A way to prevent an overdue instrument is to extend the calibration interval or due date.  However, when looking into the calibration of instruments there are many considerations that must be made aside from just cost-effective solutions.  While you can extend calibration intervals, it needs to be done within the parameters of instruments maintaining accuracy.

What are Calibration Intervals?

A calibration interval is a time determined for an instrument to be sent for recalibration.  There is always the need for instruments to receive calibration.  This is due to wear on the mechanics, electrical components, and drift that can naturally happen to equipment over time.  The instruments will perform differently over time and not be accurate.

The instrument owner is responsible for regulating calibration intervals for their instruments.  The reason is that only you know the usage of your instruments and under what conditions.

Calibration Frequency

The calibration frequency needs to be determined in order to save costs, meet requirements, recalibration, and in compliance with ISO 17025 standards.

How to Decide on the Calibration Interval

In order to decide upon what the calibration interval should be for each instrument, it will require understanding the key determining factors.

Initial calibration interval is based on manufacturer recommendations, frequency of use, industry-standard recommendations, environment it is used in.  The recommendations for the manufacturer will give a starting reference point.

The amount of use an instrument gets plays a large role in whether or not calibration intervals can be extended.

While the initial calibration interval is a good starting point, it is not always the final answer for your specific needs. The best way to determine is to analyze the calibration reports from the past few years.   Specifically, look at the stability also known as the drift. It will give you a baseline for whether to increase or decrease the calibration interval.

Other Factors to Take into Consideration

Some instruments do not have a calibration due date.  This is because they are instruments that require calibration before every use.

They do not base some calibration intervals on dates, but rather on the times of use.  An example would be for every 400 times we use the instrument it will need calibration.

The real answer to whether or not you can extend a calibration interval is that it varies from company to company and instrument to instrument.  You need to have a procedure set so that your instruments are getting the proper care and doing their jobs correctly.

Proper Instrument Calibration is Critical

The calibration intervals are important to maintaining instruments and quality control in a lab.  It is important that you maintain all equipment to prevent any misreading and slow down operations.

SRP control systems understand instrument calibration and have been helping companies for over 40 years.  They have a wide range of services depending on what your calibration needs are.  They will maintain the instrument’s integrity while getting the work in a quick manner to keep your business running smoothly.