A key part of any laboratory function is obtaining reliable results through accurate measurement. From pharmaceutical studies to environmental assessment, the accuracy of all lab equipment directly impacts any experiment or analysis. With the pace of changing technology, regular laboratory calibration is needed now more than ever; it helps ensure instruments are reliable and provide an accurate reading. Unless laboratory equipment is calibrated regularly, the accuracy can drift out of specification, leading to compromised data and, worse, dangerous situations.
In this article, we will explore the significance of regular laboratory calibration, the benefits it offers, and how it enhances the performance of lab equipment.
Laboratory calibration is the method of adjusting and fine-tuning laboratory instruments to ensure that they give precise measurements based on accepted standards. Calibration for laboratory instruments involves comparing the readings from an instrument with known standards, and adjustments are then made to reflect these reference values. Regular calibration of instrument measurements is necessary to ensure that measurements remain as expected to be over time, and that they will be trusted and accurate.
In many fields, including research, medicine, and manufacturing, precise measurements are critical. Inaccurate readings can lead to flawed data, affecting both the integrity of the experiment and the safety of those involved. Regular calibration checks can identify discrepancies early, preventing the risk of inaccurate results and costly errors.
The necessity of instrument calibration cannot be emphasized enough when it comes to taking accurate measurements in the laboratory. Instruments, like spectrophotometers, pipettes, thermometers, and balances, are used to obtain precise or exact measurements and, for that reason, should be calibrated on a regular basis. Over time, all instruments may be affected by accuracy and this is most particularly the case in the laboratory or facility. Environmental variability, instrument wear and tear, or human error may cause measured values to drift away from the true value over time. Here are several reasons to consider or enhance laboratory calibration:
Reliable:
When a laboratory calibrates regularly, it is ensuring that its instruments provide reliable measurements or values each time they are used. When instruments are not calibrated regularly, even slight deviations from a target or true value can cause significant erroneous results. Incorrect measurements can cause significant issues in various fields of interest, such as pharmaceutical or environmental measurement. As a result of inaccurate measurements, laboratory research and practice usually have opportunities for magnification or alignment of certain errors in quantifying values.
Prior Industry Standard:
Laboratory technology instruments should be maintained, then used to meet prior industry standards and regulatory processes. In this case, it is assumed that most laboratories and industries have some level of required or voluntary prior instrument calibration to follow. For example, healthcare and pharmaceuticals typically require instrument calibration per industry guidelines with standards set by ISO, FDA, GMP, etc. If laboratories are not ensuring calibration, they risk failing audits from state or national regulatory agencies.
Improves Data Integrity:
Instruments that are properly calibrated can maintain the integrity of data produced. When a researcher or lab technician calibrates lab equipment correctly, they can be confident in their results and minimize the risk of producing misleading or incorrect results.
Increases Efficiency:
Instruments that are calibrated can perform at higher levels, making them more efficient and easier to use. Regularly calibrated instruments are less likely to malfunction, which reduces both downtime and the likelihood of repairs. This enables labs to run more efficiently and often improves their productivity overall.
Decreases Costs:
Instrument calibration allows for the prevention of more expensive repairs when potential errors are indicated. Regular instrument calibration allows labs to maintain performance as often as possible, reduce the overall cost of instrument upkeep, and extend the useful life of the instrument
The performance of laboratory equipment can be greatly impacted by consistent calibration. Calibration can influence the function of laboratory instrumentation in the following ways:
Preserving Accuracy Over Time:
Over time, environmental impacts, including temperature, humidity, and vibration, can have an effect on the accuracy of laboratory measurements. Instruments calibrated to precise standards and operating within tolerances can drift over time unless calibrated regularly. Regular calibration of laboratory instrumentation will keep the equipment performing within tolerances and allow you to produce accurate and reliable data.
Enhanced Instrument Performance:
Calibrated instruments will function optimally and will allow you to perform a wider breadth of tasks. Regardless of whether you're measuring temperature, volume, weight, etc., calibrated instruments will produce accurate measurements. Calibrated instruments will add to the overall success of the experiment.
Increasing Reproducibility:
From a research perspective, reproducibility is critical for validating scientific claims. Calibration services ensure your laboratory equipment is consistent in its operation, ensuring that reproducing data is possible. This is particularly important in scientific studies, where consistency is essential.
Ensuring Compliance with Legal and Safety Standards:
Some lab practices may have legal and safety standards requiring precise measurements. Periodical calibration ensures compliance with these legal and safety standards, avoiding any legal issues or safety hazards.
In scientific research, medical diagnostics, and manufacturing testing, measures of accuracy parameter the base of any study or analysis. Laboratory calibration safeguards that the instruments make measurements in the correct range to accurately reproduce measured results. Without an accurate measure, data or measurements could be deceptive, resulting in unreasonable conclusions or even hazardous results.
Below are a few examples where accurate measurement is essential:
Pharmaceutical Research:
The objectivity of measurements is important in the field of pharmaceutical research and drug development, as chemists and pharmacists often require precise measurements of chemical compounds and accurate physical formulations (admixtures) to produce efficacious medicines. Even small errors in measurement can result in producing a drug that is entirely ineffective or even dangerous to the patient.
Environmental Testing:
Environmental monitoring is another area where the instrument used to measure how much a pollutant is present must be specific. Laboratories that measure samples of air, water, and soil must calibrate their instrument to ensure that they measure the samples accurately, which is important to prevent environmental catastrophes.
Healthcare and Diagnostics:
Finally, in the healthcare field, diagnostic laboratories must properly calibrate instruments to measure blood pressure, glucose levels, or cholesterol levels to ensure that the results are accurate for the patient.
How often should laboratory calibration be completed?
The timing of laboratory calibration depends both on the equipment in use and the frequency of use. In most cases, calibration should occur at least once a year, especially when the item is a high-use piece of equipment. Calibration can occur every month or every quarter for accurate results.
What will occur if calibration of an instrument is not performed on a routine basis?
If calibration of an instrument is not routinely performed, the instrument will likely fall out of calibration, compromising expected accuracy. Calibration can lead to inaccurate readings that can jeopardize data, research, and regulatory compliance.
Should lab equipment calibration be performed in-house or outsourced?
Lab equipment calibration can be done in-house if the laboratory has appropriate expertise and equipment; however, many laboratories utilize professional labs, like Roots Metrology, to have a higher degree of calibration accuracy, improved regulatory compliance, and quality documentation.
How does laboratory calibration affect the reliability of research results?
Laboratory calibration has direct implications for the reliability of research findings by providing precise and consistent measures with lab instruments in order to validate findings and ensure that experiments are reproducible and scientifically valid.
Laboratory equipment calibration is necessary in order to retain performance and reliability. Lab equipment calibration is important in research, healthcare, and industrial testing, and helps ensure accuracy and consistency in measurements to minimize error and improve data integrity. Regular calibration efforts will benefit laboratories with efficiency, compliance with standards, and trust in the legitimacy of findings.
