CALIBRATION

In order to ensure the accurate results of laboratory tests, it is essential that laboratory equipment calibration takes place regularly. Equipment that is not calibrated may produce inaccurate results, which could lead to incorrect diagnoses and treatment decisions.

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What Is Calibration?

Calibration is the process of comparing measurements taken from an instrument under test against a known value or highly accurate standard, to determine the accuracy, reliability and traceability

It is a process of comparing the output of measuring instruments and devices against the input signal of a standard, verified instrument. It detects and identifies any error in the device under test. If the difference between the calibration tool signal and the device under test lies within established limits, the calibration is said to be in a pass condition; otherwise, it will fail.

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What Is The Calibration Of Equipment In A Lab?

Calibration of laboratory equipment is important to ensure that the equipment is providing accurate and precise readings. Calibration can be performed on a variety of instruments, including pH meters, balances, HPLC, GC, scales, centrifuges & pipettes. The process involves checking the accuracy of the instrument against a specific measurement, and then adjusting the instrument accordingly.

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Benefits Of Calibration Of Laboratory Equipment

Maintains accuracy

Calibration is important because it helps to ensure that data collected by the device is accurate. For example, if a pH meter is not properly calibrated, it may give readings that are too high or too low. This could lead to inaccurate results when trying to measure the acidity of a solution.

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Extends life of instruments and devices

Calibration can also help to extend the life of laboratory equipment by keeping it functioning properly. Over time, devices can drift out of calibration due to changes in temperature or humidity. By regularly calibrating laboratory equipment, you can help to ensure that it remains reliable and in efficient working order.

Reduces the risk of hazards

Calibration also minimises the risk of work accidents, as incorrect measurements can lead to dangerous situations. For example, if a piece of equipment is not calibrated properly, it could give false readings that could lead to a chemical spill or fire. Ultimately, calibration is an important process that helps to keep people safe and equipment in good condition.

Reduced costs:

When you use measurement devices and calibrate them at the appropriate level, you can see a significant reduction in costs. With accurate measurements, you’re more likely to save money, as you won’t experience product recalls and errors due to measurement errors.

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More revenue and profitability

Another way calibration financially benefits companies is by increasing their reputation in their industry and inspiring customers to return to them. Since calibration reduces product errors and recalls, it’s more likely you provide better quality products to your customers, leading to greater revenue from customer referrals and returning clients. By improving your revenue stream and cutting costs, you can increase your company’s overall profitability.

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Allows you to detect faulty equipment

Calibration of laboratory equipment is a process of detecting disturbances in laboratory equipment and making corrections to ensure that the equipment is providing accurate results. Calibration helps to improve the precision and accuracy of measurements and can also help to identify and correct problems with Laboratory equipment.

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Greater safety

When you calibrate your equipment, you can improve safety by ensuring certain processes have the appropriate environment to be successful. Many sensitive processes require total accuracy to work appropriately, meaning a device that provides inaccurate measurements can result in errors and even unsafe situations for operators. With calibrated equipment, your most sensitive processes have an appropriate environment, safeguarding equipment and staff from danger.

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Calibration is an important part of quality control and is essential for ensuring the validity of scientific research. Without calibration, results from experiments could be inaccurate or misinterpreted, which could lead to incorrect conclusions.

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How To Determine When Equipment Should Be Calibrated?

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to calibrate lab equipment. First, check the manufacturer’s recommendations. They will usually have specific guidance on when Calibration should take place. Second, consider how often the equipment is used. If it’s used frequently, it may need to be calibrated more often than if it’s only used occasionally. Finally, think about how critical the accuracy of the measurements is. If highly accurate measurements are essential, then calibration is likely needed more often. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your equipment is giving accurate readings and that your results are reliable.

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When It’s Needed

Calibration is required whenever a device starts to produce inaccurate measurements or results. Typically, companies will have their equipment on a calibration schedule to ensure accuracy never drifts too much and affects key processes.

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Calibration Certificate Documentation

When records are made following the calibration, a certificate is placed in a secure, traceable location. This document provides information about the calibration process for an instrument or device. The calibration certificate includes the following information

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Device details: model number, serial number, location, etc

Calibration method

Date of calibration and due date

Acceptance criteria

Result: ‘pass’ or ‘fail’

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Typical Parameters for HPLC Calibration:

1. Calibration of Pump

a) Flow rate accuracy

b) Compositional accuracy (gradient profile)

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2. Calibration of Autosampler

a) Injection volume precision

b) Injection volume linearity

c) Autosampler temperature accuracy

d) Carryover

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3. Calibration of Column Oven

a) Colum oven temperature accuracy

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4. Calibration of Detector

a) Detector linearity

b) Wavelength accuracy

c) Drift and noise