ASTM E934-94(2021)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Serological Pipet, Disposable Plastic
Standard Specification for Serological Pipet, Disposable Plastic
ABSTRACT
This specification covers disposable plastic serological pipets, calibrated to deliver when measuring volumes of liquids. The pipets shall be fabricated from crystal-grade, uncolored polystyrene, or its regrind. They shall adhere to the property requirements discussed herein for design (shape, delivery tips, top end, dimensions, and outflow times), graduation and identification markings, capacity, and accuracy and coefficient of variation.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers disposable plastic serological pipets, calibrated “to deliver” when measuring volumes of liquids.
1.1.1 Any institution or individual who reuses a disposable pipet must bear full responsibility for its safety and effectiveness.
1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Dec-2020
- Technical Committee
- E41 - Laboratory Apparatus
- Drafting Committee
- E41.01 - Laboratory Ware and Supplies
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2010
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2005
- Effective Date
- 10-Oct-2001
- Effective Date
- 10-Oct-2001
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2000
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2000
- Effective Date
- 10-Nov-1997
- Effective Date
- 10-Nov-1997
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-1996
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-1996
Overview
ASTM E934-94(2021) is the international standard specification for disposable plastic serological pipets used to accurately measure and deliver liquid volumes in laboratory environments. Developed by ASTM International, the standard defines requirements for material quality, pipet design, graduation and identification markings, capacity, and accuracy, ensuring consistent performance across products. These disposable pipets are primarily fabricated from crystal-grade, uncolored polystyrene or its regrind and are intended for single-use applications where precision and safety are essential.
Key Topics
- Materials: Pipets must be manufactured from high-quality, crystal-grade, uncolored polystyrene or its regrind, meeting specific criteria for purity and performance.
- Design and Construction: The standard details pipet shapes, dimension tolerances, tip configuration, and top-end specifications to ensure compatibility and functionality. Pipets of various capacities (0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 mL) must meet defined construction requirements, such as one-piece or multiple-component assembly and circular cross-sections.
- Graduation and Markings: Strict guidelines stipulate graduation line width (between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm), the visibility of Arabic numerals, and the permanence and clarity of the "TD" (to deliver) and calibration temperature ("20 °C") markers. The manufacturer’s identification must be present for traceability.
- Capacity and Accuracy: Pipet capacities must be clearly marked, and delivered volumes must fall within specific accuracy and coefficient of variation limits to ensure reliable measurement. Calibration is standardized at 20 °C.
- Quality Requirements: Physical integrity, absence of foreign particles, and freedom from defects or sharp edges are mandated to ensure safety and proper function.
- Packaging: The specification references approved procedures for commercial and export packaging, maintaining product sterility and preventing damage during shipping and storage.
Applications
Disposable plastic serological pipets standardized by ASTM E934-94(2021) are vital in:
- Clinical and Medical Laboratories: Used for precise liquid handling in diagnostic assays, blood sampling, and specimen preparation.
- Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research: Ensuring accuracy in sample dilution, reagent addition, and solution transfers in controlled environments.
- Academic and Industrial Laboratories: Supporting educational purposes, quality control, chemical analysis, and routine research tasks that require single-use pipets to minimize contamination risks.
- Government and Defense: Approved for procurement by U.S. government agencies, demonstrating recognized reliability and compliance with institutional safety standards.
Institutions or individuals choosing to reuse these pipets are solely responsible for ensuring continued safety and efficacy, as the specification is intended for single use only.
Related Standards
ASTM E934-94(2021) aligns with several other ASTM standards and international guidelines to ensure comprehensive laboratory equipment quality:
- ASTM E542: Practice for calibration of laboratory volumetric apparatus.
- ASTM E920: Specification for commercially packaged laboratory apparatus.
- ASTM E921: Specification for export packaged laboratory apparatus.
- ASTM E1133: Practice for performance testing of packaged laboratory apparatus for United States government procurements.
This standard was developed following the internationally recognized principles defined by the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee, ensuring global relevance and acceptance.
