Pipettes, Tips and Service from Anachem

2012-01-31T13:20:00.000Z

Congratulations to Brian Cameron, who won an iPhone at the end of last year.

In honour of the E4 XLS launch, Anachem gave everybody the chance to win an iPhone by entering a free prize draw. Brian Cameron of Immunocore Ltd was the lucky winner, and here he is being presented with his new iPhone by Anachem's Kate Sanders.

Keep your eyes peeled for more great competitions and prizes from Anachem.

Anachem becomes Exclusive UK Distributor for KAPA Biosystems' Next-Generation PCR Reagents

2012-01-05T13:50:00.000Z

Anachem Ltd., a METTLER TOLEDO company (Luton, UK) is delighted to announce that it has now been awarded exclusive UK distribution rights for the novel range of molecular engineered reagents from KAPA Biosystems Inc., (Woburn, MA USA).

Having become a trusted supplier to UK Life Science Research customers over the last 40 years, Anachem provides the perfect partner for further adoption of KAPA’s advanced technology products.

“Anachem’s large, enthusiastic team of specialist representatives is best served to support KAPA’s product range. We visit scientists in molecular laboratories every day and alongside our liquid handling products have been advising them on PCR consumables for many years,” says Amy Jingzi Liu, Anachem Product Manager. “We have already built a foundation of awareness and technology acceptance for KAPA in the UK, but under the exclusive agreement and with exciting new products continually being released, are very confident that we will deliver rapid additional growth.”

The KAPA Biosystems molecular evolution technology platform is currently being used to optimize enzymes for DNA amplification, next-generation DNA sequencing, and molecular diagnostic applications. These designer enzymes are enabling new and improved applications that were not previously possible with generalist, wild-type enzymes.

“KAPA fits Anachem’s model of partnering with innovative, value added suppliers and will further strengthen our parent company’s growth in the Life Science market” says Carole Staniford, Anachem Marketing Director.

Anachem Ltd., now a METTLER TOLEDO company is the leading specialist supplier of liquid handling products and services to the laboratory community in the

and Ireland. We have over forty years of technical expertise and innovation serving scientists in major pharmaceutical, industrial, university and research institutes.

Our Mission is to provide our customers with scientific laboratory supplies that improve the quality of their results, provide time and cost savings and increase efficiency. In addition we strive to source, develop and supply products that improve laboratory safety and ergonomics and minimise the impact on our environment.

About KAPA Biosystems

KAPA Biosystems is a next-generation life science reagents supplier that employs high-throughput molecular evolution to optimize enzymes for DNA amplification, next-generation sequencing and molecular diagnostic applications. KAPA Biosystems offers a range of next-generation PCR reagents that are fundamentally different at the protein level, containing unique amino acid modifications that confer dramatic improvements to the functionality of the enzymes. The company is based in Woburn, Massachusetts with a research and development facility in Cape Town, South Africa. For more information about KAPA Biosystems, please visit the company’s website at www.kapabiosystems.com.

Get Social with Anachem

2011-09-23T16:13:00.000+01:00

Want an easy way to keep up to date with all the latest news on Anachem products and offers, plus interesting information on laboratory life? Then visit Anachem through Facebook, Twitter and the Anachem blog.

If you ‘Like’ the Anachem Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/Anachem, you will receive an exclusive discount on your next order. You’ll find the latest on product innovations, money saving deals, hints and tips on pipetting techniques and calibration, plus post your comments or questions on Anachem’s page and get answers straight from the experts.

If you prefer Twitter, then you can follow @Anachem and be the first to receive exclusive on-line offers and product information, along with the latest demo and educational videos from Anachem.

If you like reading articles on preventing RSI in the laboratory, how to keep your pipette in good condition, hints and tips on pipette maintenance and calibration plus much more, all you need to do is visit the Pipettes, Tips & Service Anachem Blog http://anachempipettestipsservice.blogspot.com.

In addition to these great online tools that enable you to have the best deals, advice and information at the tip of your fingers, you can also get all of this sent straight to your inbox by signing up to the Anachem e-Newsletter. Simply visit https://www.anachem.co.uk/my/enews, enter your email address and let the latest offers and information come to you.

Don’t miss out on these exclusive offers or the opportunity to get your questions answered by the experts, visit Anachem through Facebook, Twitter or its blog now to keep up to date on all things pipettes, tips and service.

The New Rainin E4™XLS™ – Setting a New Standard for Electronic Pipetting

2011-09-02T15:13:00.010+01:00

The New Rainin E4™ XLS™ family is a new generation of electronic pipettes, designed to deliver advanced functionality, with a modern, easy to use interface, similar to today’s commonly used mobile devices.

Fast and Easy Navigation

Switching functions is fast and easy with the E4, due to its precise 360º joystick control and carousel-like menu structure. The E4 delivers with extraordinary ease of use and versatility, whether your needs are routine, high-throughput or highly complex, it is an applications toolbox for life scientists.

Application Versatility

The E4 XLS not only offers the basic pipetting functions but also an array of features that range from simple to highly complex. It can be programmed for almost any application, from setting up mixing protocols, such as serial dilutions, to volume sequencing, reverse pipetting and dilute. The unique “True Manual Mode” enables researchers with precise real-time control over aspiration and dispense speed, without the inconsistency and RSI issues associated with manual pipettes.

Easy To Use - Intuitive Operation

Using your E4 for the first time couldn’t be easier with the handy quick start guide, but in case you would like a little bit more reassurance, there is a comprehensive user manual, plus the “onboard help” is ready to support you with whatever screen you are on or feature you wish to access. Loaded with features, functionality and a revolutionary new approach to navigation, this App Master has redefined simplicity and control in pipetting. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the E4 is fully upgradable and expandable from your PC, so you can effortlessly keep your E4 up to date with the latest upgrades and downloadable protocols.

