To be an expert in instrument calibration in San Francisco, you need to understand some terms. This article looks at some essential terminologies in calibration, helping you read and understand calibration while improving your trade. Let’s get into it.
Important terms in Instrument Calibration Here are the most important terms used in calibration. Accuracy It is the degree to which a measurement conforms to a standard value. It is traceable to national or international standards, with room for nonlinearities and uncertainties. There are different types of accuracy, namely:
Resolution It is the slightest measurable change that a sensor can display. A high resolution indicates the slightest displayable change, hence high resolution. High-resolution sensors can display millimeters, which is more accurate. Small-resolution sensors can display whole centimeters, which is less accurate. Accreditation Accreditation is the process of independent agencies verifying the technical capability and quality system of a calibration lab. Popular accreditations include ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025. Test conditions These facts and assumptions describe the instrument, environment, and measured sample. It comprises frequency, humidity, power, temperature, and others. Conditions help experts predict the outcome of an experiment or work at hand. Repeatability Repeatability measures how close a result is relative to other measurements by the same device under the same conditions. Both short- and long-term repeatability are essential. As such, if you place a weight of 100g on a scale five times, the scale should indicate 100g each time. Traceability It is the process of tracing a measurement from the source it has been derived, for example, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States. Contrary to popular belief, the measuring equipment is not traceable. Only the measurement result is traceable to a specific standard. Full scale (FS)The full scale is the maximum deviation from zero. For example, in a range of -2 to +2, the full scale is 2. Instruments quote precision as a percentage of full scale or span. If the precision is cited as a percentage of span, the same error will be smaller than if quoted as a percentage of full scale (FS). For example, if the error is +/-1 mbar and the unit range is -1 bar to +1 bar, the error as a percentage of full scale is 0.1%, while the span is 0.05%. Capacitance Capacitance is the ability of an instrument to store electrical charge. As you’d expect, most instruments have a degree of capacitance. Capacitors take enormous energy and time to charge, reducing the time it takes a sensor to turn on or off. Limits of the permissible error It is the maximum value of error that a manufacturer, regulator, and other agencies permit for a measuring instrument. Differential pressure sensor A differential pressure sensor measures the pressure difference between two points connected on either end of the sensor. A2LAAmerican Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) is a non-profit organization accrediting calibration and testing laboratories. Calibration certificate It is a report that contains an instrument’s calibration information. It shows the quality and measurement accuracy of the said device. The certificate is based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. It contains customer details, the certificate’s identification code, and the name. Calibration frequency It is a preset time interval at which lab instruments are calibrated. Factors such as environmental conditions and instrument usage affect calibration frequency. It should be increased if:
Best straight line (BSL)It is the process of producing a straight line between different data points. Instead of joining the first to the last point, the technique uses all data points. The position of the line of best fit is calculated by minimizing the sum of squares of all the errors, expressed as a percentage of the full-scale value. Importance of calibration Improves production efficiency An efficient production process ought to be error-free, and one way to do it is to calibrate your equipment. Lack of proper calibration can cause you to produce substandard products, leading to fines or closure. On the other hand, producing more than enough can lead to wastage, reducing your profit margin. Calibrating your equipment ensures you make the right amount of products using the right ingredients or components. Enables you to stay compliant Whether you are in the food or pharmaceutical industry, there exist regulations you ought to comply with. Some of the most popular regulatory bodies include Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And to ensure you comply with their regulations, you must use equipment with proper calibration. It also improves the safety of the consumer. The FDA might check to see if a drug-producing company is using the right chemicals. EPA deals with emissions regulations; to comply; you need equipment that can accurately measure emissions. Improves safety Calibration allows you to achieve precise measurements, which are crucial in most production systems. Companies producing hypersensitive products such as batteries and phones require actual calibration equipment to protect their employees from fatal accidents. It also ensures the final products are safe for use under different conditions. Increases return on investment (ROI) Regardless of your industry, calibration can either break or build your company. For example, if you heat water to produce products, you could use billions of gallons per year. Electricity bills