ISO 23783-2:2022

Overview

ISO 23783-2:2022 - "Automated liquid handling systems - Part 2: Measurement procedures for the determination of volumetric performance" defines standardized measurement procedures to evaluate the volumetric performance of automated liquid handling systems (ALHS). The standard is applicable to fully installed ALHS (including tips and essential delivery parts) that perform liquid handling without human intervention. It covers measurement methods, equipment and preparation, thermal expansion, traceability, estimation of measurement system uncertainty (MSU), and reporting requirements.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability: Procedures apply to all ALHS with complete liquid handling devices; see ISO 23783-1 for terminology and general requirements and ISO 23783-3 for specification and reporting of volumetric performance.
• Measurement methods (Clause 5): Normative procedures span a range of techniques (Annexes B–I), including:
  • Photometric: dual‑dye ratiometric and single‑dye absorbance methods
  • Fluorescence-based methods for very low volumes
  • Gravimetric methods: single‑channel and regression analysis
  • Hybrid photometric/gravimetric method
  • Dimensional methods: optical image analysis of droplets and capillaries
• Equipment and environmental controls (Clause 6): Key test equipment includes microplate readers (absorbance/fluorescence), balances, spectrophotometers, characterized microplates, volumetric flasks, and temperature/humidity monitoring. Environmental conditions and non‑condensing humidity requirements are specified per method.
• Traceability and measurement uncertainty (Clause 8): The standard requires traceability to appropriate references (e.g., volumetric artefacts, balances) and describes two approaches for MSU estimation - a whole‑system approach and a measurement‑model approach - aligned with ISO/IEC Guide 98-3 and EURACHEM/CITAC guidance.
• Other technical aspects: Procedures address thermal expansion of liquids (Clause 7) and define required reporting elements (Clause 9). Normative annexes provide step‑by‑step procedures and calculation methods (e.g., converting balance readings to liquid volume).

Practical applications and users

ISO 23783-2 is designed for: