Technical Sessions: Hands-On Demonstration and Practical Applications
WEDNESDAY TECHNICAL SESSIONS
1A: Model Driven Software Engineering for Metrology
CLASS: 1.25 HOURS
Wednesday, April 16th:
8:45 am – 10:00 am
Speaker: Michael L. Schwartz, Cal Lab Magazine
Instructor Biography
Speaker:
Michael L. Schwartz
1B: Optimizing End-of-Life Asset Management for Laboratory Equipment and Facilities: Strategies for Sustainability and Capital Recovery Speaker
CLASS: 1.25 HOURS
Wednesday, April 16th:
8:45 am – 10:00 am
Speaker: Steve Balmer, Reuzeit Company
1C: Practical Pressure Calibration, Hands-On
CLASS: 1.25 HOURS
Wednesday, April 16th:
8:45 am – 10:00 am
Speakers: Scott Crone and Kurt Stridinger, Ametek
Instructor Biography
Speakers:
Scott Crone
Kurt Stridinger
2A: Data-Driven Laboratories Leveraging Calibration Metrics for Enhanced Operations
CLASS: 1.25 HOURS
Wednesday, April 16th:
10:45 am – 12:00 pm
Speaker: Larry Newman, Performance Business Consultants
Instructor Biography
Speaker:
Larry S. Newman is a seasoned expert in the field of metrology, with over 30 years of experience in calibration, repair, and training. He has dedicated 25 years of his career to teaching proper pipette usage, calibration, and maintenance techniques, making him a trusted authority in the industry. Larry spent 14 years with Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he served as Senior Manager in the Global Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Asset Services division. While in charge of metrology at one of Thermo Fisher’s largest facilities, Larry successfully brought pipette calibration in-house by developing and building out a fully operational on-site pipette calibration lab. This achievement greatly enhanced efficiency and compliance within the organization.
Larry has also served as a consultant to pipette manufacturers and calibration system companies, contributing to advancements in pipette technology and methodology. In addition, he is one of the owners of Performance Business Consultants, LLC, through which he provides comprehensive pipette user and calibration technician training to organizations and individuals. Known for his engaging and insightful training sessions, Larry places a strong focus on quality methodology in metrology, inspiring professionals to uphold the highest standards in their work.
Larry resides in Oceanside, California, with his family and has been an active supporter of the Measurement Science Conference (MSC) for over 24 years. His passion for education, combined with his extensive expertise and hands-on approach, makes him a sought-after instructor and leader in the field of pipette calibration and usage techniques.
2B: A Quality Review: The Best Technical Papers for Life Science Calibration and Testing Laboratories
CLASS: 1.25 HOURS
Wednesday, April 16th:
10:45 am – 12:00 pm
Speaker: Walter Nowocin, Indysoft
2C: Non-Destructive Testing
CLASS: 1.25 HOURS
Wednesday, April 16th:
10:45 am – 12:00 pm
Speaker: Mike Menendez and Mark Lindsey, Disneyland®
Instructor Biography
Speaker:
Mike Menendez
Mark Lindsey
3A: Government Contracts CAGE Codes
CLASS: 1.25 HOURS
Wednesday, April 16th:
1:45 pm – 3:00 pm
Speaker: Ginger Hazzard, NSWC Corona
3B: AI Assisted Calibration and Digital Certificate
CLASS: 1.25 HOURS
Wednesday, April 16th:
1:45 pm – 3:00 pm
Speaker: Sami Koskinen, Beamex
3C: Precision Gas Flow Calibration with DryCal Part 1
CLASS: 1.25 HOURS
Wednesday, April 16th:
1:45 pm – 3:00 pm
Speaker: Ram Parameshwar, Mesa Labs
4A: Process Improvement for Laboratories
CLASS: 1.5 HOURS
Wednesday, April 16th:
3:45 pm – 5:00 pm
Speaker: Ginger Hazzard, NSWC Corona
4B: Essential Tools and Considerations for Launching an Electrical Calibration Business
CLASS: 1.5 HOURS
Wednesday, April 16th:
3:45 pm – 5:00 pm
Speaker: Jack Somppi
4C: Precision Gas Flow Calibration with DryCal Part 2
CLASS: 1.5 HOURS
Wednesday, April 16th:
3:45 pm – 5:00 pm
Speaker: Ram Parameshwar, Mesa Labs
THURSDAY TECHNICAL SESSIONS
5A: Grounding Measurements
CLASS: 1.5 HOURS
Thursday, April 17th:
8:30 am – 10:00 am
Speaker: Mike Palmer, Megger
5B: Flow Measurements
CLASS: 1.5 HOURS
Thursday, April 17th:
8:30 am – 10:00 am
Speaker: Emerson
5C: Pipette Calibration
CLASS: 1.5 HOURS
Thursday, April 17th:
8:30 am – 10:00 am
Speaker: Larry Newman, Performance Business Consultants
Abstract
ABSTRACT:
Proper pipette calibration is critical in the Life Sciences and any industry relying on precise liquid handling, such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and chemical research. Accurate pipetting ensures the validity and reproducibility of data, safeguards product quality, and maintains regulatory compliance. Neglecting calibration can lead to inaccurate results that compromise scientific integrity, reduce reproducibility, and cause financial losses from wasted reagents and repeated experiments. In regulated industries, improper calibration can result in non-compliance with standards and SOP’s, leading to penalties or a loss of certification. Furthermore, it may jeopardize product safety and efficacy, harm reputations, and raise ethical concerns, particularly in biopharma or any scientific applications.
