Overview
ISO 8655-9:2022 specifies metrological and design requirements for manually operated precision laboratory syringes (glass or glass-and-metal) used to deliver selected volumes (Ex) of liquids or gases. Part 9 of the ISO 8655 series covers the principle of operation, construction and materials, adjustment conditions, maximum permissible errors, required marking, and the user information that must accompany syringes placed on the market.
Key SEO terms: ISO 8655-9:2022, manually operated precision laboratory syringes, piston-operated volumetric apparatus, metrological requirements, maximum permissible errors, syringe calibration.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Defines performance and information requirements for syringes used for total or partial delivery, including micro syringes.
- Materials and construction: Barrels typically glass (borosilicate), plungers and needles typically metal; glass must meet hydrolytic resistance (ISO 719) and allow cleaning.
- Scale and reading: Permanent, uniform graduations; clear fiducial line on the plunger; reading indices must align with zero within 0.5 mm or one-quarter of the smallest division.
- Adjustment conditions: Syringes are adjusted for delivery (Ex) at reference conditions - either 20 °C or 27 °C (with 50% RH and 101.3 kPa) using grade 3 laboratory water (ISO 3696).
- Metrological performance: Maximum permissible systematic and random errors are specified by nominal volume and setting (100%, 50%, 10%) in Table 2. Where a volume isn’t listed, the error is calculated by:
e(Vs) = (Vnom / Vs) × e(Vnom)
(with a cap of 25% for the calculated value; formula applies only above 10% of nominal volume).
- Marking and user information: Permanent markings required - nominal volume, unit, brand/trademark, apparatus name/type, “Ex” and reference temperature (20 °C or 27 °C). User information must include basis of adjustment, usable volume range, smallest deliverable volume meeting permissible errors, correct operating method and stated error limits.
Applications and who uses it
- Manufacturers: design, quality control, factory adjustments, and declaration of performance.
- Calibration laboratories and test houses: independent verification and routine calibration using gravimetric, photometric or alternative ISO 8655 reference procedures (ISO 8655-6, -7, -8).
- Laboratory managers, procurement and quality assurance: specification and acceptance testing of syringes for analytical, medical and research settings.
- Regulatory and conformity assessment bodies: ensure instruments meet metrological traceability and marking requirements.
Related standards
This standard is essential when specifying, manufacturing, calibrating or purchasing precision laboratory syringes to ensure traceable delivery volumes, regulatory compliance and consistent laboratory performance.