There is an E4 XLS for your every need, single channel, multichannel or adjustable spacer. Watch the video and register your interest at http://www.anachem.co.uk/E4XLS and you will be entered into our FREE prize draw to win an Apple iPhone 4 (16gb), but hurry, the draw closes on 31/10/2011.

Understanding the Levels of Pipette Calibration will Ensure You Get a Valid Service for Your Laboratory

2011-07-01T16:09:00.001+01:00

In order to guarantee the integrity of your research, forensic, diagnostic or clinical analyses, regular servicing and calibration is essential.

The service & calibration level that you will require is determined by the work you perform. Anyone working in a GLP or GMP environment knows the importance of demonstrating that the instrumentation they use is maintained in accordance with strict procedural and performance criteria.

You need to feel confident that your variable volume pipettes are delivering accurate and precise measurements across their full working range.

Make sure you choose a level of service and calibration that provides this.

Have you Asked these Questions about Your Pipette Service?

Are your pipettes under going a full Preventative Maintenance Service?
Are they fully taken apart, cleaned inside and out, all worn parts replaced, followed by calibration?
Are you having the right level of service?
Are your pipettes adjusted to meet manufacturer specifications?
If working to GLP – are you aware you should have a minimum of 4 readings taken at 2 points to be able to measure accuracy, precision & linearity?
If you are having only one volume measured; what volume is selected? Does that give adequate data to verify performance across the full useable range? Does it mean you can really rely on the pipettes performance at all volumes?

2.2 Pipette Calibration	2.4 Pipette Calibration	3.10 (UKAS) Pipette Calibration
The most basic level of pipette calibration you can rely on to demonstrate performance of a variable volume pipette: 2 gravimetric readings at maximum AND minimum volume settings. Suitable for General Laboratory needs. Find out more	Satisfies most GLP/GMP/QC and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Provides full accuracy, precision & linearity checks with 4 gravimetric readings at two volumes. Find out more	Necessary for more stringent QC SOPs up to UKAS level. The calibration certificate includes statements of measurement of uncertainty per volume setting. Statistical data for 10 readings at 3 (mid, max, min) volumes. Find out more

Choose a Calibration Option to Suit Your Needs

Anachem routinely offers 2.2, 2.4 and 3.10 (UKAS) calibration levels but others are available upon request. However, single point calibrations should only be used for fixed volume pipettes. Variable volume pipettes require a minimum of two test points to ensure linearity across their working range.

Don’t spend your budget on invalid calibrations. Make sure your pipette service provider is giving you a calibration level that makes the effort and investment in servicing worthwhile.

Take time to examine your calibration certificates to ensure they meet your requirements. Don’t just file them away; you will need to justify their content to any auditors.

Whatever level of calibration you choose for your pipettes, with Anachem, they all receive a thorough preventative maintenance overhaul with components being cleaned, repaired or replaced.

The quality of our spare parts and repairs allows Anachem to warranty each pipette for 12 months.

PipetteChecker™

2011-06-17T15:41:00.000+01:00

The New Free to Use D.I.Y. On-Line Pipette Validation Tool

Anachem understand that the integrity of your work is vital, which is why we constantly strive to create new ways to keep your pipettes in excellent condition. Anachem are pleased to launch the New PipetteChecker™ On-Line Pipette Validation Tool.

It’s Quick & Easy to Use

To use this great new tool all you need to do is weigh a series of volumes of water dispensed from your pipette and let the on-line PipetteChecker™ do the rest

The PipetteChecker™ performs a series of calculations and compares the data you entered to the manufacturer’s range expected for your pipette. This method is the same as the methods used in professional pipette calibration laboratories.

Detailed Performance Report for Each Pipette Entered

A detailed report is generated to show your pipettes performance and whether it is within specification or not.

If the report displays that your pipette has failed then you can simply send it straight into our UKAS Accredited Service Centre at Anachem Ltd, Pipette Service Centre, 1 & 2 Titan Court, Laporte Way, Luton, LU4 8EF. Here, your pipette will be serviced and calibrated to bring it back to its optimum performance.

There is no limit on how many pipettes you can validate; each pipette checked will have its own report which is stored for easy access at a later date.

Exclusive Discounts for all PipetteChecker Users

As a user of the PipetteChecker™ tool you will be entitled to an exclusive discount off the current rates for single channel pipette calibration and service. We offer a wide range of calibration options to meet your laboratories requirements.

Why not give it a try, go online today and check your pipettes performance.

To discuss your pipette service requirements please do not hesitate to contact us on 01582 456256 or email pipetteservice@anachem.co.uk.

The Latest Tips from the Experts in Pipetting

2011-06-07T15:02:00.002+01:00

Pipetting Standards

Did you know a standard exists? (Traceable to international standard EN ISO 8655-2:2002)
Is this standard met by your supplier?
Is there an unbroken chain of traceability?
Who is your supplier accredited by? Is it to a nationally, or internationally recognised standard?
Is the company externally audited on a regular basis?

EN ISO 8655-2:2002 - The Internationally Recognised Standard for Pipetting

EN ISO 8655-2:2002 states that companies undertaking any of the following tasks should comply with this standard:

· Manufacture of pipettes

· Provision of pipette service and calibration

· Use of pipettes

EN ISO 8655-1:2002 (Introduction) states:

ISO:8655 address the needs of:

- Suppliers, as a basis for quality control, including, where appropriate, the issuance of supplier’s declarations:

- Test houses and other bodies, as a basis for independent certification

- Users of their equipment, to enable routine checking of accuracy

- The tests specified should be carried out by a trained personnel.

