Findings from an instrument calibration survey

Abstract

An instrument calibration survey was introduced as a section of the assurance programme conducted by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia. This survey was designed to test wavelength calibration, linearity and sensitivity and was divided into 3 sections, posted at weekly intervals. The findings from the participating laboratories indicated : (a) that the wavelength calibration, linearity and sensitivity of most of the instruments were satisfactory (b) the value of regular calibration checks on narrow band instruments (c) the limitations of filter and round cuvette instruments (d) the misleading results which may be obtained if the coefficient of extinction obtained on a narrow band instrument is applied to instruments with wide band width. This also draws attention to the limitation of calibration charts supplied with some kit methods. An instrument calibration survey was introduced as a section of the assurance programme conducted by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia. This survey was designed to test wavelength calibration, linearity and sensitivity and was divided into 3 sections, posted at weekly intervals. The findings from the participating laboratories indicated : (a) that the wavelength calibration, linearity and sensitivity of most of the instruments were satisfactory (b) the value of regular calibration checks on narrow band instruments (c) the limitations of filter and round cuvette instruments (d) the misleading results which may be obtained if the coefficient of extinction obtained on a narrow band instrument is applied to instruments with wide band width. This also draws attention to the limitation of calibration charts supplied with some kit methods.