can skyrocket with incorrect calibration of your thermometers, leading to more losses than profits. Proper calibration will help improve production, save costs, and increase profitability. Biotechnical Services can calibrate your equipment professionally so you can increase your profit margins. Improve customer satisfaction If your production is inconsistent, your San Francisco customers will likely buy from your competitors. It does hurt not only your revenue but also the reputation of your company. To maintain consistency and keep customers satisfied, you need to use the same amount of ingredients and production system. And to achieve this, you need accurate equipment calibration. Minimize downtime Inaccurate calibration not only ruins products and damages equipment. And in case of equipment breakdown, you are sure to experience downtime. You should consult an instrument calibration company in San Francisco to prevent this. They can help identify problems and offer solutions. Best practices for instrument calibration in San Francisco To avoid unforeseen disruption and losses, you should observe the following instrument calibration practices. Be proactive Avoid waiting for the predetermined time to calibrate. Most companies will conduct calibration once or twice a year, which is ideal for most instruments. However, critical safety devices should be calibrated regularly may be quarterly. A perfect example is gas detectors. They play a crucial role in the safety of a plant, and should there be a slight drift in their calibration, it might lead to explosions. Random calibration outside the annual schedule can help technicians identify and correct defects, saving companies from huge losses. Monitor sensors regularly Most companies in San Francisco will set their sensors and forget to monitor them periodically. While sensors are reliable, many factors and variables can hinder their effectiveness. As such, we recommend regular monitoring to identify and correct calibration issues. Document your calibration efforts To remain compliant with regulations, you need to document any calibration efforts. With correct labeling, regulatory bodies will certify and verify your company. Consult an expert If you don’t have in-house experts, you should consider consulting instrument calibration companies in San Francisco. They check every instrument, ensuring proper calibration. Biotechnical Services offers instrument calibration in San Francisco and adjacent counties. We are an accredited company with over 20 years of experience, serving different industries such as pharmaceutical, food and beverage, aerospace, and others. Call us for professional instrument calibration in San Francisco. Original Source: https://www.biotechserv.com/important-terms-in-calibration-you-should-know-as-a-newbie/
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One of the most used services is lab equipment calibration in San Francisco. While it’s one of our most used services, we still get asked why it’s essential and if it’s something my lab will benefit from. All labs, regardless of size or industry, need calibration of their lab equipment. Here at Biotechnical Services, Inc. (BTS), our calibrations are full-service ISO 17025 A2LA Accredited and ISO 9001:2015 AMS Certified.
What is calibration? Calibration is the process of measuring an instrument to provide samples that sit within a range. The process minimizes excluding factors that cause inaccurate measurements of the fundamental design. BTS provides lab equipment calibration in San Francisco. Additionally, we offer this service in San Diego and Los Angeles. If you cannot reach one of these locations, we offer a lab depot service for those smaller labs using our environmentally controlled in-house calibration lab. Should you complete lab equipment calibration in-house or outsource? The answer to this depends on how you use your lab equipment. The process of lab equipment calibration is sensitive and takes conscious time and effort. Attempting to complete this in-house can lead to mistakes, thus leading to product failures or inaccurate formulas being created. In addition, establishing and purchasing calibration equipment on top of a labs existing cost significantly impacts the company’s budget. While you could have your employees undergo training, various pieces of large calibration equipment are used for various lab equipment. BTS has all of this taken care of for you. We understand the overall cost of both money and time to train employees to know how each calibration equipment works and how to operate them effectively. When you outsource your lab equipment calibration to us, you’ll know it’s coming back to you with accurate results. We supply you with the correct documentation you need for audits after the calibration is completed to ensure you’re within the proper guidelines. Why is it important? Calibration is essential for all labs and industries. It ensures that lab equipment is maintained and accurate. Like all equipment, lab equipment wears down over time, making the accuracy lenient and showing a result of less or more than the correct result. The use of the material is also affected by this. For example, using measuring instruments in a hazardous environment can cause them to become eroded or degraded over time. Accurate measuring overall is key to creating any product and using tools correctly. Below are some of the most important reasons you should calibrate your lab equipment frequently. Ensure you meet industry standards and compliance We service a variety of industries and with each is a set of industry standards and