A thorough understanding of pipette calibration standards, such as ISO 8655, its recent revisions in 2022 & 2024 as well as ISO 8655-10 along with understanding the mechanics is essential to proper calibration. Participants in this workshop will explore various pipette types and techniques, including single-channel, multi-channel, and electronic models, and learn about the key components and common issues that impact accuracy and precision. The session will then delve into detailed calibration techniques. Gravimetric calibration, using tools such as analytical balances, distilled water, and calibration weights, involves weighing dispensed liquid to calculate accuracy and precision. Colorimetric calibration, employing colorimetric solutions and spectrophotometers or colorimeters, measures absorbance or color intensity for volume verification. Multi-channel pipette calibration involves specialized calibration equipment using either gravimetric or colorimetric methods.
Proper ergonomics in both the calibration and use of pipettes is equally essential to ensure user well-being and accuracy. Pipette users are susceptible to repetitive strain injuries (RSI), particularly in laboratory settings where repetitive pipetting is required. Techniques to minimize strain include maintaining a neutral wrist posture, using lightweight and ergonomically designed pipettes, and adjusting workstation height to avoid awkward angles. During calibration, it is important to position tools such as balances and multi-channel plates at comfortable heights and within reach to prevent unnecessary stretching or bending. Alternating tasks and taking regular breaks also help reduce the risk of fatigue and RSI, allowing for more consistent pipetting performance.
The workshop will also cover the importance of routine maintenance and troubleshooting. Participants will learn how to identify and resolve common calibration errors, implement best practices for storage and upkeep, and recognize when recalibration services are necessary. The session will conclude with a recap of key points and an open Q&A period. By the end of this workshop, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure proper pipette calibration, minimize risks, uphold ergonomic practices, and maintain the highest standards in their work.
Instructor Biography
Speaker:
Larry S. Newman is a seasoned expert in the field of metrology, with over 30 years of experience in calibration, repair, and training. He has dedicated 25 years of his career to teaching proper pipette usage, calibration, and maintenance techniques, making him a trusted authority in the industry. Larry spent 14 years with Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he served as Senior Manager in the Global Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Asset Services division. While in charge of metrology at one of Thermo Fisher’s largest facilities, Larry successfully brought pipette calibration in-house by developing and building out a fully operational on-site pipette calibration lab. This achievement greatly enhanced efficiency and compliance within the organization.
Larry has also served as a consultant to pipette manufacturers and calibration system companies, contributing to advancements in pipette technology and methodology. In addition, he is one of the owners of Performance Business Consultants, LLC, through which he provides comprehensive pipette user and calibration technician training to organizations and individuals. Known for his engaging and insightful training sessions, Larry places a strong focus on quality methodology in metrology, inspiring professionals to uphold the highest standards in their work.
Larry resides in Oceanside, California, with his family and has been an active supporter of the Measurement Science Conference (MSC) for over 24 years. His passion for education, combined with his extensive expertise and hands-on approach, makes him a sought-after instructor and leader in the field of pipette calibration and usage techniques.
6A: Electric Calibrations – Improving the Throughput and Efficiency in the Calibration Laboratory
CLASS: 1.5 HOURS
Thursday, April 17th:
10:45 am – 12:15 pm
Speaker: Richard Roddis, Fluke Electronics
6B: Temperature Calibration, Hands-On
CLASS: 1.5 HOURS
Thursday, April 17th:
10:45 am – 12:15 pm
Speaker: Scott Crone, and Kurt Stridinger, Ametek
Instructor Biography
Speaker:
Scott Crone
Kurt Stridinger
6C: Temperature Validation
CLASS: 1.5 HOURS
Thursday, April 17th:
10:45 am – 12:15 pm
Speaker: Quy Tran, Sound Life Science Services
