When performing comparative calibration, what is essential?

When performing comparative calibration, what is essential?

• A. Using a less accurate instrument as reference
• B. Comparing with another standardized instrument
• C. Ignoring any control conditions
• D. Calibration based only on historical data

Answer: (B)

When performing comparative calibration, it is essential to compare the instrument being calibrated with another standardized instrument. This approach ensures that the results are reliable and can be traced to a known standard, which is fundamental in the calibration process. The use of a standardized instrument provides a benchmark against which the performance of the instrument being tested can be measured. By using a reference instrument that has been calibrated and is recognized for its accuracy, technicians can identify any discrepancies in measurements and make necessary adjustments. This process enhances the integrity of the calibration, leading to improved performance in the field. In contrast, using a less accurate instrument as a reference would not provide the precision needed for effective calibration, as it might introduce errors rather than eliminate them. Ignoring control conditions could lead to undefined variables affecting the accuracy of the calibration. Lastly, relying solely on historical data does not account for potential changes in instrument behavior over time or variations in measurement conditions, making it less reliable than comparative calibration with a standardized instrument.

When performing comparative calibration, it is essential to compare the instrument being calibrated with another standardized instrument. This approach ensures that the results are reliable and can be traced to a known standard, which is fundamental in the calibration process. The use of a standardized instrument provides a benchmark against which the performance of the instrument being tested can be measured.

By using a reference instrument that has been calibrated and is recognized for its accuracy, technicians can identify any discrepancies in measurements and make necessary adjustments. This process enhances the integrity of the calibration, leading to improved performance in the field.

In contrast, using a less accurate instrument as a reference would not provide the precision needed for effective calibration, as it might introduce errors rather than eliminate them. Ignoring control conditions could lead to undefined variables affecting the accuracy of the calibration. Lastly, relying solely on historical data does not account for potential changes in instrument behavior over time or variations in measurement conditions, making it less reliable than comparative calibration with a standardized instrument.