compliance measures. These measures are put in place to ensure safety and regulation. If measuring instruments are not calibrated correctly, it can often lead to incorrect measurements affecting these regulations. Once we’ve completed your lab equipment calibration, we will provide you with complete documentation providing proof of the tests and also provide you with documents you need in the case of a company audit. Cost When you calibrate your lab equipment frequently, you avoid making expensive mistakes. The initial investment of lab equipment alone is costly, so we understand that cost is a factor when deciding where to calibrate your lab equipment. However, choosing a lower-cost provider may leave you with inaccurate results. Some businesses will operate purely based on creating a profit margin. The less time they spend calibrating a piece of equipment, the more they can churn. In addition to this, when you’re going through the process of measuring ingredients out, everything should be accurate. If not, this can cause the need to create an entirely new batch, leaving you with a loss of usable ingredients. We have over 31 years and only use comprehensive procedures to achieve calibration stands. Having your lab equipment frequently calibrated, while it is an initial investment, will save you money in the long run. Get in touch with us to evaluate costs for lab equipment calibration in San Francisco. Safety of both those in the lab and customers We service various industries by providing lab equipment calibration to the San Francisco area. These vary from medical to food. While some industries rely more heavily on data to ensure the safety of a final product, the majority must provide the correct measurements to protect the final product and employees working in the lab. These small changes can potentially have an adverse chemical reaction, putting lab employees in harm’s way. Fix it before it breaks Wear and tear will affect all lab material and equipment over time. Occasionally what happens is small breaks occur without users even noticing. Having your lab equipment calibrated frequently allows for a routine check of the equipment, ensuring no cracks or damages have gone unnoticed. This also gives your lab equipment a chance for longevity. Routinely calibrating equipment allows you to fix any minor breaks, getting to fix the equipment before it gets to a breaking point. Some cracks in equipment are more minor than others, leaving the decision between replacing or repairing. Data Integrity As we mentioned, we work with clients in various fields, all of which need and rely on the accuracy of their lab equipment—ensuring that the number or quantity reflected on the piece of equipment is integral for accuracy. Calibration gives you and your lab peace of mind that the information being reflected is accurate. Reduce downtime of equipment Leaving your calibration of lab equipment to the last minute, or taking larger breaks in-between than you should, can lead to a lab with equipment that’s out of action or inaccurate. Having your lab equipment calibrated regularly in the San Francisco area allows for more time spent working on projects rather than sitting and waiting for equipment to be returned. How frequently should you calibrate your measuring instruments? This depends on a few variables, such as how frequently you use the equipment and what it’s used for. Depending on how the equipment is used, there can be events that affect the overall accuracy of the equipment, such as an electric shock. After an event such as an electric shock has taken place, the equipment involved should be calibrated immediately. For equipment that isn’t affected by any significant events, we recommend getting your lab equipment calibrated according to the manufacturer’s instructions or if you’re using it regularly every 3 to 6 months. A spreadsheet or document is an excellent way to keep track of when your equipment needs to be calibrated. This way, you can have equipment calibrated at regular intervals and know when the equipment is due for its next calibration. Conclusion Lab equipment calibration is integral for all labs and the use of lab equipment. It improves the equipment’s accuracy and ensures that it is in good working condition. Here at Biotechnical Services Inc., we calibrate your equipment and provide you with a full calibration report verifying the tests, ensuring you have all the correct documentation for needed audits. In addition to lab equipment calibration, we also offer thermometer calibration, lab equipment repair, validation, and much more. We offer precise and accurate lab equipment calibration, ensuring you and your lab get the correct results. If you have any questions about specialty equipment or how we can help to calibrate your lab equipment in San Francisco, get in touch. Original Source: https://www.biotechserv.com/why-calibration-is-required-for-measuring-instruments/ Most lab validation projects fail due to inefficient organizational communication. In other instances, validation experts fail to set validation schedules and protocols. Validation protocols are important in establishing standard operating procedures. When these procedures are not followed, the project will likely fail. Other times, the lab management may forget to set a clear budget for validation tasks. When these instances occur, lab managers use shortcuts due to time or costs. However, to save yourself from these hassles, you can hire the services of a licensed validation company. Biotechnical Services, Inc. is a professional company conducting lab equipment validation in San Francisco.
