ASTM E1380-90(2021)

Standard Specification for Color Coding of Laboratory Pipets with Multiple Graduations, 0.1 mL and Larger, But Excluding Disposable Prothrombin and Disposable Micropipets

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes a color-coding system for indicating capacity and identifying subdivisions in disposable glass and plastic laboratory pipets with multiple graduations, but excluding disposable prothrombin and disposable micropipets. This specification intends to ensure that when color coding is utilized, all manufacturers will be encouraged to use the same color for nominal value identification. Besides the colors to be used, requirements for durability, style, and location are also presented.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification provides a system for color coding disposable pipets (glass and plastic) with multiple graduations. The color will indicate capacity and subdivisions for identification purposes.  
1.2 The intent of this specification is to ensure that when color coding is utilized, all manufacturers will be encouraged to use the same color for nominal value identification.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 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
• ICS: 01.070 - Colour coding
• ICS: 11.100.99 - Other standards related to laboratory medicine
• Technical Committee: E41 - Laboratory Apparatus
• Drafting Committee: E41.01 - Laboratory Ware and Supplies

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E1273-88(2019) - Standard Specification for Color Coding of Reusable Laboratory Pipets
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM E1273-88(2013) - Standard Specification for Color Coding of Reusable Laboratory Pipets
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E1273-88(2008) - Standard Specification for Color Coding of Reusable Laboratory Pipets
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM E1273-88(2003) - Standard Specification for Color Coding of Reusable Laboratory Pipets
• Effective Date: 31-Oct-1988
• Refers: ASTM E1273-88(1997)e1 - Standard Specification for Color Coding of Reusable Laboratory Pipets
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1988

Overview

ASTM E1380-90(2021), "Standard Specification for Color Coding of Laboratory Pipets with Multiple Graduations, 0.1 mL and Larger, But Excluding Disposable Prothrombin and Disposable Micropipets," offers a comprehensive color-coding system specifically for disposable laboratory pipets made from glass or plastic and marked with multiple graduations. This international ASTM standard promotes consistency in identifying pipet capacities and subdivisions, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce errors in laboratory environments. The specification does not cover disposable prothrombin or micropipets.

Key Topics

• Color Coding System: The primary focus is on the standardized color coding for both the nominal capacity and the subdivisions of laboratory pipets. Specified color bands, colored plugging materials, or inherent color constituents are suggested methods for clear and consistent identification.
• Applicability: Applies to disposable pipets with graduations of 0.1 mL and larger, both glass and plastic types, but specifically excludes prothrombin and micropipets.
• Standardization Goals: Encourages all pipet manufacturers to use the same color scheme for each volume category, reducing confusion across products and brands.
• Durability and Placement: Color markings must be as durable as graduations on the pipet and are to be clearly located near the top end of the pipet. Design guidelines specify band width, spacing, and allow for broken (non-continuous) bands as long as 40% of the circumference is covered.
• Packaging Consistency: If color coding is used in packaging, it must match the pipet's actual color designation.

Applications

The ASTM E1380-90(2021) standard is widely applicable in laboratories where accurate and efficient selection of pipets is vital. Practical uses include:

• Clinical Laboratories: Enhances the speed and accuracy of selecting correct pipet sizes for tests, reducing sample handling errors.
• Research Facilities: Supports reproducibility in experiments by promoting quick and reliable identification of pipet capacities.
• Educational Institutions: Standardized color codes help students and technicians in proper pipet selection, thus supporting laboratory best practices.
• Manufacturers: Offers clear guidelines that ensure new products are compatible with existing laboratory practices worldwide.

Emphasizing the use of SI units, this ASTM color coding standard also facilitates international trade and compliance, adhering to World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) principles.

Related Standards

• ASTM E1273: Specification for Color Coding of Reusable Laboratory Pipets - aligns closely with ASTM E1380 to ensure consistent color coding across both disposable and reusable pipets.
• ISO Standards for Laboratory Equipment: While not referenced directly, ISO guidelines for laboratory glassware and plasticware emphasize similar principles of clarity, identification, and durability in markings.
• ASTM E41.01 Subcommittee: Develops and maintains laboratory ware standards, including those for pipet design and identification.

Keywords: ASTM E1380, laboratory pipet color coding, disposable pipets, laboratory standards, pipet identification, pipet graduations, laboratory safety, standardized color code

By adhering to ASTM E1380-90(2021), laboratories and manufacturers support best practices in lab safety, efficiency, and global compatibility.

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:E1380 −90 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Color Coding of Laboratory Pipets with Multiple
Graduations, 0.1 mL and Larger, But Excluding Disposable
Prothrombin and Disposable Micropipets
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1380; 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.
1. Scope 3. General Requirements
3.1 Colors shall be as specified in Table 1.
1.1 This specification provides a system for color coding
disposable pipets (glass and plastic) with multiple graduations.
3.2 Durability—Disposable pipet coding shall be as durable
The color will indicate capacity and subdivisions for identifi-
as the graduations of the pipet. (Any institution or individual
cation purposes.
who reuses a disposable product must bear full responsibility
for its safety and effectiveness).
1.2 The intent of this specification is to ensure that when
color coding is utilized, all manufacturers will be encouraged
4. Style
to use the same color for nominal value identification.
4.1 Each pipet may be color coded by one or more of the
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
following methods:
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
4.1.1 A single or double color band. The single color band
standard.
shall be 6 to 10 mm wide and the double color bands shall be
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- 3 to 5 mm wide and separated by a clear space of 2 to 3 mm.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- Colorbandsneednotbecontinuous,butmaybebrokenaslong
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the as 40 % of the circumference of the pipet is covered.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 4.1.2 Colored plugging material.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 4.1.3 Permanent color constituent (ingredient) of the pipet
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
material(s).
4.1.4 Coloring of the standard identification marking(s) of
2. Referenced Documents the pipet.
4.2 A color blow out band or bands shall not be the only
2.1 ASTM Standards:
method used to signify size.
E1273 Specification for Color Coding of Reusable Labora-
tory Pipets
4.3 Location—Color coding shall be near the top end of the
pipet. In the instances where a separate band or bands are
utilized to indicate “blow-out” or “blow-out” style pipets, there
shall be a distinct separation with the blow out band or bands
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E41 on
Laboratory Apparatus and is the direct responsibil
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