All Members Community

 View Only
  • 1.  Calibration-based core

    Posted 01-25-2023 17:19
    Hi Everyone,

    I am wondering if anyone has explored the idea of creating a core that is dedicated to providing calibration services for single/multichannel pipettes.  Our research purchasing group is exploring ways to streamline our current process for coordinating and paying outside vendors for calibrations, and to what extent this could be done internally in a core setting.

    Any thoughts are appreciated.

    Thank you!

    Aaron Larson, MSB

    Director of Operations, Shared Research Resources

    Seattle Children's Research Institute



    ------------------------------
    Aaron Larson
    Director of Operations, Shared Research Resources
    Seattle Children's Research Institute
    Seattle WA
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Calibration-based core

    Posted 01-26-2023 05:29
    Dear Aaron,

    In our organization we had a team dedicated to lab equipment, for all sort of repairs. Initially they were taking care of pipette calibration, but due to the high numbers of labs and, of course, pipettes, they bought an instrument. This is fairly easy to use and allows you to calibrate your pipettes on your own.
    The advantage is that pipettes are immediately available, no shipping, no waiting time and can be done anytime you feel that is necessary.
    Hope this helps, of you need more info, let me know.
    Best,
    Emanuele

    ------------------------------
    Emanuele Palescandolo
    Team Lead - NGS, Single Cells and FACS
    KAUST - King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
    Thuwal
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Calibration-based core

    Posted 01-26-2023 10:29
    Thank you Emanuele for your reply.  Can you provide more information on the instrument that was purchased to assist in this process?

    ------------------------------
    Aaron Larson
    Director of Operations, Shared Research Resources
    Seattle Children's Research Institute
    Seattle WA
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Calibration-based core

    Posted 01-26-2023 10:44
    The group decided to purchase the Artel instrument (https://www.artel.co/products/pcs-pipette-calibration-system/), although I don't know based on what factors. They definitely assessed ease of use, since it is destined to a wide audience. If you are interested I can ask.
    Best,
    Emanuele

    ------------------------------
    Emanuele Palescandolo
    Team Lead - NGS, Single Cells and FACS
    KAUST - King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
    Thuwal
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Calibration-based core

    Posted 01-27-2023 09:06

    The Artel PCS seems to be a pretty neat instrument. What's the cost of instrument and consumables?

     

    Another low cost solution can be the Check-it https://www.nextadvance.com/checkit-go/

    We have tested it and works well. In our lab we still use the weigh balance method.

    Previously we used to have a outside vendor come in and service all the pipettes in the bldg. The name escapes me now but when they stopped we used DRT scientific http://www.drtscientific.com/services.html. Post covid we use Eppendorf https://www.eppendorf.com/US-en/service-support/service-plans/pipette-service/

     

    In house checks help us maintain the confidence in our pipettes. Once we see variance, we use vendors to repair/replace parts

     

    An institutional core is a very intriguing idea. At Purdue we had a machine shop in the bldg. that could repair computers, pumps and other small instruments and it was very convenient. If you guys decide to offer this service let us know and we can collectively improve usage.

     

     

    Sridar

     






  • 6.  RE: Calibration-based core

    Posted 01-26-2023 10:32
    Hi Aaron,

    I have made arrangements with Unity Services (a division of Thermo Fisher) to come in twice a year and do onsite pipette calibrations. The people who want to have their calibrations done place an order in iLab, and drop off their pipettes a day or two ahead of the calibration date. Unity is then onsite for 2-3 days. They need a place where they can set up their balance and work. They do the calibrations, thorough cleanings and minor repairs and then take anything that is really broken back with them, fix it in-house and ship it back. It is a little bit complicated setting up the PO to have this done, because they want a guaranteed number of pipettes and a PO before they set a date, and pricing is based on the totals, but we have made it work in the past. Usually they will set a date just based on the number of pipettes I have personally, and then we adjust once I get the orders in place from the other labs. Maybe if more institutions did something like this, they would develop a model that works a little better with purchasing.

    Roxann




  • 7.  RE: Calibration-based core

    Posted 01-26-2023 15:14
    Thank you Roxann, it is good to know that Unity Services could be a resource in this area for us, and I appreciate the background for how you have made it work.

    ------------------------------
    Aaron Larson
    Director of Operations, Shared Research Resources
    Seattle Children's Research Institute
    Seattle WA
    ------------------------------