What An Instrument Calibration For Optimal Precision Entails

According to the Medir Instruments Limited team of professional engineers and certified land/mapping surveyors, Precision Instrument Calibration is one of the primary processes used to maintain instrument accuracy. So, in other words, Calibration is the process of configuring an instrument to provide a result for a sample within an acceptable range.

In fact, eliminating or minimizing factors that cause inaccurate measurements is a fundamental aspect of instrumentation design. Understanding the basics of Precision Instrument Calibration in general and its proper use is an essential element in an overall warehouse and laboratory program. That’s why we’ll be discussing it in this article for your understanding.

Proper calibration ensures that equipment remains within validated performance limits. So as to accurately report patient results, as well as to ensure that test results most accurately represent the values of samples. Thus, knowing the calibration process will help clarify the role that it plays, and then determine when it should be performed.

And as you’ll come to learn from this guide, the whole process is a more technical one. For it essentially “teaches” the instrument to produce results that are more accurate than those that would occur otherwise. As a result, the instrument can then provide more accurate results when samples of unknown values are tested in the normal usage of the product. That said, let’s learn more about what the whole process entails.

The Instrument Calibration Process For More Precision

One of the primary processes used to maintain instrument accuracy, calibration is the process of configuring an instrument to provide a result for a sample within an acceptable range. Eliminating or minimizing factors that cause inaccuracy is a fundamental aspect of instrumentation design. An engineer uses a collimator tool for instrument calibration.

With that in mind, the exact procedure may vary from product to product. However, the calibration process generally involves using the instrument to test samples of one or more known values. The obtained values are called “calibrators.” The results often establish a relationship between the instrument measurement technique and the known values.

Whilst, the process in essence “teaches” the instrument to produce quality results. More so, better results that are more accurate than those that would occur otherwise. The instrument can then provide more accurate results when samples of unknown values are tested in the normal usage of the product.

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Calibrations are performed using only a few collimators to establish the correlation at specific points within the instrument’s operating range. Of course, it might be desirable to use a large number of collimators to establish the calibration relationship, or “curve”, yes. But, there is time and labor associated with it.

This means, that preparing and testing a large number of calibrators might outweigh the resulting level of performance. From a practical standpoint, a tradeoff must be made between the desired level of product performance and the effort associated with accomplishing the calibration.

The instrument will provide the best performance when the intermediate points provided in the manufacturer’s performance specifications are used. Especially, for calibration; as the specified process essentially eliminates, or “zeroes out”, the inherent instrument error at these points.

How Frequently Should An Instrument Be Calibrated?

The simple answer to this question, although not a very helpful one, is “when it needs it” but mostly after every 6 months of active use. From a more practical standpoint, daily or periodically testing the control solutions of known values can provide a quantitative indication of instrument performance, which can be used to establish a history.

The control data may indicate that instrument performance is stable. Or rather, it may also indicate that it is varying randomly well within the acceptable range of values. In such cases then, there is no need to recalibrate the instrument. However, the historical data may indicate a trend toward, or beyond, the acceptable range limits.

Similarly, the instrument may also display a short-term pronounced shift as well sometimes. Partially, due to operation at a different ambient temperature, for example. In such cases then, recalibration is warranted. Realize also that specific standard operating procedures or regulatory requirements may require instrument recalibration.

Suffice it to say, even when no action is warranted from a results standpoint. These requirements should always take precedence. And the above guidance is used at times when there is uncertainty as to whether instrument recalibration should be performed to improve accuracy. It is good to use calibrators that are formulated to tight tolerance specifications.

Precisely, this needs to be done by a reputable manufacturer. There is a tolerance associated with formulating a calibrator/control tool due to normal variations. Especially, whenever it comes to the instrumentation and quality control processes. Eventually, if it’s overlooked, this tolerance can affect the mean value obtained when using the calibrator.

Final Words,

At Medir Instruments, their support for your equipment quality/productivity translates into more than just building reliable, high-performance instruments. It extends to supporting your efforts to generate results you can trust. Whether you need to ensure traceability to NIST standards, patient integrity or meet internal quality metrics, they’re there for you.

It extends commitment efforts to generate more/better results. Besides, they are also better known for sales, rental, and repair solutions — for surveying, construction, mining, water, weather, engineering equipment, and the like.

Resource Reference: You Can Explore All Calibrators & Controls In Detail

Suffice it to say, that you can trust our line of reagents and equipment controls have gone through many trials to perfect delivery. Coupled with a self-committed team that makes sure even the minute details are never overlooked.

Not forgetting, they are also the nation’s leading company for navigation systems as well as residential and commercial land surveying equipment, plus much other related equipment. Their family of thoughtfully chosen calibration and control reagents can help verify almost every instrument. From performance to ensuring linearity.

As well as even providing relevant reference controls — efficiently and accurately. You can visit the shop to see all their products or get in touch for more help and support. Untile the next one, thanks for visiting and for reading this guide.