Frequency of External Calibration of Analytical Balance and Incubator
Hi,
May I know is there any specified intervals for external calibration (analytical balance & incubator) ?
Can I do it every 2 years because I use it only 2 / 3 times per month and we do internal calibration every month.
thanks in advance!
Hi Fara,
Normally external calibration is carried out at a frequency based on a risk.
If the equipment/instrument is carrying out critical checks, such as for food safety, monitoring Critical Control Points or for product legality such as quantity/weight checks then an annual calibration may be required at a minimum.
You need to also consider your level of checks/monitoring, historical reliability and any manufacturer’s recommendations.
In your case, every 2 years may be acceptable if for example you check the balance with calibrated weights and the incubator temperature with a calibrated NPL thermometer and the calibration certificate you have doesn't have an expiry date.
Kind regards,
Tony
Hi Fara,
Normally external calibration is carried out at a frequency based on a risk.
If the equipment/instrument is carrying out critical checks, such as for food safety, monitoring Critical Control Points or for product legality such as quantity/weight checks then an annual calibration may be required at a minimum.
You need to also consider your level of checks/monitoring, historical reliability and any manufacturer’s recommendations.
In your case, every 2 years may be acceptable if for example you check the balance with calibrated weights and the incubator temperature with a calibrated NPL thermometer and the calibration certificate you have doesn't have an expiry date.
Kind regards,
Tony
So it is acceptable if I use mercury thermometer(calibrated by 3rd party) and calibrate the laboratory incubator by myself?
and I don't need to send my incubator to 3rd party for calibration right?
So it is acceptable if I use mercury thermometer(calibrated by 3rd party) and calibrate the laboratory incubator by myself?
and I don't need to send my incubator to 3rd party for calibration right?
You will presumably also require an appropriate Procedure for calibrating the Incubator (eg temperature variations) and a thermometer externally calibrated at appropriate temperatures.
Why use a mercury thermometer ? ( I daresay cheaper but I would have thought thermocouple more rapid responses and can be miniaturised/automated ).
You will presumably also require an appropriate Procedure for calibrating the Incubator (eg temperature variations) and a thermometer externally calibrated at appropriate temperatures.
Why use a mercury thermometer ? ( I daresay cheaper but I would have thought thermocouple more rapid responses and can be miniaturised/automated ).
Mercury thermometer act as master when i calibrate the other thermometer.
Mercury thermometer act as master when i calibrate the other thermometer.
Thanks, that makes sense.
Note that if incubator running at say nominally 36degC, you may require the master/sub-master to have a specific calibration at that value. (The subsequent practical usage depends on how the external calibrator quantitates/presents their results).