Why Choose Anachem for Your Pipette Service?

Based on rigorous documentation, extensive training, and long-term proficiency testing, Anachem’s Luton Service Centre has achieved the highest level of calibration competency and data integrity when using the gravimetric method. It has held UKAS accreditation since 1998, and has the lowest CMC (calibration and measurement capability) for any pipette calibration company in the UK & Ireland. (www.ukas.com).

When you choose UKAS calibration you will receive additional information on your Calibration Certificate including statement of measurement uncertainty per volume setting.

This level of calibration is also available in your laboratory using UKAS signatories so certificates are signed on-site minimising downtown.

The Anachem Pipette Service Centre complies with all quality standards as set forth by ISO guidelines and UKAS interpretation, assuring you of the highest level of calibration competency and traceability. Anachem Ltd is ISO:17025:2005 accredited for pipette service and calibration as well as ISO:9001:2008 and ISO:14001 compliant.

Whether you choose, or even need this level of calibration, all pipettes serviced & calibrated by Anachem benefit from these high standards.

For more information on Anachem Ltd's Pipette Calibration & Service email: pipetteservice@anachem.co.uk or call 01582 456256 .

Take Advantage of Our 2 Pipettes Serviced for the Price of 1 Special Offer on All Calibration Levels for All Makes & Models of Pipettes and Start Saving Right Away.

Anachem PipetteChecker™ – Validate Your Pipettes from the Comfort of Your Own Laboratory

2011-04-20T16:30:00.000+01:00

Routine checks on your pipettes performance are essential to maintain the integrity of your work. The PipetteChecker™ is a new useful tool provided by Anachem to help you carry out pipette validations quickly and easily in the comfort of your own laboratory.

It’s simple to use, all you have to do is visit www.anachem.co.uk/pipetteservice/onlinecalibration and weigh a series of volumes of water dispensed from your pipette under known environmental conditions, and let Anachem’s on-line PipetteChecker™ do the rest. The PipetteChecker™ performs a series of calculations and compares your data to the manufacturers expected range for your pipette, then it displays a detailed report for each pipette to show its performance and whether your pipette is within specification or not.

If the report displays that your pipette has failed, then you can simply send your pipettes straight into our UKAS Accredited Pipette Service Centre (1 & 2 Titan Court, Laporte Way, Luton, LU4 8EF) where they will give your pipette the attention it requires to bring it back to its optimum performance. Plus, as a user of the PipetteChecker™ you will receive an exclusive discount off the service & calibration for the pipettes that have been validated on-line.

For further information and to try out this extremely useful new feature, visit www.anachem.co.uk/pipetteservice, email: pipetteservice@anachem.co.uk or call us on 01582 456256.

Anachem Ltd., now a METTLER TOLEDO company is the leading specialist distributor of liquid handling equipment to the laboratory community in the UK and Ireland, with forty years of technical expertise and innovation. In addition to RAININ products, Anachem continues to supply and service a comprehensive range of laboratory equipment and consumables from other leading manufacturers.

Registered in England 974301
Tel: 01582 455135, Fax: 0116 2346715, email: marketing@anachem.co.uk Web: www.anachem.co.uk.

The Anachem Pipetting Business has NOT changed its name to Gilson UK.

2011-03-21T11:08:00.000Z

Anachem Ltd has been supplying UK and Irish scientists with quality pipetting and laboratory consumables products since its establishment in 1970. Due to recent changes which have affected the company Anachem Instruments confusion has been created with regards to Anachem Ltd's status and contact details.

We are concerned that you continue to receive the support and reliable product supply that you have always received from us. To ensure you continue to recieve this quiality of service we would like to remind you of our current company status and contact details.

In January last year the entire Anachem Ltd, the pipetting and laboratory consumables business became part of METTLER TOLEDO. This included all of Anachem Ltd’s manual liquid handling personnel together with all the expertise in pipetting technical support, service and calibration, customer service, distribution and e-commerce. Anachem Ltd’s 40 years of proficiency in manual liquid handling now resides within the METTLER TOLEDO company and we continue to provide you with the best support available for all your pipetting needs.

Anachem Instruments was set up as a new company in 2010, containing just the chromatography, automation and filtration product lines. It is only this business that has been renamed Gilson UK.

We are well awear that this has caused some confusion. Please ensure your records and systems have the correct contact details for Anachem Ltd pipetting products, to prevent orders being delayed or going astray and enable us to maintain our speedy delivery to you.

Please address all of your orders for Anachem Ltd supplied Pipettes, Pipette Tips, Laboratory Consumables and Pipette Calibration to:

Anachem Ltd a METTLER TOLEDO company

1 & 2 Titan Court

Laporte Way

Luton

Bedfordshire

LU4 8EF

Sales & Technical Support

Tel: 01582 455135

Fax: 0116 234 6715

Email: orders@anachem.co.uk

Pipette Service & Calibration

Tel: 01582 456256

Fax: 0116 234 6704

Email: pipetteservice@anachem.co.uk

Web Site: http://www.anachem.co.uk/

These include orders for RAININ and Anachem pipettes and tips, MicroSol 3+® decontaminant, PCR plastics from 4titude®, tubes, plates and racks from Treff and SSI and molecular biology reagents from Kapa Biosystems. Remember we also still supply a full range of Gilson pipettes and tips.

We understand that the many changes during the last year has caused confusion, we would like to appologise for this. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us on 01582 455135 or email us at marketing@anachem.co.uk .

