Used vs. Certified Pre-Owned Liquid Handlers: Know Before You Buy

Automated liquid handling systems are a backbone of modern labs—whether you’re running high-throughput screening, genomic assays, or routine sample prep. These instruments save time, reduce human error, and support reproducibility. But new liquid handlers can be expensive, and many labs turn to the secondary market to expand their automation capacity. The big question: should you buy used or certified pre-owned (CPO)?

Used Liquid Handlers: Lower Cost, Higher Risk

Buying a used liquid handler typically means acquiring an instrument “as-is” from a reseller, auction, or another lab.

• Advantages

  • Lowest upfront price

  • Immediate availability

  • Good for labs needing backup units or training systems

• Drawbacks

  • No guarantee of calibration or working sensors

  • Unknown maintenance history (pipetting accuracy, deck alignment, tip handling)

  • Potential hidden costs in repairs, replacement parts, or integration downtime

For labs with flexible workloads or lighter regulatory requirements, used systems can still make sense—but reliability is uncertain.

Certified Pre-Owned Liquid Handlers: Validated and Reliable

CPO liquid handlers undergo a rigorous refurbishment process before resale. Vendors typically:

• Replace worn parts (pipetting heads, o-rings, motors)

• Calibrate pipetting accuracy and deck movement

• Run performance validation against manufacturer specs

• Provide warranty and service support

Advantages

• Validated performance ensures reproducible results

• Warranty coverage reduces financial risk

• Documentation supports audits and compliance needs

• Longer lifespan and greater uptime compared to “as-is” purchases

While CPO costs more than used, it’s still significantly cheaper than buying new—often 30–50% less.

Which option Is right for your lab?