Overview
EN ISO 23783-2:2023 (ISO 23783-2:2022) specifies standardized measurement procedures for determining the volumetric performance of automated liquid handling systems (ALHS). It applies to complete, installed liquid handling devices (including tips and essential delivery parts) that perform liquid handling tasks without human intervention into labware. The standard defines test methods, traceability requirements, and approaches for estimating measurement uncertainty of volumetric results.
Key topics and technical requirements
-
Scope and applicability
- Applies to all ALHS with installed liquid handling devices used in laboratory automation.
- Complements ISO 23783-1 (terminology/general requirements) and ISO 23783-3 (determination, specification, reporting).
-
Measurement methods covered
- Photometric methods: dual‑dye ratiometric, single‑dye, and fluorescence-based procedures (normative annexes).
- Gravimetric methods: single-channel mass measurement and regression analysis (linking mass to volume via density and balance readings).
- Hybrid photometric/gravimetric: combining techniques to improve accuracy.
- Dimensional methods: optical image analysis of droplets and capillaries for non-contact volume assessment.
-
Equipment, preparation and environmental factors
- Requirements for test equipment, calibration references, and preparation of ALHS for testing.
- Consideration of thermal expansion effects on liquid volumes and apparatus.
-
Traceability and uncertainty
- Guidance on establishing metrological traceability of measurements to recognized standards.
- Two approaches to estimating measurement uncertainty: the whole‑system approach and a measurement model (component) approach.
-
Reporting and documentation
- Specifies the information to report for test results, enabling reproducibility and comparison across systems.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
- Laboratories and research institutions: for calibration, performance verification, validation and routine quality control of automated liquid handlers used in high‑throughput assays.
- Manufacturers of ALHS: to define acceptance tests, produce manufacturer performance declarations, and incorporate quality control procedures into production.
- Calibration and test houses / Certification bodies: to perform independent verification, certification, and produce traceable measurement reports.
- Regulated industries (pharma, clinical diagnostics, biotech): to support method validation, regulatory submissions, and audit readiness where accurate dispensing and traceability are required.
Related standards
- ISO 23783-1 - Terminology and general requirements for ALHS
- ISO 23783-3 - Determination, specification and reporting of volumetric performance
- ISO 8655-6 - Gravimetric reference measurement procedure for piston-operated volumetric apparatus
- ISO 3696 - Water for analytical laboratory use (relevant to reagent quality)
This standard is published as EN ISO 23783-2:2023 and is adopted across CEN member states, making it a key reference for consistent, traceable volumetric testing of automated liquid handling systems. Keywords: automated liquid handling systems, volumetric performance, measurement procedures, ISO 23783-2, traceability, measurement uncertainty, photometric, gravimetric, calibration.