Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting pipette tips for defects. A holding device picks up multiple pipette tips from a first carrier. A first image acquisition device, with its optical axis aligned with the longitudinal axes of the tips, captures first image data of the pipette tip outlet openings. A second image acquisition device, with its optical axis transverse to the longitudinal axes, simultaneously captures second image data of the side surfaces of the multiple tips. A data processing system determines if the image data is within predefined limits. Pipette tips with data outside the limits are discarded, while tips with data within the limits are dispensed into a second carrier. The pipette tips may be rotated about their longitudinal axes during the acquisition of the second image data to check for concentricity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for checking pipette tips comprising the following steps: a) providing pipette tips in a first carrier; b) receiving pipette tips from the first carrier via a holder device; c) capturing first image data using a first image-capturing device, which has an optical axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipette tips and directed towards the respective outlet opening of the pipette tips; d) capturing second image data using a second image-capturing device, which has an optical axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pipette tips and directed towards the sub-segments of the pipette tip casing surfaces facing the second image-capturing device; e) determining whether the image data lies within predefined acceptability limits; f) discarding the pipette tips, for which the image data falls outside the acceptability limits, in a waste container; g) transferring the pipette tips, for which the image data lies within the acceptability limits, into a second carrier; wherein