Yours sincerely

Carole Staniford

Anachem Marketing Director

Anachem Ltd. a METTLER TOLEDO Company

1 & 2 Titan Court

Laporte Way

Luton, Bedfordshire

LU4 8EF

Registered in England since 1970, Company No. 974301

Tel: 01582 455135

Fax: 0116 234 6715

Email: orders@anachem.co.uk

Web Site: www.anachem.co.uk

Although Anachem Ltd. is no longer the authorised distributor for Gilson manual liquid handling products in the UK and Ireland, we are still able to supply and fully warrant a comprehensive range of Gilson pipettes and tips.

High Quality METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Balances, pH and Conductivity Measurement now available to order online from Anachem

2011-03-07T16:00:00.000Z

High Quality METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Balances, pH and Conductivity Measurement now available to order online from Anachem

You can now purchase an extensive range of high quality METTLER TOLEDO laboratory products online with Anachem, giving you easy access to world leading precision laboratory weighing and analytical instruments.
METTLER TOLEDO balances, pH and conductivity meters, buffers, reagents and accessories provide exceptional performance across multiple applications in your laboratory.

Buy now from Anachem and you can save 20% with our introductory online offers!

pH and conductivity meters, buffers

Balance Special Offers

Plus get a FREE GIFT with your first Balance or Meter order.

Anachem Ltd. 40 Year Pipetting History

2011-02-08T11:01:00.000Z

Although there are now several suppliers of Gilson PIPETMAN® and other Gilson Pipetting products in the UK and Ireland, remember Anachem Ltd is the original and still remains the leading specialist in all manual liquid handling.

Whatever your pipetting requirements Anachem personnel have the local knowledge, experience and expertise to provide you with the best support available. Our forty years of exclusive distribution of these products ensures we are the team to rely on for your liquid handling needs.

Come to Anachem for:-

Pipettes from Rainin, Gilson & Anachem Ltd

A comprehensive range of pipette tips from Rainin, Gilson & Anachem Ltd

UKAS Accredited Pipette Service for all makes & models from the UK’s largest & most experienced team of technicians

Plus a full range of laboratory consumables to support all your liquid handling needs.

Anachem Ltd Still THE Pipette Company - encapsulating 40 years of pipetting history

2011-02-08T10:50:00.004Z

For over a year now, the entire Anachem Ltd pipetting and laboratory consumables business has been part of the multinational analytical instruments company METTLER TOLEDO.

All of Anachem Ltd's personnel and expertise in pipetting technical support, service and calibration, customer service, distribution and e-commerce is now contained within Anachem Ltd., a METTLER TOLEDO company, and we continue to be committed to supplying you with the full range of liquid handling products. Just as we have done for the past 40 years.

The remaining Anachem Instruments business, which has been a separate company for over a year, retained just the chromatography, automation and filtration product lines.

Anachem Ltd’s 40 years of proficiency in manual liquid handling for the UK and Ireland now resides within the METTLER TOLEDO company and we continue to provide you with the best support available.

Come to Anachem for:-

Pipettes from Rainin, Gilson & Anachem Ltd

A comprehensive range of pipette tips from Rainin, Gilson & Anachem Ltd

UKAS Accredited Pipette Service for all makes & models from the UK’s largest & most experienced team of technicians

Plus a full range of laboratory consumables to support all your liquid handling needs.

Anachem change of Address from 20th December 2010.

2010-12-21T09:32:00.000Z

Please be advised that Anachem Ltd., suppliers of Laboratory Liquid Handling Pipette, Tips, Consumables and Pipette Service is moving to new premises.

From 20th December 2010 we will no longer be located at 20 Charles Street, luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 0EB but will be relocated to a new building in Luton with a state of the art, purpose built UKAS Accredited Pipette Service Centre.

Our new address is:

Anachem Ltd.
1 & 2 Titan Court,
Laporte Way,
Luton,
Bedfordshire,
LU4 8EF

Please send all mailed correspondance and pipettes for servicing to this address from Monday 20th December 2010.

Please note our new contact details:

To contact us by Telephone:
For Pipettes, Tips & Laboratory Conusmables Orders & Technical Enquiries:
+ 44 (0) 1582 455135
For Pipette Service:
+ 44 (0) 1582 456256
For Accounts enquiries through METTLER TOLEDO Leicester:
+ 44 (0) 116 234 5027

To contact us by Fax:
For Pipettes, Tips & laboratory Consumables Orders & Technical Enquiries:
+ 44 (0) 116 234 6715
For Pipette Service:
+ 44 (0) 116 234 6704
For Accounts Enquiries through METTLER TOLEDO Leicester:
+ 44 (0) 116 236 6399

To contact us by E-mail:
For Pipettes, Tips & Laboratory Consumable Orders:                                   orders@anachem.co.uk
For Pipettes, Tips & Laboratory Consumable Technical Enquiries:                bioscience@anachem.co.uk
For Pipette Service:                                                                                     pipetteservice@anachem.co.uk
For Accounts enquiries through METTLER TOLEDO Leicester:                 accounts@anachem.co.uk

Please note our warehousing and despatch facilities are now located at:
METTLER-TOLEDO Ltd.,
64 Boston Road,
Beaumont Leys,
Leicester,
LE4 1AW.

Please contact us to arrange any product returns and then send to this address.

Fully Warranted Gilson Products Still Available from Anachem

2010-10-26T15:40:00.001+01:00

As you are aware, in early January 2010, ownership of Anachem's Manual Liquid Handling business (pipettes and laboratory consumables) was transferred to Mettler-Toledo International Inc.

To clarify Anachems position with regards to the products & services we provide, Anachem will continue to stock a comprehensive range of Gilson pipettes and tips and is still able to supply and fully warranty these products, as we have done for the past 40 years. We will also continue to provide Pipette Servicing for all manufacturers' pipettes, including Gilson.