What is a Lab Equipment Validation? A lab equipment validation is documented evidence proving that various instruments have been tested and consistently work as expected. Equipment validations are normally conducted at specific schedules following the manufacturer’s specifications. When lab validation projects are not performed properly, there is always a risk of failure. Some of The Reasons Contributing to Validation Failure
Factors That Lead to Lab Validation Failure Lack of Communication One leading cause of lab validation failure is gaps in organizational communication. Companies that fail to communicate effectively on lab processes may not perform their validations efficiently. To avoid this scenario, conduct regular meetings with your technical staff. You can also consider writing memos and minutes to your team members on the expectations. Having constant communication will allow proper planning. In addition, you will also address pending issues that might affect your validation. Performance issues are normally discussed in the next meetings. Furthermore, ensure that all the stakeholders attend these meetings. Moreover, ensure that you formulate critical paths for your lab validation processes. Inadequate Objectives If your company lacks clear validation objectives and methodologies, the chances of project failure are high. Before starting any validation projects, ensure that your team members have a clear task aim. A concise report containing the project plan will ensure that each staff knows their specific role. It also ensures that each technician is trained on various aspects of project execution plans. Furthermore, ensure that you clear any unambiguity on different project parts. It is good to ensure you have all the system and user requirements before starting any project. A robust and well-defined plan has a clear outline indicating the scope of the tasks ahead. In addition, ensure that you prepare your testing team by training them and assigning them specific duties. Failure to plan on these aspects is the start of validation project failure. Lack of Consistent Engagement of Stakeholders For your validation project to succeed, ensure that you engage with all the stakeholders consistently. Some of these stakeholders are technicians, quality personnel, and project managers. Frequent engagement with these teams ensures that you align all the project aspects. In addition, you will eliminate the chances of human error and various changes in the scope of your project. You will also define and review your objectives and project goals during these engagements. Furthermore, your stakeholders will provide concise recommendations on the best validation practices. Absence of Risk Management The absence of sufficient and proactive measures to eliminate imminent risk is one of the reasons for project failure. Most lab managers ignore this aspect of validation protocol. When conducting pre-validation meetings, most stakeholders fail to identify the potential risk. It is important to exhaust all the risks for these analyses and how to mitigate them. Furthermore, the management must set up a supplementary budget for the potential dangers. Having all these aspects in place will enable you to act proactively instead of reactively. When you encounter a risk factor during the implementation without prior preparedness, you will likely lose control of your validation process. It is important that you plan early and publish risk management documentation. Finally, educate all your staff on the action to take in case of a risky situation. However, if your team cannot sustain these risks, ensure that you consult a third-party validation company. Biotechnical Services, In. has comprehensive risk mitigation measures for the success of your lab validation in San Francisco. Untrained Staff Conducting lab validation projects is a critical process. The process is centric and requires consistent and efficient preparation and execution. If you want to validate your project successfully, focus on specific components and elements of the project. You can treat factors such as leadership, team members, and other stakeholders separately for their particular roles. Train each entity on its specific roles and adhere to its regulations. Since the process is critical, ensure that you educate all team members on the importance of complying with the set rules. In addition, train your staff on how to follow the validation SOPs correctly. These SOPs ensure that there is no error or confusion during the execution of the project. Consider using an automated validation process to avoid risks from poorly trained staff. Lack of Real-Time Management Most of the time, the lab management fails to monitor the current status or progress of the validation process. Failure to observe these processes might lead to irreversible risks or time and cost increases. It is important to give your management a dashboard view of real-time progress during the whole process of validation. Conclusion Lab validation projects are critical processes that require proper objectives, planning, and scope definition. It is also important to conduct risk management and the acceptance criteria for such activities. Biotechnical Services, Inc. has sufficient technology and resources for various validation tasks. Contact us today for your lab equipment validation in San Francisco. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/possible-reasons-why-lab-validation-projects-fail/ Lab equipment validation is essential for the compliance of regulatory bodies and ensuring that the instruments meet the required standards. It is also important to ensure that the equipment meets the required quality for a specific lab process. When validating lab equipment, ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s specifications. The validation results must be consistent with various equipment parameters. However, guaranteeing each critical component of the equipment is suitable takes more time. When working in highly regulated sectors such as pharmacy, medical, and food industries, the validation process must follow FDA stringent measures.
