What is calibration and why is it important?

Few people realise the importance of accurate equipment checks. In fact, they play a critical role in the traceability, validity and confidence of equipment used in many industries. This includes manufacturing, healthcare and environmental monitoring to name a few.

The importance of accurate measurements cannot be understated. Regular checks help organisations accurately measure performance, support informed decisions and improve cost efficiency. They also help avoid mistakes that could affect product quality, cause financial losses or create safety risks.

Fundamentally, without regular checks, people can call the integrity of measurements into question. If measurement results matter, equipment accuracy matters.

What is calibration?

The goal is to minimise measurement uncertainty by ensuring the true accuracy of your equipment. It quantifies and controls measurement error within measurement processes to an acceptable level, supporting precise measurements and reliable measurement data.

The process involves evaluating and adjusting the device. This ensures readings comply with international standards and the relevant quality standard. In practice, it also includes any repairs or corrective actions if the device is no longer performing within specification.

This is different to verification, which only checks whether an instrument meets predefined specifications without adjusting. It is important to note that the healthcare provider must ensure the equipment is calibrated. This is not the responsibility of the service provider or manufacturer.

Why is calibration important?

Keeping measurement equipment accurate is vital in any situation that requires reliable results. It enables users to have confidence in the results that they monitor, record and subsequently control.

From a technical perspective, it ensures that measurements are accurate and reliable. Inaccurate measurements can lead to faulty products, equipment failures, misdiagnosis and even safety hazards.

For example, in a legal setting, a court may not accept a completed audiogram as true or accurate if the device has not been checked and adjusted correctly. From a business perspective, maintaining equipment accuracy supports quality control, customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance. It also helps ensure that products meet quality standards and are safe for consumers.

Additionally, regulatory bodies, such as the FDA and EPA, require regular accuracy checks for compliance with regulations. For example, an improperly adjusted blood pressure monitor could lead to incorrect readings, which may result in a misdiagnosis or improper treatment.

Which system of measurement do we use?

The International System of Units (SI) is a globally agreed system of measurement based on defined base units. It’s designed to ensure that everyday measurements remain comparable and consistent worldwide.

Standardising these measurements helps them to remain consistent, accurate and traceable to a recognised reference standard. It also helps society have confidence in its data.

For instance, mass is measured every day. Having a clear definition of the kilogram helps consumers trust that the weight of a product is accurate.

Equally, having reliable information on climate change, pollution, and medical diagnostics is important. It helps build trust and allows for better decisions.

For medical devices, it provides a basis for accurate and consistent measurements during testing and servicing. It also supports quality assurance across service processes.

How often should equipment be calibrated?

The frequency of equipment checks depends on the type of device, the manufacturer’s recommendations, environmental conditions and industry regulations. Some devices or instruments require daily checks, while others may only need formal servicing once a year.

Medical equipment should be calibrated according to manufacturer guidelines and legal requirements. This varies by country, but you must always do it when:

• The user instructions state it’s time for a check or service - usually once or twice a year
• When using a pre-owned instrument from a company that doesn’t specialise in accuracy checks or servicing
• A specific amount of usage hours have elapsed (refer to instructions for specifics)
• An instrument vibrated or sustained damage (especially important for portable devices)
• The observations raise questions or surprises, indicating possible damage to the equipment

It’s important to note that a headset and audiometer are a matched pair. If a new headset were to be used with the audiometer, it would need to be re-calibrated.

What are the benefits or regular calibration?

Completing regular medical equipment calibration checks offers several benefits:

• Complete confidence in the efficacy of your equipment
• Measurement repeatability and standardisation
• Regulatory compliance
  
  

Certificate of calibration

Hearing test specialists must have a valid certificate to confirm the equipment has been checked and adjusted correctly. This helps demonstrate the accuracy, reliability and compliance of the instrument used.

It also checks that the equipment meets industry standards, supports regulatory requirements and helps prevent measurement errors. These errors could cause financial loss, safety risks, or legal problems.

Certification also provides traceability to recognised standards, builds trust with clients, and identifies maintenance needs for instruments. Essentially, it ensures quality, compliance, and consistency across processes and industries.

Equipment calibration services

Customer support is at the heart of Amplivox’s commitment to excellence. Our comprehensive after-sales service includes annual servicing, preventative maintenance and repair support, helping to ensure your equipment continues to perform reliably and accurately.

This service is provided by our global distribution network, providing dependable service and assistance wherever it is required.

For more information, please visit our service webpage. Or contact our customer support team on +44 (0)1698 208216 or email.