Your Questions Answered.

Q. Can I still buy Gilson products from Anachem?

A. Yes, we continue to stock a comprehensive range of pipettes and tips as we have always done.

Q. Is there a price increase for these products?

A. No, list prices on Gilson products have not been increased and will not be increased in 2010.

Q. Is my Contract Price Agreement still valid for Gilson products?

A. Yes, all Institute pricing agreements with Anachem are still valid.

Q. Can I still get my Gilson pipettes serviced by Anachem?

A. Yes, we service & calibrate all makes and models of pipettes including Gilson pipettes.

Q. Are my pipettes still covered by a full warranty?

A. Yes, We provide a full warranty to all of our customers on the goods and services which Anachem Ltd. provides, including all Gilson products.

Our commitment to our customers remains the same and now we can offer you the complete range of advanced RAININ pipetting products, that offer significant ergonomic and performance benefits.

If you have any further questions regarding the supply of products and services by Anachem or how these changes have affected you please do not hesitate to contact Simon Renshaw, Business Development Manager at simon.renshaw@mt.com who will be more than happy to clarify the situation for you. Alternatively do to www.anachem.co.uk or call Customer Services on 01582 455135.

UKAS Pipette Calibration?... What’s that all about?

2010-10-04T12:52:00.001+01:00

Are you responsible for ensuring your company’s product and service quality?

If you are, you’ll know that getting it right, first time, every time is a given – and the commercial and legal consequences of getting it wrong don’t bear thinking about. But, how do you ensure, when you have to appoint an external laboratory that the company you partner with works to the standards, quality and technical competence levels you need to rely on? After all, your appointed laboratory can have an impact at the heart of your quality promise to customers. It has a crucial part to play in the future success of your company.

You wouldn’t buy and drive a car without MOT and insurance, the risks and dangers are obvious. Similarly when you purchase services from a commercial laboratory, there are risks and dangers if you make the wrong choice. You need to be absolutely sure that the laboratory has the people, facilities, technical expertise, management systems and track record to do the job right. First time, every time.

If you’re looking to reduce risk, that’s where the United Kingdom Accreditation Service comes in. UKAS is the sole accreditation body recognised by government to assess, against internationally recognised standards, laboratories that provide test and calibration services. UKAS combines a depth of technical knowledge and expertise built up over many years with scientific and technical specialists operating across the entire test and calibration spectrum, from forensics to food safety. Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates the competence, impartiality and performance capability of laboratories.

UKAS Accredited laboratories have:

Competent and Trained Staff
Properly Maintained and Calibrated Instruments
Internal and External Quality Control
International Recognition

Anachem has been UKAS accredited for pipette calibration since 1998.

This means that we can provide our clients with an assurance of our laboratory procedures and the validity and quality of our results.

Test work will be conducted by valid, recognised, technical methods suitable for the purpose required and of established performance characteristics.
The work will be performed by properly qualified and trained staff.
The work will be carried out on equipment which is functioning properly and which is calibrated so as to provide traceability to international standards of measurement.
Data will be subject to quality control, both from the point of view of accuracy and precision, by means which have been approved by independent technical assessors.

Because the Anachem laboratory operates to these standards you always benefit from these advantages. The same certified equipment, trained personnel and procedures are used whether you use the full UKAS service level and certification or one of our regular service options.

Quality Standards

The internationally recognised standard for the competence of laboratories is ISO/IEC17025 and is the standard against which UKAS accredits laboratories. It contains all the requirements that testing and calibration laboratories must meet to demonstrate that they operate a quality system, are technically competent and are able to generate technically valid results. ISO/IEC17025 is the only standard to address all of these issues. Laboratories accredited to this standard are able to provide their clients with a measurable level of assurance.

You will come across laboratories that are certified to ISO9000:2000. This standard only relates to the laboratories quality management systems. It does not specifically evaluate the technical competence of a laboratory. It should never be confused with ISO17025 or thought of as an ‘acceptable’ alternative. You may also see reference to GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) compliance. This is a general description of proper laboratory conduct concerned with the organisational process and the conditions under which non-clinical studies are planned, performed, recorded and archived. GLP does not concern itself with the technical validity of the studies themselves or the competence of the laboratory.

Only a laboratory that has been accredited by UKAS to ISO17025 is permitted to display the Royal Crown Mark that you should look for as positive proof of competency. It allows you to make an informed choice. It enables you to make a better choice.

Whether your own laboratory is UKAS accredited or not, by using Anachem for your pipette service you minimise risk. It’s one less thing to worry about.

Find out more about Anachem's UKAS accredited Pipette Calibration & Service call us on 01582 456256 to discuss your laboratories requirments or email pipetteservice@anachem.co.uk.

Find out more about UKAS.

Download the UKAS explanatory booklet at http://www.ukas.com/library/Media-Centre/Promotional-Materials/Brochures/UKAS_Calibration_.pdf

Multichannel Pipettes - The easy way to increase productivity

2010-09-27T13:53:00.001+01:00

Multichannel pipettes are now widely used within Life Science Research due to the increase in microtitre plate based technologies such as serological testing, molecular biology, immunology assays, High Throughput Screening (HTS) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The expansions of the drug discovery market and ventures such as the Human Genome Project have also expanded the use of microtitre plates. Demands on scientists to produce valuable research, publish papers and justify funding and spending are high. The pressure to increase productivity is ever growing, while the demands to maintain experimental accuracy and reduce the risks of personal injuries to scientists still remain a priority. These pressures demand reliable, easy to use laboratory equipment that can improve efficiency and has heightened the demand for ergonomic, highly accurate and precise multichannel pipettes

Multichannel pipettes have been available for many years but have been notoriously difficult to use. Difficulties in tip loading, inconsistent sample loading and heavy tip ejection forces cause frustration. Such problems have restricted their use particularly for 12-channel pipettes. Developments have been made to overcome these issues opening up the use of multichannel pipettes as user friendly, proficient productivity improvers.

