The meaning of the term “calibration” and its purpose is straightforward: Calibration is the comparison of obtained measurement results with a standard reference value. In the case of density calibrations, the standard reference value is, for instance, given by the certificate of liquid density standards and indicates whether the instrument results are accurate. To check the accuracy of your instrument, we recommend regular calibrations. Familiarize yourself with the suitable reference material for calibration of your analytical instrument.
ISO 17025 Calibration
What is calibration?
What is ISO 17025 calibration?
Proof of accuracy to authorities and business partners around the world requires calibration by an accredited ISO 17025 calibration laboratory. The calibration certificate proves the accuracy and traceability of the instrument.
When is a calibration traceable?
An ISO 17025 calibration guarantees the traceability of your equipment to the International System of Units (SI). This traceability is the only way to be sure that your measurement results are globally comparable and true. A calibration is traceable when the performed measurement is directly linked to the respective national standard by a consistent measurement chain. Traceable calibrations mean international comparability of results obtained with a calibrated instrument.
This can be illustrated with an example from international trade: The prerequisite of international comparability is traceability to national standards. A pharmaceutical company, for example, can be sure that the composition of an infusion solution, such as a binary salt solution, is identical in every single production site worldwide if the company’s calibrated density meters give identical results.
ISO 17025 calibrations are performed by officially accredited labs. Certificates can be acquired for newly ordered instruments but also for instruments already in place, at any time.
What is ISO 17025?
The ISO standard ISO/IEC 17025[1] “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories” is the international reference for laboratories carrying out calibration and testing activities around the world.[2] Calibration laboratories have to be accredited by independent accreditation bodies. Visit the website of an accreditation body of interest (e.g., A2LA, DAkkS, Akkreditierung Austria) to learn more about the measurement capabilities of a specific laboratory or to compare different scopes of accreditation. This information is available to the public.