ISO 8655 Revisions Reach Final Draft Status

Updated quality standards for manual liquid handling going to ballot 

WESTBROOK, ME (November 30, 2021) – ISO standards are a solid basis for improving measurement quality and reducing risks. Many organizations require that laboratories be in compliance with applicable international standards, and companies commonly prefer dealing with ISO-compliant partners.  So when the standards are updated it is important to take note.

The final drafts of comprehensive revisions to the ISO 8655 series, concerning piston-operated volumetric apparatus, have advanced to FDIS (final draft) status. The original seven parts underwent significant revision and two new parts have been added to the series. Balloting for final approval launched on November 17, 2021 and will close in January of 2022. If approved, publication of the new revisions is expected in the first quarter of 2022.  

Much has changed since the first version of 8655 was published in 2002. The current revision is extensive, a result of focused effort by numerous experts from many companies and countries. Among the changes are:  

  • the pipetting tolerance tables have been revised and tightened significantly for small volume pipettes;  
  • the series now expands beyond calibrations to include routine testing in users’ laboratories;  
  • Part 7 has been expanded to include a number of alternative testing methods;   
  • a new Part 8 has been added to include the photometric reference method;   
  • a new Part 9 has been added for precision laboratory syringes.  

Concurrent with final approval voting of ISO 8655 parts 1 through 9, work is underway for updating the Technical Reports regarding measurement uncertainty analysis of the gravimetric and photometric methods. Work continues to develop the new ISO 8655 Part 10, which focuses on operator qualification and best practices.  

Persons in the United States who are interested in volunteering to work on ISO standards for pipettes or other automated liquid handlers should inquire with Dr. George Rodrigues of Artel, who is the chairperson of the US Technical Advisory Group and can be reached via [email protected]. Interested parties outside of the U.S. can contact their national standards bodies to discover how to participate in the standards developing process.