Minimise Pipetting Steps with Multichannel Pipettes
Most experimental work starts in individual tubes for which single channel pipettes are ideal. Once protocols have been established the next step is to scale up the research and run larger scale pilot experiments or assay runs, often performed in 96 well microtitre plates. Utilising single channel pipettes at this stage can be extremely time consuming and highly repetitive.

How many pipetting steps?
Have you ever thought about how many pipetting steps it takes to set up a 96 well PCR plate? For example, using a manual single channel pipette it can take as many as 672 individual steps (7 reagents x 96 wells). This amount of pipetting, even with an ergonomically designed single channel pipette can cause hand fatigue and increased risk of RSI, even with correct pipetting technique. If your hands are tired, errors can be introduced that could have detrimental effects on accuracy and precision. This may result in the need to run the plate again, not only wasting valuable reagents but also decreasing productivity and so reducing the advantages of using the 96 well plates in the first place.

Microtitre plates are the reason why multichannel pipettes were designed. A manual 8-channel pipette can fill an equivalent 96 well PCR plate in only 84 pipetting steps. A manual 12-channel pipette can further reduce this to only 56 pipetting steps. These reductions have a significant impact on time savings, reducing the risks of RSI, maintaining the accuracy of pipetting and improving laboratory productivity.

The number of pipetting steps can be dramatically reduced again by using an electronic 8 or 12-channel pipette which has a Multi-dispense, autopace function. With the RAININ EDP3 8 or 12-channel 1200µl pipette, when using a PCR master mix containing a hot start Taq polymerase, only one click to aspirate and one click to dispense is required to fill a 96 well PCR plate. The ultimate in productivity and RSI risk reduction.

Increase Productivity with Multichannel Pipettes

Electronic multichannel pipettes decrease the time taken to fill a 96 well plate, significantly increasing throughput. Tests were carried out using a RAININ Electronic EDP3 8-channel pipette, 1200µl in pipet mode and multi-dispense, autopace mode to fill a 96 well assay plate. The pipette filled the plate, on average, in 67 seconds for the Pipette mode and only 12.6 seconds in Multi-dispense (average time taken over 5 plates).

An essential element of efficient multichannel pipetting is the tips used and their fit. Many pipettes on the market require excessive force to apply tips across all channels and/or time consuming manual adjustments before use. These requirements lead to inconsistent loading of the pipette tips, which is not desirable and can detrimentally effect productivity. Therefore care should be taken when choosing which tips to use with your multichannel pipette to ensure that the benefits of the pipette are not being hampered by ill fitting tips.

Which multichannel pipette? The RAININ Lite Touch Tip Ejection (LTS) range of Electronic and Manual multichannel pipettes are the perfect solution where productivity and RSI is a major concern. The pipettes load tips in as little as 2 seconds. Traditional multichannels can require up to 30 seconds. Researchers often resort to “rocking” the manifold over the tip rack, then hand-tightening each tip in an effort to secure a proper seal. These tedious methods can result in loss of productivity and possible contamination. Poorly fitting tips cause inconsistent loading. Samples and reagents are wasted, and in many cases, work must be re-done. With LTS, you can load tips quickly with confidence and reliability. Simultaneous tip ejection is easy, requiring just a light press of the tip ejection button.

How does LTS help?

This low force loading and ejection with a consistent seal is achieved by the unique LTS cylindrical shaft and tip design. A positive stop inside the LTS tip lets you know exactly when the seal is made. Rocking or hand tightening is never required. Samples load evenly first time, every time. Never before have multichannel pipettes been so easy to use!

The electronic pipettes provide a wide range of features such as:

• multi dispense
• mix
• titrate
• standard pipetting
• 3000 pipetting cycles can be achieved in only one charge.

The perfect tips for multichannel pipetting
Anachem offers RAININ pipette tip packaging solutions that enhance the benefits of using multichannel pipettes.

• StableStak and StableRak double 96 racks for easy loading onto either 8 or 12 channel pipettes.

• Flat, strong trays that don’t bend or flex providing even tip loading across all channels.

• Wide base with non-skid polymer feet that grip the bench, so no need to chase the racks around the bench or the risk of costly accidental tip-overs.

• StableStak is a tower system consisting of 5 double 96 layers stacked on top of each other.

• StableRak is available as a double 96 rack of either aerosol resistant filter tips or standard FinePoint tips.

• Widest tip volume range on the market from 0.1µl up to 1200µl.

• RNase, DNase and Pyrogen free

• Entire units may be autoclaved.

• Enclosed bottom and cover protect tips from contamination in use.

Contact Anachem on 01582 455135 or bioscience@anachem.co.uk to arrange a deomnstration of the Rainin LTS pipettes to see how you can increase your productivity while reducing your risk of RSI

Repetitive Strain Injuries from Pipetting

2010-09-13T12:24:00.002+01:00

Reports from laboratories across the UK indicate that concerns about the risks to scientists from Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) are as high as ever. With industry demands for higher throughput and greater productivity, most scientists are spending many more hours per day pipetting. Such activity can lead to debilitating conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Lateral Epicondylitis or Thumb Tenosynovitis.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a disorder that can lead to permanent disability. Symptoms may include pain, weakness and/or numbness and tingling in the thumb-side of the hand. CTS can occur in the laboratory when a pipette is held so tightly that the tendons that operate your fingers swell and compress the median nerve where it passes through the carpal tunnel area. This problem can also be caused or worsened by the nerve being compressed when the wrist is bent.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve (the “funny-bone” nerve) is compressed at the elbow – usually when the elbow is bent at 90 degrees or more. Resting the elbow on a hard bench top while pipetting for long periods of time is an excellent way to get Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.

