Top 7 considerations to fix the frequency for calibration for the Instruments?
There are many factors that may influence for the estimation of correct frequency and time frame for the Instruments to be calibrated.
- Based on the importance of Results.
Historically calibration of instruments were done based on pre-defined frequency, however in certain conditions or instruments based on criticality of measurement, daily verification can be done before the analysis, in certain other cases, after calibration is also done of the instruments is also done, to assure that it has remained accurate throughout the measurement.
- Equipment manufacturer’s recommendation based on Manuals provided.
For many types of equipment, the manufacturers provide recommendation for calibration frequency. These essentially based on IQ/OQ and PQ documents provided by the Service Engineer. The frequency of Instruments based on the This is especially the case for reference standards and calibrators. Manufacturer’s recommendation is an easy and good starting point when deciding the initial calibration period.
- Based on the Utilization of the Instruments: If the equipment is being used continuously taking a lot of workload, then it should be calibrated more frequently in comparison to the instrument being used rarely of less often.
- Based on External conditions: If the concerned instrument is being used in outrageous ecological conditions; in such cases instruments were prone to damage hence it reasonable to be calibrated more often than one used in stable conditions.
- Based on previous Statistical data available:
If equipment clearly meets the calibration limit in every recalibration, without any need for readjustment or realignments, in such cases, calibration time period could be increased. On other hand if the instrument durability is less, more breakdowns were found and often fails in recalibration then we have reconsider calibration time period by decreasing it.
- Based periodic breakdown of the Instrument: Calibration is usually carried out if the equipment under consideration undergoes major part replacements, location is changed or if any accessories were added.
Note: Every organization should clear written procedure for calibration, re-calibration, establishment calibration limits and time limits and further on the procedure for breakdown of the instruments. (updated on 27.09.2020)