Get to Know the Calibration Process by Mastering These Key Definitions
20-295 Ft Lb Multiplier
Torque tool for precise force application on heavy-duty bolts or fasteners.
A/C Belt Tensioner
Maintains correct tension on automotive air conditioning drive belts.
AC Circuit
Electrical pathway tested for accurate voltage, current, and resistance performance.
Accreditation (of a laboratory)
Formal recognition by an accreditation body that a calibration or testing laboratory is able to competently perform the calibrations or tests listed in the accreditation scope document.
Accreditation body
An organization that conducts laboratory accreditation evaluations in conformance to ISO Guide 58.
Accreditation certificate
Document issued by an accreditation body to a laboratory that has met the conditions and criteria for accreditation.
Accreditation criteria
Set of requirements used by an accrediting body that a laboratory must meet in order to be accredited.
Accuracy (of a measurement)
Accuracy is a qualitative indication of how closely the result of a measurement agrees with the true value of the parameter being measured.
Accuracy (of a measuring instrument)
Accuracy is a qualitative indication of the ability of a measuring instrument to give responses close to the true value of the parameter being measured.
Adjustment (of a measuring instrument)
The operation of bringing a measuring instrument into a state of performance suitable for its use.
Application
Software installed on a defined platform/hardware providing specific functionality.
As Found Data
The reading of the instrument before it is adjusted.
As Left Data
The reading of the instrument after adjustment or "same as found" if no adjustment was made.
Assessment
Examination typically performed on-site of a testing or calibration laboratory to evaluate its conformance to conditions and criteria for accreditation.
Autoclave
Sterilization chamber maintaining controlled pressure and temperature for sample safety.
Balance
Precision instrument ensuring accurate mass and weight measurements.
Barometer
Measures atmospheric pressure for weather forecasting or altitude readings.
Bespoke/Customized computerised system
A computerised system individually designed to suit a specific business process.
Best measurement capability
The best measurement capability for a particular quantity is the smallest uncertainty of measurement a laboratory can achieve within its scope of accreditation.
Bias
Bias is the known systematic error of a measuring instrument.
Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC)
is a ventilated enclosure that protects users, the environment, and sensitive materials from biohazards by using HEPA-filtered air.
Blood Pressure Machine
Measures systolic and diastolic pressure for reliable health monitoring.
Blood Pressure Monitor
Is a medical device that measures blood pressure, which is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries.
Calibrator
Instrument used to verify accuracy of other measuring devices.
BSL Hood Type 1 & 2
Laboratory hood ensures proper airflow and containment for safety.
Calibration
A set of operations that establish, under specified conditions, the relationship between the values of quantities indicated by measuring instrument or measuring system and the corresponding values realized by standards.
Calibration
It is the process of verifying the capability and performance of an item of measuring and test equipment by comparison to traceable measurement standards.
Calibration activity or provider
A laboratory or facility - including personnel - that perform calibrations in an established location or at customer location(s).
Calibration certificate
A calibration certificate is generally a document that states that a specific item was calibrated by an organization.
Calibration curve
A calibration curve is a graphical illustration that represents the relationship between a known, accurate input and the measured output of an instrument, thereby visually depicting calibration results. Calibration curves are typically constructed by measuring a known value of a process variable, then plotting the measured value against the true value. The resultant curve can.
Calibration procedure
A calibration procedure is a controlled document that provides a validated method for evaluating and verifying the essential performance characteristics, specifications, or tolerances for a model of measuring or testing equipment.
Calibration program
A calibration program is a process of the quality management system that includes management of the use and control of calibrated inspection, and test and measuring equipment (IM&TE), and the process of calibrating IM&TE used to determine conformance to requirements or used in supporting activities.
Calibration report
A calibration report is a document that provides details of the calibration of an item.
Calibration seal
A calibration seal is a device, placard, or label that, when removed or tampered with, and by virtue of its design and material, clearly indicates tampering.
Calibration standard
A calibration standard is an IM&TE item, artifact, standard reference material, or measurement transfer standard that is designated as being used only to perform calibrations of other IM&TE items.
Caliper
Measures internal, external, and depth dimensions with precision.
Calorimiter
Measures heat transfer in chemical or physical processes.
Centrifuge
Separates samples by rotational force with consistent performance.
