Comparative calibration involves which of the following methods?

Comparative calibration involves which of the following methods?

• A. Calibration based solely on previous data
• B. Calibration by comparing an instrument to a standardized instrument
• C. Calibration that ignores external factors
• D. Calibration without any reference standards

Answer: (B)

Comparative calibration is fundamentally about ensuring the accuracy of one instrument by measuring it against a standardized instrument. This method relies on the principle that the standardized instrument has already been validated for accuracy and precision, creating a reliable benchmark. During comparative calibration, the readings from the instrument in question are directly compared to those of the standard. This allows for adjustments to be made based on the discrepancies found between the two, ensuring the instrument being calibrated meets required specifications. The other methods described do not align with the essence of comparative calibration. For instance, calibrating solely based on previous data does not involve direct measurement against a standard, which could lead to inaccuracies if the previous data is flawed. Similarly, ignoring external factors and calibrating without reference standards can compromise the reliability and accuracy of the calibration process, as these practices do not adhere to the systematic approach inherently required in comparative calibration.

Comparative calibration is fundamentally about ensuring the accuracy of one instrument by measuring it against a standardized instrument. This method relies on the principle that the standardized instrument has already been validated for accuracy and precision, creating a reliable benchmark. During comparative calibration, the readings from the instrument in question are directly compared to those of the standard. This allows for adjustments to be made based on the discrepancies found between the two, ensuring the instrument being calibrated meets required specifications.

The other methods described do not align with the essence of comparative calibration. For instance, calibrating solely based on previous data does not involve direct measurement against a standard, which could lead to inaccuracies if the previous data is flawed. Similarly, ignoring external factors and calibrating without reference standards can compromise the reliability and accuracy of the calibration process, as these practices do not adhere to the systematic approach inherently required in comparative calibration.