AUTOMATIC PIPETTING APPARATUS WITH LEAK DETECTION AND METHOD OF DETECTING A LEAK

摘要

Embodiments described herein provide a pipetting apparatus with leak detection and a method for detecting a leak. In one embodiment, an automatic pipetting apparatus comprises a nozzle having a lower end portion through which a fluid sample is aspirated and dispensed by changes in air pressure supplied to the nozzle. A piping system operatively connects the nozzle to a pump for supplying the air pressure to the nozzle. A pressure sensor is operatively connected with the piping system for measuring internal pressure in the piping system. Means is operatively connected with the nozzle for three-dimensionally moving the nozzle between an aspirating position of the fluid sample and a dispensing position. Leak detecting means is operatively connected with the pressure sensor for detecting a leak in the piping system based upon a measured result obtained by measuring the internal pressure in the piping system with the pressure sensor while the nozzle, which has aspirated a predetermined volume of the fluid sample, is being moved between the aspirating position and the dispensing position by the moving means.