Centrifuge (small)
Separates samples by rotational force with consistent performance.
Clamp Meter
Measures current, voltage, and resistance without disconnecting circuits.
Combined standard uncertainty
The standard uncertainty of the result of a measurement, when that result is obtained from the values of a number of other quantities.
Commercial of the shelf software
Software commercially available, whose fitness for use is demonstrated by a broad spectrum of users.
Competence
For a laboratory, the demonstrated ability to perform the tests or calibrations within the accreditation scope and to meet other criteria established by the accreditation body.
Confidence interval
A range of values that is expected to contain the true value of the parameter being evaluated with a specified level of confidence.
Conductivity Meter
Measures solution conductivity for quality control and compliance.
Correction (of error)
A correction is the value that is added to the raw result of a measurement to compensate for known or estimated systematic error or bias.
Corrective action
Corrective action is something done to correct a nonconformance when it arises, including actions taken to prevent reoccurrence of the non-conformance.
Coverage factor
A numerical factor used as a multiplier of the combined standard uncertainty in order to obtain an expanded uncertainty.
Data Logger
A compact, self-contained electronic device that automatically measures and records data from sensors over time
Digital Calipers
Electronic precision instruments used for measuring the external, internal, and depth dimensions of an object
Dead Air Box
Is a specific type of PCR workstation designed to provide a still, circulation-free environment for PCR applications.
Deficiency
Nonfulfillment of conditions and/or criteria for accreditation, sometimes referred to as a nonconformance.
Departure value
A term used by a few calibration laboratories to refer to bias, error or systematic error.
Digital Indicator
Displays precise displacement or dimensional measurements.
Digital Level
Measures angles or slopes accurately in construction or engineering.
Digital Protractor
Measures angles precisely for engineering or fabrication tasks.
Diluter
Dispenses exact liquid volumes for laboratory or industrial use.
Dry Oven
Maintains controlled temperatures for drying or curing samples.
Durometer
Measures material hardness accurately.
EKG (safety test only)
Verifies electrical safety compliance of electrocardiogram devices.
Electrical
Is an instrument whose accuracy is being verified, while it is compared against a more accurate reference standard to check for drift, damage, or other issues.
Electrical Relays
Tests switching performance and timing of circuits.
Electronic Insulation Tester
Measures insulation resistance for safety and compliance.
Electronic Indicator
Displays precise readings from connected instruments.
Equivalence
Acceptance of the competence of other national metrology institutes (NMI), accreditation bodies, and/or accredited organizations in other countries as being essentially equal to the NMI, accreditation body, and/or accredited organizations within the host country.
Error (of measurement)
In metrology, error (or measurement error) is an estimate of the difference between the measured value and the probable true value of the object of the measurement.
Factory Calibration
The tuning or altering of a control device by the manufacture to bring it into specification.
Flow Meter
Measures fluid or gas flow rates accurately.
Freezer/Refrigerator:
Maintains stable temperatures for sample storage.
Fume hood
Is a system that undergoes performance testing to ensure it is working correctly and safely by measuring and verifying airflow and containment.
Gage Block
Precision block for dimensional verification.
Gage R&R
Gage repeatability and reproducibility study.
Gas Analyzer
Measures gas composition and concentration accurately.
Gas Meter
Monitors gas flow or consumption reliably.
Gauge Calibration
Verified instrument for accurate reading of pressure, temperature, or other measures.
GUM
An acronym commonly used to identify the ISO Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement.
Homogenizer
Ensures consistent particle size reduction or blending.
Hot Plate
Provides precise temperature control for heating samples.
Hysteresis
Hysteresis is a common phenomenon in calibration, which occurs when the output of a measuring instrument or system depends not only on the current input value, but also on its past history. This means that the output value can be different depending on whether the input value is increasing or decreasing, and can exhibit a.
Hygrometer
Measures humidity levels reliably.
Ice Maker
Produces ice at controlled temperature and rate.
IM&TE
The acronym IM&TE refers to inspection, measuring, and test equipment.
Incubator
Maintains precise temperature and humidity for sample growth.
Inspection by Attributes
This is inspection whereby either the unit of product is classified as conforming or nonconforming, or the number of nonconformities in the product is counted, with respect to a given requirement or set of requirements.
