Equipment maintenance and calibration standards

Abstract

Effective maintenance and calibration of laboratory and field equipment are fundamental for ensuring the reliability and validity of testing procedures. This chapter aims to provide some guiding principles central to the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Laboratory Accreditation process that can be employed as good practice for the calibration and maintenance of laboratory or field-testing equipment in the domain of sport and exercise science. Validity and reliability of a testing procedure are influenced by factors other than equipment functionality, such as user competence and biological variation. The function of diagnostic equipment within the sport and exercise community is to measure the value of a specific sample or parameter based upon a pre-determined method of measurement. Good preventative maintenance will reduce malfunctions, promote early problem identification and maintain the validity and reliability of equipment and results. Comprehensive operating procedures, risk assessments and user training are essential in preventing avoidable damage to equipment.