The pipetting Olympics: Propagating proper pipetting a priori in clinical LC-MS/MS analysis

INTRODUCTION: Engaging pipetting events were developed to assess and challenge technicians’ practical sample handling using matrices common to the clinical laboratory. As correct pipetting stands as a prerequisite for accurate clinical laboratory testing, this helped to understand sources of imprecision and bias attributed to the underlying step of aspirating and dispensing patient samples and internal standard in clinical LC-MS/MS assays while highlighting the importance for the clinical laboratory to evaluate this source of variability on an on-going basis and mitigate its impact. METHODS: The events involved pipetting water, methanol, serum, and whole blood. Gravimetric analysis was used to determine the exact volumetric delivery of each matrix using two different techniques. Imprecision and bias were calculated based on the volume derived from the mass and density of each matrix, using literature values for each matrix type. RESULTS: Low imprecision and bias were observed when pipetting water, as in common commercial pipetting assessment programs. Significantly increased imprecision and bias were observed in more applicable matrices (i.e., serum, whole blood, and methanol), indicating that water-based pipetting proficiency assessment leads to a false sense of technical ability. Additionally, the events within illuminated areas for training, leading to improved imprecision and bias. It was shown that pre-rinsing (aspirating and dispensing matrix three times to coat the tip) improved bias, particularly for delivery of methanol and whole blood. CONCLUSIONS: Precise and accurate pipetting within the clinical laboratory should not be taken for granted, nor implicitly inferred from proficiency assessment using aqueous solutions. The engaging and collegial events fostered training opportunities. Assay-specific patient sample delivery considerations (pipets and matrices) can inform the practicality of these events – the Pipetting Olympics – and drive improvements within the laboratory.