Calibration is a fundamental part of making measurements and its effect on the quality of measurement data is significant. Thus, sufficient attention must be given to calibration when it is established for a measurement method so that the data produced will be acceptable. The use of an inappropriate calibration standard, inadequate instructions for calibration, and poor documentation of the calibration process are examples of circumstances that can adversely affect the validity of a calibration. Thus, the calibration process must conform to criteria established to ensure the validity of calibration results. Such criteria are given in Guide C1009, in which calibration is identified as a component of laboratory quality assurance (see Fig. 1). This guide expands upon those criteria to provide more comprehensive guidance for establishing calibration.

The manner of calibration and other technical requirements for calibrating a measurement method are usually established when a method is first introduced into a laboratory, which may be through validation and qualification as defined by Guide C1068 (see Fig. 1). However, calibration involves more than the technical aspects of the calibration process. The other dimension of the process is the operational requirements that are necessary to ensure that calibration results are valid and that they are documented and verifiable should their integrity be questioned. The provisions of this guide provide those operational requirements and should be considered whenever calibration is planned and established.