Based on Artel's liquid handling expertise and knowledge of best practices, the new programme helps laboratories standardise pipetting to minimise risk of operator error and improve data quality
Improper pipetting technique is a major source of laboratory error.
As laboratories work with smaller liquid volumes and more complex multipart tests, operator variability can have greater impact on test results.
To address this challenge, Artel launches what it says is the industry's first pipetting training and certification programme.
Based on Artel's liquid handling expertise and knowledge of best practices, the new programme helps laboratories standardise pipetting to minimise risk of operator error and improve data quality.
Artel is announcing the pipetting training and certification programme at CLMA Think Lab, 24-27 March 2007, at the George Brown Convention Center in Houston, USA.
"Operators are by far the largest source of error in pipetting, yet due to a lack of laboratory resources and effective training, many laboratory technicians have not received formal instruction on proper pipetting technique," says Kirby Pilcher, president, Artel.
"Leveraging our years of experience providing liquid handling quality assurance products and services and a thorough understanding of pipetting, Artel has designed a comprehensive training program to standardise pipetting technique within and across laboratories.
"And this standardisation is essential for compliance and data reproducibility".
Artel's pipetting training and certification programme employs the Artel Method of training, which is a standardised, consistent teaching approach including education about the mechanical function of pipettes and various causes of failure.
The Artel Method also provides hands-on coaching to show trainees how numerous variables affect pipetted volumes, from choice of pipetting mode to tip insertion depth and aspiration rates.
To receive certification, trainees must demonstrate knowledge of pipetting and technique competency through a two-part assessment.
In the first step of the qualification process, attendees must satisfactorily complete a written test on course information.
In addition, to meet the requirements of the skills assessment, attendees must reduce their imprecision to less than one percent.
"There is growing regulatory pressure on laboratories to prove the proficiency of their technicians in critical laboratory processes, and this most definitely includes pipetting," says Wendy Vaccaro, technical service manager, Artel.
"With Artel's certification programme, laboratory managers can now have objective documentation to support the pipetting competency and consistency of their technicians".
For standardised and comparable skills assessment, Artel tests attendee pipetting technique pre- and post-training using the PCS (Pipette Calibration System).
The PCS provides Nist-traceable measurements of volume accuracy and precision and verifies volume in minutes, supplying instant feedback on proper technique.
Artel offers two levels of certification for targeted and effective training.
Level 1 provides pipetting proficiency certification for bench technicians and pipette users, including education on the use of multichannel pipettes.
For more process control oriented training, quality and laboratory managers and supervisors can attend the Level 2 program to receive pipette quality management certification.
Attendees receive training on differences among various types of pipettes, operational variables and relevant regulations and quality standards.
Best practices for development and implementation of pipette quality assurance programmes are also discussed.