Lateral Epicondylitis is the medical term for tennis elbow. Tennis elbow is common in the laboratory. It is caused by overstressing the muscle/tendon units that strengthen the wrist and fingers, and the symptoms include pain at the bony prominence of the elbow. If the tip rack is placed too far away whilst pipetting, the scientist has to fully extend his/her elbow, and often wrist, each time a tip is picked up, increasing the risk of this disorder. Poorly fitting pipette tips that require repeatedly pounding or rocking of the pipette shaft into the tip can compound the problem.

Thumb Tenosynovitis also know as deQervain’s Tenosynovitis, is one of the most common laboratory thumb injuries. A better name might be Pipettor’s Thumb. Repeatedly depressing a pipette plunger or tip ejection button may lead to over use of the muscle/tendon unit that puts the thumb into the “hitch-hike” position, thus causing this injury. If a thumb-operated pipette is used, choose one with low tip ejection and plunger forces, and minimal plunger stroke length.

Joint problems develop from excessive wear and tear on the joint surfaces. Clinical experience indicates that the joint most prone to wear and tear in the hand from pipetting is the carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb. Over time, the wearing of the joint can show up on x-ray as osteoarthritis or arthrosis of the joint.

The UK reports significant costs associated with work-related upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Total injuries resulted in 5.5 million lost working days in Great Britain. The Health & Safety Executive estimated the cost of those injuries to be approximately £1.25 billion per year. Injuries to scientists from pipetting contribute to this.

A welcome relief from these risks can be found by using the Rainin range of LTS LiteTouch Tip Ejection System pipettes, which are available from Anachem. LTS pipette shaft & tips are a cylindrical shape rather than the conical shape of traditional pipettes. The change of shape significantly reduced pipetting forces and in combination with the electronic pipettes can reduce these forces by up to 95%. The LTS system also brings distinct advantages when using multichannel pipettes with easy tip loading and a perfect sealing system for ease of use and accuracy.

Read how other scientists are reducing their risk of pipetting injuries by using Rainin's new ergonomic pipettes with LTS™.

Further information
What is LTS?
Cumulative Trauma Disorders
Ergonomic Benefits of LTS Pipettes
Laboratory Ergonomics - The Wake Up Call
Laboratory Ergonomics - What You Need to Know
Prevent RSI with Good Pipetting Technique
Smart Pipetting Using Ergonomics to Prevent RSI
Anachem Good Pipetting Practice Poster

Pipette Calibration – Your Questions Answered

2010-09-08T14:21:00.001+01:00

Pipette linearity, Gravimetric method, ISO8655 all explained

Why is it important to check pipette linearity?
For mechanical reasons, pipettes can only deliver samples accurately over a limited range of volumes for each particular model. Ideally, the volume of liquid delivered in that range follows a precise linear relationship to that selected. It is essential to check this linearity when the pipette is serviced to ensure correct functionality at both the upper and lower limits of the pipettes capacity.

To increase their throughput some service agents only perform checks at a single mid-point volume with three or five weighings, and even issue calibration certificates based on these minimal readings. As the majority of pipettes are variable volume how can you ensure that a pipette is linear across it's specification range by testing only one volume?

Even with Anachem’s most basic level of service, volumes are checked at both extremes of a pipettes range. Our standard service level is 2.2, meaning two volumes are checked with two weighings to ensure both accuracy and linearity. Always ask what level of service you are getting for your money.

What is ISO8655?
ISO/EN8655 is an international standard for volumetric calibration of Piston Operated Volumetric Apparatus (POVA).

The standard, which is in seven parts has become an ISO standard and a European Norm and all European National Standards such as BS6018, BS7532 and DIN 12 650 have been superseded in its favour. This standard recommends that all POVA devices are calibrated at least once every three months. This entails scheduling and record keeping for all apparatus.

• Calibration methods are detailed in the standard and the gravimetric test is the reference method

• Maximum errors for trueness (Inaccuracy) and precision (CV%) are listed for all types of POVA device

• Apparatus shall be calibrated with noted tips (A pipette calibrated with a specific tip shall only be deemed within calibration with that tip)

ISO8655 recognises pipettes, tips & service as a complete system.

What is the Gravimetric Method?
The Gravimetric test is the only recommended method for pipette calibration by pipette manufacturers and international standard organisations. It is based on the determination of the weight of water samples delivered by the pipette. Implementation of this method requires the strict monitoring of environmental conditions and the systematic use of adequate and controlled equipment. Ambient temperature, barometric pressure and relative humidity must all be checked and regulated.

Conversion of weight to volume must take into account the density of the liquid as well as evaporation during the cycle time. For each measurement, the corresponding volume (Vi) can be calculated as follows:

Vi = (Wi + e) Z

Wi is the weight as read on the balance
e is the mean evaporation loss during the cycle time
Z expressed in µl/mg, is a conversion factor incorporating density of water buoyed in air, at test temperature and barometric pressure.

Anachem has been servicing pipettes since 1980 and has held UKAS accreditation since 1998.

For more information on Anachem's Pipette Calibration & Service call 01582 456256 or email pipetteservice@anachem.co.uk.

Pipetting Injuries - Risk factors & how to prevent or reduce them.