Due to the complex process of lab equipment validation, lab users must devise measures to improve efficiency. When you streamline the validation process, getting faster results becomes easier. Here are Ways to Get Faster Instruments Validation Results 1. Deciding The Type of Equipment to Validate and Their Schedule The best way of getting validation results is to make a validation schedule for each instrument. It is easier to prepare for the validation of various devices using a clear program. You can achieve this by categorizing your equipment from simple instruments to more complicated ones. In addition, you can create a specific time for validating instruments in various classes. Such classes may include instruments such as analytical equipment, chambers, autoclaves, and spectrophotometers. If you want to simplify your validation process, perform the tasks at specific intervals or events. You can decide to perform lab equipment validation during installation, maintenance, or moving to a new location. Another instance of lab equipment validation is when a new protocol is introduced. 2. Outsourcing Lab Equipment Validation Process If you want faster validation results, contact a professional third-party company. These companies have the necessary resources for various validation processes. Performing in-house validation can be tedious and time-consuming. You might also incur additional costs for validation equipment. However, if you want to make your in-house validation faster, draft validation templates to be used by your staff. The templates will consist of the procedures and the components to be validated at a particular time. For consistency and accuracy, draft clear validation documentation. Your documentation needs to have organized protocols for faster results. Moreover, you can invest in validation software to track your process, automate schedules and provide paperless results. 3. Introduce an Integrated System It is important to introduce an analytical technology for your validation process. An integrated system will save your time and reduce various validation risks. Introducing a management system will allow you to eliminate paper records that are time-consuming and have transcription errors. A management system is useful when tracking various instruments, assets, and validation schedules. With the growth of technology, you can automatically compute and network your validation data. In addition, software solutions are reliable, accurate, and sustainable. 4. Avoid Paperwork A paperless system is seamless, accurate, and efficient. In addition, various regulatory bodies, such as the FDA, requires that you set up a paperless system. Managing validation records is difficult and full of errors. Furthermore, retrieving past validation records is tedious and may lead to data loss. An automated system is faster and increases the number of validation tasks daily. Moreover, a system rids you of enormous junk papers in your office. 5. Integrate Your Validation Processes Every system needs integrity and simplicity. You can achieve this by making various backups of your electronic records. An integrated system is also important when extracting previous validation records from your database. Unlike a manual form, an electronic system is searchable, saving your instrument validation time. For faster decision-making, you can integrate your validation records into software for smooth data transfer. In addition, if you operate several laboratories, you can receive validation reports from a centralized electronic system. The system simplifies your management aspects and ensures that your processes are on track. To streamline the validation workflow, ensure that you train your staff using various analytical instruments. However, consider a full data management software to consolidate every aspect of your instrument validation. The software is important when sharing validation reports outside sources and improving the integrity of your work. Furthermore, the software will also provide validation data accessibility to all your staff. The process will boost your lab productivity and foster collaboration with various stakeholders. With integrated software, you can use barcodes for a simpler interpretation of data. Labeling instrument components allows faster validation than relying on manual records. The result is a fully functional validation system. 6. Adhere to Regulatory Requirements Lab equipment validation requires compliance with various regulatory bodies. Regulatory requirements are always updated for integrity purposes. It is important that you follow these regulatory updates to make your validation faster. Lab owners who fail to follow these requirements are normally fined and ordered to repeat the process. In recent times, the FDA has introduced various electronic validation protocols. Using these protocols allows you to easily manage, analyze and generate validation certificates from electronic data. These measures provide efficiency and save time, making your general validation results faster. 