Inter-laboratory comparison
Organization, performance, and evaluation of tests or calibrations on the same or similar items or materials by two or more laboratories in accordance with predetermined conditions.
Internal audit
A systematic and documented process for obtaining audit evidence and evaluating it objectively to verify that a laboratory's operations comply with the requirements of its quality system.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
An international nongovernmental organization chartered by the United Nations in 1947, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
International System of Units (SI)
A defined and coherent system of units adopted and used by international treaties.
ISO
International Organization for Standardization.
IT Infrastructure
The hardware and software such as networking software and operation systems, which makes it possible for the application to function.
Level of confidence
Defines an interval about the measurement result that encompasses a large fraction p of the probability distribution characterized by that result and its combined standard uncertainty, and p is the coverage probability or level of confidence of the interval.
Life cycle
All phases in the life of the system from initial requirements until retirement including design, specification, programming, testing, installation, operation, and maintenance.
Limited Calibration
Sometimes certain functions of an instrument may not be needed by the user. It may be more cost effective to have a limited calibration performed. (This can even include a reduced accuracy calibration.)
Loop
Is a group of connected instruments, like a sensor, transmitter, and controller, that together perform a single measurement or control action.
Low Ohm Meter
Measures very low electrical resistance precisely.
LCR Meter
Measures inductance, capacitance, and resistance.
Luminance Meter
Measures light intensity or brightness accurately.
Machine Condition adviser
Monitors and assesses machinery performance and health.
Magnetic Stirrer
Provides consistent stirring speed and operation.
Management review
The planned, formal, periodic, and scheduled examination of the status and adequacy of the quality management system in relation to its quality policy and objectives by the organization's top management.
Manometer
Measures gas or liquid pressure accurately.
Mapping Type 1
Validates temperature uniformity within refrigeration units.
Mapping Type 2
Meghommeter
Measures electrical insulation resistance to ensure equipment safety and performance.
Measurement
A set of operations performed for the purpose of determining the value of a quantity.
Measurement Standards
A material measure, measuring instrument, reference material, or system intended to define, conserve, or reproduce a unit or one or more values of a quantity in order to transmit them to other measuring instruments by comparison.
Measurement system
A measurement system is the set of equipment, conditions, people, methods, and other quantifiable factors that combine to determine the success of a measurement process.
Measurement Uncertainty
The estimated amount by which the measured quantity may depart from the true value.
Metrology
Metrology is the science and practice of measurement.
Micrometer
Precision tool for measuring small dimensions with high accuracy.
Microscope
Optical instrument for magnifying and inspecting fine details of samples.
Mixer/Shaker
Equipment for thorough mixing or agitation of liquids or samples.
Mobile operations
Operations that are independent of an established calibration laboratory facility. Mobile operations may include work from an office space, home, vehicle, or the use of a virtual office.
Multi CH Pipette Calibration:
Multi-channel pipette for accurate, repeatable liquid measurement and transfer.
Multimeter
Measures voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits.
Nano Drop Spectrometer
Quantifies nucleic acids or proteins using small sample volumes.
National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST)
An independent agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce charged with the improvement and maintenance of standards.
Natural (physical) constant
A natural constant is a fundamental value that is accepted by the scientific community as valid.
NCSL international
Formerly known as the National Conference of Standards Laboratories (NCSL). NCSL was formed in 1961 to "promote cooperative efforts for solving the common problems faced by measurement laboratories.
Offset
Offset is the difference between a nominal value (for an artifact) or a target value (for a process) and the actual measured value.
On-site operations
Operations that are based in or directly supported by an established calibration laboratory facility, but actually perform the calibration actions at customer locations.
Optimization
Adjusting a measuring instrument to make it more accurate is NOT part of a "typical" calibration and is frequently referred to as "optimizing" or "nominalizing" an instrument. (This is a common misconception) Only reputable and experienced calibration providers should be trusted to make adjustments on critical test equipment.
Orifice Blocks (Small)
Precision flow or pressure reference for testing fluid systems.
Oscilloscope
Visualizes and analyzes electronic signal waveforms in circuits.
Out of Tolerance (OOT) Condition
If results are outside of the instrument's performance specifications it is considered an Out of Tolerance (OOT) condition and will result in the need to adjust the instrument back into specification.
