Calibration of instruments
Calibration of instruments refers to the process of comparing the measurements obtained from an instrument with a known standard in order to verify and adjust the accuracy of the instrument's readings. This ensures that the instrument is providing correct and reliable measurement results.
Calibration is necessary because instruments can become inaccurate over time due to various factors such as wear and tear, environmental conditions, or improper handling. By undergoing regular calibration, the instruments can be maintained within acceptable limits of accuracy and provide accurate and reliable data.
The calibration process typically involves the following steps:
1. Selection of Standard: A traceable and accurate reference standard is selected, which is typically a device or measurement standard that has been calibrated by a national or internationally recognized calibration laboratory.
2. Comparing Measurements: The instrument under calibration is used to measure a known reference value or quantity. The measurements obtained from the instrument are then compared with the reference value.
3. Adjustment: If the instrument's readings are found to be outside the acceptable limits of accuracy, adjustments are made to the instrument to align its measurements with the reference value. This adjustment can involve modifying internal settings, replacing parts, or applying correction factors.
4. Documentation: Proper documentation is maintained throughout the calibration process, including details of the instrument tested, the date of calibration, the reference standard used, and the results obtained. This documentation serves as a record of the instrument's calibration history.
5. Validation: After calibration and adjustment, the instrument's performance is validated to ensure that it now meets the required accuracy standards. This may involve repeating the calibration process with additional reference measurements.
Calibration certificates are issued to confirm the validity of the calibration and provide evidence that the instrument has been assessed for accuracy and adjustments have been made if necessary. These certificates typically contain information about the calibration standard used, the measurements obtained, and the adjustments performed.
Regular calibration of instruments is essential for industries where accurate and reliable measurements are crucial, such as manufacturing, healthcare, research laboratories, and environmental monitoring. It helps to ensure the integrity of data, compliance with quality standards, and the overall reliability of measurements.