7. Full Integration of Lab Process Integrating all your lab process is necessary. However, you should ensure that various processes work seamlessly and simultaneously without bottlenecks. An efficient lab has different software that works harmoniously without interference. These processes improve your productivity in aspects such as lab equipment validation. Furthermore, you can integrate your software with a third-party solution for easier communication. Enabling integration with a third-party solution eliminates the need to exchange validation data using paperwork. Moreover, a fully integrated lab is valuable for automatic analysis, searchable databases, and compliance with various stakeholders. Conclusion Lab equipment validation protocols require accuracy and integrity. Your lab operations must be flexible and efficient if you want faster results. However, you may have several challenges validating your instruments in time. You can contact a specialized third-party validation company for accurate and speedier results. Biotechnical Services, Inc. has enough premier resources for every type of lab equipment validation. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/7-ways-to-get-faster-results-in-lab-instruments-validation/ Automated lab equipment calibration reduces human error and uncertainty in measurements. Human errors occur during the tracking of the calibration process and manual data entry. In addition, automated calibration eliminates irregularity, traceability, non-compliance, and collaboration problems. You need to invest in a management software solution when automating your calibration processes. Biotechnical Services, Inc. uses new-age technology to perform automated lab equipment calibration in Los Angeles. Automated calibration is useful for managing, automating, or storing your equipment calibration details.
These processes include optimizing, analyzing, scheduling, and generating calibration reports and certificates. Furthermore, automating your lab calibration will eliminate equipment errors and running costs and boost your organization’s performance. Elements of An Automated Calibration Dial and Digital Indicators Comparators and digital indicators are mostly used to calibrate measuring devices in the manufacturing sector. These dial indicators have boosted the traction of digital calibration. However, parallax errors can occur when a calibration technician observes the measurements. With the advancement and automation of metrology processes, CCD cameras can be installed in a computer system for precise and consistent reading. The automated process helps reduce viewing angle errors and eliminates the technician’s eyestrain. Automated Dial Indicators In recent times, there has been automation of various metrology aspects. The technology has allowed the integration of dial indicators and CCD cameras into the calibration systems. However, this technology might be a bit expensive for small labs but provides a good ROI in the long run. The calibration process involves connecting CCD cameras at specific dial indicator points. The cameras will obtain clear readings of equipment graduations and display them in a digital indicator. Furthermore, this system is attached to a motorized calibrator that is fully automated. The calibration station performs automated equipment checks and prints the reports and calibration certificate. Biotechnical Services, Inc. has invested in premier automatic indicators for precise lab equipment calibration in Los Angeles. Automated Aids Automated aids are useful when calibrating gauge blocks and other equipment. Calibrating your gauge blocks frequently allows you to attain measurement standards. You need hand-eye coordination and concentration when measuring these gauge blocks. However, an automated calibration system has helped eliminate transcription errors when measuring the gauge blocks. Calibration technicians use computer systems to store calibration files which are used in automating the recording of measurement deviations. In addition, the system performs calibration offsets before producing the final reports. Since it is difficult to set equipment in a center line, measurement templates are used to automate the process. Computer-Aided Techniques Equipment such as master rings and master discs require very tight tolerance when taking their measurements. Several measures are performed to attain the needed standards when calibrating these gages. These processes are labor intensive when setting the standards, comparator configurations, and performing comparative measurements. In recent times, there has been the introduction of automated measuring systems. These systems contain CNC cables that are integrated into the equipment on calibrations. Computer-aided techniques have eliminated the tiresome tasks