This specification covers piston or plunger operated volumetric apparatus (POVA), in particular, the requirements, operating conditions, and test methods. POVA covered by this specification are pipettes, dispensers (with and without valve), dilutors, and displacement burets (with and without valve). Single measurement, replicate delivery, durability, functional (such as tests for leakage, broken parts, existence of air bubbles, and contamination), volumetric, and gravimetric tests shall be performed and shall conform to the requirements specified.

1.1 This specification covers requirements, operating conditions, and test procedures for piston or plunger operated volumetric apparatus (POVA), as well as requirements for pipette operator training and qualification.

1.2 This specification is applicable to all types of POVA. The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test procedure portion, Annex A1 and Annex A2, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.3 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.