Keywords: disposable pipet, serological pipet specification, laboratory plasticware, polystyrene pipet, ASTM E934-94(2021), laboratory standards, accuracy, coefficient of variation, single-use pipets
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E934-94(2021) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Serological Pipet, Disposable Plastic". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers disposable plastic serological pipets, calibrated to deliver when measuring volumes of liquids. The pipets shall be fabricated from crystal-grade, uncolored polystyrene, or its regrind. They shall adhere to the property requirements discussed herein for design (shape, delivery tips, top end, dimensions, and outflow times), graduation and identification markings, capacity, and accuracy and coefficient of variation. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers disposable plastic serological pipets, calibrated “to deliver” when measuring volumes of liquids. 1.1.1 Any institution or individual who reuses a disposable pipet must bear full responsibility for its safety and effectiveness. 1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification covers disposable plastic serological pipets, calibrated to deliver when measuring volumes of liquids. The pipets shall be fabricated from crystal-grade, uncolored polystyrene, or its regrind. They shall adhere to the property requirements discussed herein for design (shape, delivery tips, top end, dimensions, and outflow times), graduation and identification markings, capacity, and accuracy and coefficient of variation. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers disposable plastic serological pipets, calibrated “to deliver” when measuring volumes of liquids. 1.1.1 Any institution or individual who reuses a disposable pipet must bear full responsibility for its safety and effectiveness. 1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E934-94(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 11.100 - Laboratory medicine. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E934-94(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E920-97(2019), ASTM E920-97(2013), ASTM E1133-86(2010), ASTM E921-97(2010), ASTM E920-97(2008), ASTM E542-01(2007), ASTM E1133-86(2005), ASTM E542-01, ASTM E542-00, ASTM E1133-86(1996)e1, ASTM E1133-86(2000), ASTM E920-97(2003), ASTM E921-97(2003), ASTM E920-97, ASTM E921-97. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E934-94(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:E934 −94 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Serological Pipet, Disposable Plastic
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E934; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3.1.1 accuracy—the expected distribution of mean volumes
around the stated volume.
1.1 This specification covers disposable plastic serological
pipets, calibrated “to deliver” when measuring volumes of 3.1.2 coeffıcient of variation—the expected distribution of
liquids. individual volumes around the mean volume.
1.1.1 Any institution or individual who reuses a disposable
3.1.3 disposable pipet—such pipets will only be expected to
pipet must bear full responsibility for its safety and effective-
provide their specified performance during their original use or
ness.
operation.
1.2 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4. Material and Manufacturer
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1 The pipets made to this specification shall be fabricated
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
from crystal grade, uncolored polystyrene, or regrind of same,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
in accordance with Specification D703.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5. Design
2. Referenced Documents
5.1 Shape—0.5,1.0,and2.0-cm pipetsshallbestraightand
2.1 ASTM Standards:
of one-piece construction.Any cross section of a pipet taken in
D703 Specification for Polystyrene Molding and Extrusion
a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis shall be circular.
Materials (Withdrawn 1987)
5.1.1 Pipetsof5.0,10.0,25.0,and50.0cm shallbestraight
E542 Practice for Calibration of Laboratory Volumetric
andmayconsistofone,two,orthreecomponents,theextruded
Apparatus
pipet barrel, the pulled or injection molded tip, and the plain,
E920 Specification for Commercially Packaged Laboratory
pulled, or injection molded top end. Any cross section of a
Apparatus
pipet taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
E921 Specification for Export Packaged Laboratory Appa-
shall be circular.
ratus
E1133 Practice for Performance Testing of Packaged Labo-
5.2 Delivery Tips—Delivery tips shall be made with a
ratory Apparatus for United States Government Procure-
gradual taper of 10 to 40 mm. The tip end shall be reasonably
ments
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipet, and shall be
free of internal flash.
3. Terminology
5.3 TopEnd—The5,10,25.0,and50.0-cm sizesshallhave
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
a top end with an inside diameter of 2 to 6.5 mm for a
minimumdistanceof20mmfromtheopenend,andshallhave
anoveralllengthof24to28mm.Onallsizes,thetopendshall
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E41 on
besuitableforpluggingwithfilteringmaterial.Thetopmaybe
Laboratory Apparatus and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E41.01 on
flat or chamfered and must be without sharp outer edges. All
Laboratory Ware and Supplies.
top ends shall be reasonably perpendicular to the longitudinal
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2021. Published February 2021. Originally
approvedin1983.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2015asE934 – 94(2015).DOI:
axis of the pipet. The O.D. of top end should range from 7 to
10.1520/E0934-94R21.
9 mm.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.4 Dimensions and Outflow Times—The limiting dimen-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
sions and outflow times shall be as shown in Table 1. Outflow
the ASTM website.
times shall be determined by means of a stopwatch on
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. unplugged pipets when using distilled water at 25 6 5 °C.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E934−94 (2021)
TABLE 1 Dimensions and Outflow Times
Least Value Graduation cm (mL) Outflow, s
Outside Diameter Wall Thickness,
Capacity, cm
Graduated Portion, mm min, mm
Main No. Graduation 0 to min max
0.5 0.01 0.1 0.4 4.5 to 4.8 0.5 3.0 0.8
1.0 0.01 0.1 0.9 4.5 to 4.8 0.5 3.0 0.8
1.0 0.10 0.1 0.9 4.5 to 4.8 0
...
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