Oxciliometer
Measures oxygen concentration in liquids or gases.
Oxcimiter
Likely measures oxygen saturation; verifies oxygen monitoring systems.
PCR Machine
Amplifies DNA segments for molecular biology testing.
Performance Test
A performance test (or performance verification) is the activity of verifying the performance of an item of measuring and test equipment to provide assurance that the instrument is capable of making correct measurements when it is properly used.
pH Meter
Measures acidity or alkalinity of liquids.
Pipette
laboratory tool used to transport a measured volume of liquid, with accuracy and precision varying based on the design.
Plate Reader
Detects optical signals from microplates for assays and experiments.
PM safety test
Checks safety compliance and performance of electrical devices.
Policy
A policy defines and sets out the basic objectives, goals, vision, or general management position on a specific topic.
Precision
Precision is a property of a measuring system or instrument. Precision is a measure of the repeatability of a measuring system - how much agreement there is within a group of repeated measurements of the same quantity under the same conditions.
Pressure Gauge
Is an instrument whose accuracy is being verified, while it is compared against a more accurate reference standard to check for drift, damage, or other issues.
Preventive action
Preventive action is something done to prevent the possible future occurrence of a nonconformance, even though such an event has not yet happened.
PR Liquid Standard
Reference solution used to verify measurement instruments.
Procedure
A procedure describes a specific process for implementing all or a portion of a policy.
Process Owner
The person responsible for the business process.
Proficiency testing
Determination of laboratory testing performance by means of interlaboratory comparisons.
Probe
Sensor for measuring physical or chemical properties.
Process Meter
Monitors and measures process variables like pressure, temperature, or flow.
Pump
Device for moving liquids or gases through systems.
Quality
The totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bears on its ability to satisfy given needs.
Quality Audit
A systematic and independent examination to determine whether quality activities and related results comply with planned arrangements and whether these arrangements are implemented effectively and are suitable to achieve objectives.
Quality Control
The operational techniques and the activities that sustain a quality of product or service that will satisfy given needs; also, the use of such techniques and activities.
Quality manual
The quality manual is the document that describes the quality management policy of an organization with respect to a specified conformance standard.
Quality System
Organizational structure procedures, processes and resources needed to implement quality management.
Random error
Random error is the result of a single measurement of a value, minus the mean of a large number of measurements of the same value.
Refractometer
Measures the refractive index to assess liquid concentration.
Repair
Repair is the process of returning an unserviceable or nonconforming item to serviceable condition.
Repair (minor)
Minor repair is the process of quickly and economically returning an unserviceable item to serviceable condition by doing simple work using parts that are in stock in the calibration lab.
Repeater
Extends signal transmission in electrical or communication systems.
Reported value
One or more numerical results of a calibration process, with the associated measurement uncertainty, as recorded on a calibration report or certificate.
Ruler
Simple tool for measuring length or distance.
Safety Cabinet
Protects samples and users from hazardous materials.
Scale
Measures weight or mass of objects accurately.
Scales Commercial (Industrial)
Use this price for commercial scales on request (Food , industry table top and large).
Scope Meter
Measures voltage, current, and signal characteristics in electrical circuits.
Scope of accreditation
For an accredited calibration or testing laboratory, the scope is a documented list of calibration or testing fields, parameters, specific measurements, or calibrations and their best measurement, uncertainty.
Self-calibration
Self-calibration is a process performed by a user for the purpose of making an IM&TE instrument or system ready for use.
Setting Ring
Precision ring used for verifying or adjusting instrument dimensions.
Single CH Pipette Calibration:
Calibrates single-channel pipettes for accurate liquid measurement.
Sound Calibration
Equipment or procedure for verifying audio measurement accuracy.
Specification
In metrology, a specification is a documented statement of the expected performance capabilities of a large group of substantially identical measuring instruments, given in terms of the relevant parameters and including the accuracy or uncertainty.
Standard (document)
A standard (industry, national, government, or international standard; a norme) is a document that describes the processes and methods that must be performed in order to achieve a specific technical or management objective, or the methods for evaluation of any of these.
Standard (measurement)
A standard (measurement standard, laboratory standard, calibration standard, reference standard; an étalon) is a system, instrument, artifact, device, or material that is used as a defined basis for making quantitative measurements.