2010-08-31T13:15:00.006+01:00

Pipetting Related Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) - The Modern Laboratory Hazard

"Work-related muscloskeletal disorders...are the most prevalent, most expensive and most preventable workplace injuries in the country. The good news is that real solutions are available."1

Working in the laboratory can be a dangerous occupation with exposure to hazardous, corrosive chemicals, infectious microbes & radiation. Fortunately over the years various Health & Safety directives have greatly reduced or eliminated these dangers by designing safety legislation to protect workers. However, certain hazards to health, of a more physical rather than chemical nature, are still apparent in modern laboratories.

Pipettes are a fundamental tool used in multiple disciplines, and the number of applications that use pipettes is growing at a rapid pace. It is not surprising that laboratory personnel spend considerable amounts of time pipetting; an average of nearly 500 hours per year (roughly 2 hours a day) of pipetting activities are reported by Bjorksten.2

If you spend several hours a day pipetting, you know it can be a real pain... in the neck or the wrist or the elbow or the thumb or just about any other part of the anatomy you care to mention. In fact, Bjorksten concludes that laboratory personnel who pipette more than 300 hours per week (approx. 1.3 hours a day) are at an elevated risk of RSI.

So the bad news is the prolonged pipetting without taking important precautions, can lead to serious repetitive strain injuries. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to protect yourself.

You should aim to become informed and learn all you can about pipetting injuries, risk factors and how to prevent or reduce them. Not only will this information help you avoid injury, it will assist you in when choosing and using a pipette. More and more laboratory based scientists are becoming aware of the injuries that can result from repetitive pipetting. Most pipette manufacturers have responded with new designs that dramatically reduce end user exposure to RSI-related injuries.

Potential Injuries

Most injuries are temporary, although some, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, may be permanent. While the onset of musculoskeletal disorder symptoms can be either gradual or sudden, they generally develop progressively.

Stage 1

Minor aches and pain are experienced while performing a task. The pain goes away given a break and at night. Generally, no reduction in productivity is noted. However, the accuracy & precision of a low volume pipette is dependant on technique. So even a minor change in technique because of a temporary pain may impact results. Ergonomic methods can be used to reverse stage 1.

Stage 2

Symptoms begin early and last well past cessation of the activity and may disturb sleep. The capacity to perform the repetitive activity is reduced. Conditions can persist over months and medical intervention is often needed.

Stage 3

Symptoms are experienced almost all the time, with even non-repetitive movements being painful. productivity is severely limited and frequently ceases completely. Long-term damage is possible and medical attention is necessary.

Pipetting Risk Factors

Some of the most common risk factors leading to musculoskeletal disorders include:

Repetition
Force
Posture
Vibration

Strong evidence exists that combinations of these factors increase the risk of injuries common to pipette users, specifically, the combination of awkward, repetitive and forceful activities.3

Examples of Possible Causes/Pipetting Action which could lead to RSI

Tip insertion and using wrist movements to manipulate pipette. Symptoms include pain and inflammation in the wrist and elbow resulting in Tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon).

Gripping the pipette tightly and performing repetitive and forceful plunger and tip ejection activities with your thumb. Symptoms include DeQuervain's- pain on the thumb side of the wrist; thumb may be tender to touch and a small knot may be felt; the thumb may lock in position when bent. Alternatively Trigger Finger/Pipettor's Thumb - pain where the finger or thumb joins the palm; swelling; finger or thumb lock in position while being extended. This can result in Tenosynovitis (Paratenonitis) or inflammation of the sheath that surrounds the tendon.

Flexing, extending and rotating the wrist while pipetting or inserting and ejecting tips. Symptoms include weakness in the hand, numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers; numbness or tingling of the palm of the hand, wrist pain, reduced finger and thumb movement, sharp radiating pain from the hand to the elbow or neck. These symptoms can be a sign of carpel Tunnel Syndrome - compression of the median nerve and vessels running through the carpel tunnel in the wrist.

Prevention

Both the pain and cost of workplace injuries can be reduced through preventative measures. More than 90 studies of ergonomic programs showed a 70% decrease in musculoskeletal disorders when integration of ergonomic education, working environments, techniques and tools were employed.4 These can reduce and even remove the risk of progressing through the stages of a disorder.

FREE Good Technique to Prevent Laboratory RSI Poster

The poster pin points some key techniques that can be employed every day to reduce the risks.

Good posture
Not over reaching
Working at a comfortable height
Prevent twisting motions
vary pipetting activities
Alternate with other tasks
Try using either hand
Stretch frequently
Grip the pipette lightly
take regular short breaks

Anachem Good Pipetting Practice Poster

Pipetting Ergonomics Research Papers

Cumulative Trauma Disorders

Ergonomic Benefits of LTS Pipettes

Hand Shoulder Ailments

Laboratory Ergonomics - The Wake Up Call

Laboratory Ergonomics - What You Need to Know

Prevent RSI with Good Pipetting Technique

Smart Pipetting Using Ergonomics to Prevent RSI

Pipetting & Ergonomics Seminars

Anachem runs a series of seminars for all levels from pHD students to experienced scientists.

The programme includes:-

Pipetting Techniques
Ergonomics of Pipetting
Service & Maintenance of Pipettes

So if you are worried about RSI or want to improve your pipetting technique contact Anachem for more details. The seminars can be tailored to your institutes individual requirements.

References

Alexis M Herman, US Secretary of labour (1999) "One Size Does Not Fit All" Approach. Unisted States Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Bjorksten M G, Almby B and Jansson E S (1994) Hand and shoulder ailments amoung laboratory technicians using modern plunger-operated pipettes. Applied Ergonomics. 25, 88-94.
Kroemer K H E (1989) Cumlative trauma Disorders: Their recognition and ergonomics measures to avoid them. Applied Ergonomics. 20 274-280.
(1999) Ergonomics program. United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration.