±0.25
0.02 mL ±1.5 ±0.3 ±2.0 ±0.4
0.05 mL ±1.0 ±0.5 ±1.5 ±0.75
0,1 mL ±1.0 ±1.0 ±1.0 ±1.0
0.2 mL ±1.0 ±2.0 ±1.0 ±2.0
0.5 mL ±1.0 ±5.0 ±0.6 ±3.0
1 mL ±1.0 ±10.0 ±0.4 ±4.0
2 mL ± 0.8 ±16.0 ±0.4 ±8.0
5 mL ±0.6 ±30.0 ±0.3 ±15.0
10 mL ±0.5 ±50.0 ±0.3 ±30.0
25 mL ±0.5 ±125.0 ±0.3 ±75.0
50 mL ±0.5 ±250 ±0.25 ±125.0
100 mL ±0.5 ±500 ±0.25 ±250.0
200 mL ±0.5 ±1000 ±0.25 ±500.0
 Technical specifications
56 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

9.6.4 Single-stroke dispenser (Varispenser)

Nominal volume Error limits

Measurement errors
Systematic Random
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
0.01 mL ±2.0 ±0.2 ±1.0 ±0.1
0.02 mL ±2.0 ±0.4 ±0.5 ±0.1
0.05 mL ±1.5 ±0.75 ±0.4 ±0.2
0.1 mL ±1.5 ±1.5 ±0.3 ±0.3
0.2 mL ±1.0 ±2.0 ±0.3 ±0.6
0.5 mL ±1.0 ±5.0 ±0.2 ±1.0
1 mL ±0.6 ±6.0 ±0.2 ±2.0
2 mL ±0.6 ±12.0 ±0.2 ±4.0
5 mL ±0.6 ±30.0 ±0.2 ±10.0
10 mL ±0.6 ±60.0 ±0.2 ±20.0
25 mL ±0.6 ±150.0 ±0.2 ±50.0
50 mL ±0.6 ±300.0 ±0.2 ±100.0
100 mL ±0.6 ±600.0 ±0.2 ±200.0
200 mL ±0.6 ±1200 ±0.2 ±400.0

9.6.5 Piston stroke burets

Nominal volume Error limits

Measurement errors
Systematic Random
±% ± µL ±% ± µL
1 mL ±0.6 ±6.0 ±0.1 ±1.0
2 mL ±0.5 ±10.0 ±0.1 ±2.0
5 mL ±0.3 ±15.0 ±0.1 ±5.0
10 mL ±0.3 ±30.0 ±0.1 ±10.0
20 mL ±0.2 ±40.0 ±0.1 ±20.0
25 mL ±0.2 ±50.0 ±0.1 ±25.0
50 mL ±0.2 ±100.0 ±0.1 ±50.0
100 mL ±0.2 ±200 ±0.1 ±100.0
 Index
Eppendorf SOP 57
English (EN)

Index Technical specifications ....................34

A J
Accuracy ................................................... 6 Justierung
Adjustable-volume pipettes Adjustable-volume pipettes...............15
Adjust ............................................... 16
Adjusting adjustable volume pipettes L
Technical specifications ................... 37 Leakage check.........................................13
Adjustment ............................................. 15
Fixed-volume pipettes ...................... 30
General information ......................... 15 M
Measurement
Work method.......................................9
B
Measuring station .....................................7
Balance
Multi-channel pipettes
Type .................................................... 6
Technical specifications ....................45
Balances ................................................... 6
Multipette
Accuracy ............................................. 6
Technical specifications ....................48
minimum requirements ...................... 6

P
C
Physical influences of liquids..................32
Calibration software ................................. 7
Pipette conditions .....................................6
Cleaning ................................................. 12
Climatic conditions................................... 7
R
Random error ..........................................10
D
Dispensing the
test volume ..................................... 9, 9 S
Scope of testing
Adjusting adjustable volume pipettes.8
E
Bottle-top dispenser, Top Buret ..........8
Error causes ........................................... 14 Multi-channel pipettes ........................8
Error correction ...................................... 14 Multipette............................................8
Error limits ............................................. 53 Sterilization .............................................11
Evaporation .............................................. 7 Systematic error......................................10

F T
Factor Z Technical specifications
Table ................................................. 33 Adjusting adjustable volume pipettes37
Fixed-volume pipettes Conditions .........................................34
Adjust ............................................... 30 Fixed-volume pipettes.......................34
 Index
58 Eppendorf SOP
English (EN)

Multi-channel pipettes ..................... 45

Multipette ......................................... 48
Top Buret.......................................... 52
Varispenser....................................... 52
Temperature differences .......................... 7
Test conditions ......................................... 6
Test liquid ................................................. 7
Test room.................................................. 7
Top Buret
Technical specifications ................... 52

V
Varispenser
Technical specifications ................... 52
Volume errors......................................... 15

W
Work method ............................................ 9
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