Standard operating procedure (SOP)
A term used by some organizations to identify policies, procedures, or work instructions.
Standard reference material
A standard reference material (SRM) as defined by NIST "is a material or artifact that has had one or more of its property values certified by a technically valid procedure, and is accompanied by, or traceable to, a certificate or other documentation which is issued by NIST.
Standard uncertainty
The uncertainty of the result of a measurement, expressed as a standard deviation. (GUM, 2.3.1).
Stipettor Ultra
Precision pipette or liquid handler for accurate small-volume transfer.
Stirrer
Mixes liquids or solutions consistently in lab applications.
Surface Resistant Meter
Measures electrical resistance of surfaces to prevent static buildup.
System owner
The person responsible for the availability, and maintenance of a computerised system and for the security of the data residing on that system.
Systematic error
A systematic error is the mean of a large number of measurements of the same value minus the (probable) true value of the measured parameter.
Techometer
Measures rotational speed or mechanical performance of equipment.
Temperature
Is a critical variable that must be controlled to ensure accuracy, as it affects the physical dimensions of equipment and the performance of electronic instruments.
Temperature Data Logger
Temperature Sensor
Monitors and records temperature in various processes or systems.
Test accuracy ratio (TAR)
In a calibration procedure, the test accuracy ratio (TAR) is the ratio of the accuracy tolerance of the unit under calibration to the accuracy tolerance of the calibration standard used.
Test Uncertainty Ratio (TUR)
The ratio of the accuracy of the instrument under test compared to the estimated calibration uncertainty.
Test uncertainty ratio (TUR)
In a calibration procedure, the test uncertainty ratio (TUR) is the ratio of the accuracy tolerance of the unit under calibration to the uncertainty of the calibration standard used.
Thermal Cycler Calibration:
Equipment for precise temperature cycling in PCR experiments.
Thermometer
Measures temperature accurately in liquids, air, or surfaces.
Thermomixer
Combines precise heating with shaking for sample processing.
Timer
Tracks elapsed time for lab experiments or procedures.
Tolerance
A tolerance is a design feature that defines limits within which a quality characteristic is supposed to be on individual parts; it represents the maximum allowable deviation from a specified value.
Torque Tester
Measures twisting force applied to fasteners or equipment.
Traceability :
Ability to trace the history, application, or location of an entity by means of recorded identification.
Traceable, traceability
Traceability is a property of the result of a measurement, providing the ability to relate the measurement result to stated references, through an unbroken chain of comparisons each having stated uncertainties.
Transfer measurement
A transfer measurement is a type of method that enables making a measurement to a higher level of resolution than normally possible with the available equipment.
Transfer standard
A transfer standard is a measurement standard used as an intermediate device when comparing two other standards.
Type A evaluation (of uncertainty)
Type A evaluation of measurement uncertainty is the statistical analysis of actual measurement results to produce uncertainty values.
Type B evaluation (of uncertainty)
Type B evaluation of measurement uncertainty includes any method except statistical analysis of actual measurement results.
Uncertainty
Uncertainty is a property of a measurement result that defines the range of probable values of the measurand.
Uncertainty budget
The systematic description of known uncertainties relevant to specific measurements or types of measurements, categorized by type of measurement, range of measurement, and/or other applicable measurement criteria.
UUC, UUT
The unit under calibration or the unit under test - the instrument being calibrated.
Validation
Substantiation by examination and provision of objective evidence that verified processes, methods, and/or procedures are fit for their intended use.
Verification
Confirmation by examination and provision of objective evidence that specified requirements have been fulfilled.
VIM
An acronym commonly used to identify the ISO International Vocabulary of Basic and General Terms in Metrology.
Voltmeter
Vortexer
Rapidly mixes small liquid samples in tubes or vials.
Water Bath
Maintains samples at controlled temperatures in liquid immersion.
Weights (Individual weights)
Welch Allyn Blood Pressure Machine
Measures systolic and diastolic blood pressure for health monitoring and diagnostics.
Without Data
Most calibration labs charge more to provide the certificate with data and will offer a "no-data" option. In any case "as-found," data must be provided for any OOT condition.
Work Instruction
In a quality management system, a work instruction defines the detailed steps necessary to carry out a procedure. Work instructions are used only where they are needed to ensure the quality of the product or service.