Frequently asked question
1) Can I use ATMOS to calibrate my pipettes ?
The best use of ATMOS is the daily monitoring of the accuracy of your pipettes.
It will detect any change of calibration that may, for example, be related to a shock (fall on the floor) or forcing the dial beyond the limit. This allows you to put damaged pipette on hold and not use them until your next campaign of calibration by gravimetry.
It is of course also possible to use ATMOS to re-adjust a pipette in case of shift of accuracy (most pipettes have a special tool to adjust the volume). This is much easier than gravimetry.
2) What is the leak measurement ?
ATMOS is measuring the air leak of the pipette or of the tip during its function. High leak can be related to a damaged piston in the pipette or to a defect in connection of the disposal tip.
The leak value is given in percentage of volume loss per second. A leak of less than 1% is acceptable.
The leak affects the accuracy of the pipette, especially when using viscous liquids. Therefore, a pipette with a leak should be serviced (grease the piston and check tip cone connection). ATMOS will indicate wrong results when the pipette is leaky.
3) How does ATMOS accuracy compare to gravimetry method ?
The random error of ATMOS readings are similar to those observed in gravimetry measurement with a laboratory scale.
The absolute accuracy of ATMOS stays within ± 1% ( ± 0.1 µl for volumes below 10µl ).
Since ATMOS is measuring the true air displacement of the piston in the pipette, the equivalent liquid volume is calculated using an algorithm for compensation of negative pressure that is slightly lowering the effective volume of aspirated liquid. The compensation algorithm is based on the use of standard disposable tips. When calibrating by gravimetry your pipettes with special tips, such as long tips, ATMOS reading value may differ.
4) Does ATMOS need re-calibration service?
No. ATMOS does not need re-calibration. ATMOS is measuring the volume dispensensed by the pipette by comparing with an internal fixed volume cavity.
This reference volume, made of metal, is calibrated at the factory within 0.1% accuracy.
5) Is it complicated to test my pipette with ATMOS?
No, not at all. Pipette testing with ATMOS is quick and easy.
You just select your pipette size, insert the pipette (WITHOUT LIQUID), and press start. 3 cicles will give you a reliable result within approx. 30 seconds. Then you can start your experiment with a good knowlegde about the current status of your pipette.
See this video for an example measurement.
6) Is it possible to export data?
ATMOS is designed to be compatible with automated platforms and can be interfaced to any computer system (Window, Mac, Linux or other). Connection to the USB-C port allows a direct interface that can be used for pipette calibration.
The program ReadATMOS (Windows) allows the extraction of data.