and errors of universal-length machines. Using the integrated systems, an operator dials a button, and the computer performs the adjustments. Operator errors are eliminated when using motorized tables and CNC systems. When in need of lab equipment in Los Angeles, Biotechnical Services, Inc. provides integrated computer measurements to eliminate uncertainty. These automated systems provide accurate calibration for your critical equipment. Automated Calibration Benefits to Service Companies Streamlining and Automation of Workflows Most service companies have invested in cloud-based management systems such as CMS tools. These tools help calibration technicians and managers streamline the workflow for managerial and administrative tasks. Data stored in a cloud system allows various stakeholders in service companies to make qualified and informed decisions. These decisions include the calibration process and intervals. Furthermore, these systems have been useful in eliminating the tiresome manual calibration procedures. A computer-defined workflow removes the use of paperwork and provides consistency in calibration. Improving Calibration Efficiency Since an integrated system is entirely automated, it provides more efficiency when calibrating various equipment. An automatic process has led to the elimination of labor-intensive manual calibration. The system allows calibration technicians to conduct other core tasks such as strategic analysis. Lowering Measurement Costs Service companies can lower their costs by using software in calibration management. Automated systems have eliminated the use of paperwork when recording calibration data. Furthermore, management systems provide a faster, more accurate, and easy interface for the calibration process. Calibration managers can use measurement data in the system to check trends and make decisions that will lower costs. Compliance and Standardization When performing equipment calibration, service companies must meet certain industry standards. The FDA mostly sets these standards to reflect the ISO requirements of each piece of equipment. A CMS solution helps in the calibration management and tracking of these standards and compliance. Effective Management Using an automated system calibration, managers can monitor various key performance indicators. Monitoring these performances is simpler since the system provides real-time calibration data. The data is useful for service companies when analyzing their resources, such as the installed equipment. Recording Calibration Records and Data Since the system is integrated, calibration plans and strategies can be tracked automatically. The calibration database is also useful when storing equipment data and calibration histories. Furthermore, an automated system can centralize all calibration data and automatically generate equipment reports. Increasing the Lifespan of Equipment Automated systems are useful when tracking equipment’s calibration cycle and maintenance schedule. Planning these schedules using software provides equipment longevity and lower repair or replacement costs. A cloud-based system offers real-time information for the maintenance of various equipment, unlike a manual record. Conclusion An automated calibration system such as a CMS solution is essential for defining performance objectives. Using an integrated system, a company can analyze the state of lab equipment, calibration equipment, and the right software. Furthermore, an automated system helps in proper planning and reducing performance downtime. Biotechnical Services, Inc. uses dedicated software to increase the productivity of your equipment. Contact us today for efficient lab equipment calibration in Los Angeles. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/automated-calibration-how-it-is-beneficial-for-service-companies/ As part of standard operating procedures, lab equipment validation is essential. It ensures that your equipment functions within the stipulated parameters and the manufacturer’s specifications. If you want to confirm the suitability of your equipment for production processes, it is vital to conduct validation. It ensures that critical components in your equipment are working consistently and provide the required quality output. When working in regulated industries such as pharmaceutical, medical, and food, it is a requirement to perform lab equipment validation.
Lab equipment validation can be daunting. However, there are expert ways to fasten the process. Here is an expert guide on how to make your lab equipment validation flawless and fast: Deciding The Types and Period of Validation for Each Equipment If you want to save time, make a program for each piece of equipment and its validation frequency. You can achieve this by classifying equipment from simple to complex. Some lab equipment must be calibrated, including chambers, autoclaves, freezers, and fridges. In addition, analytical equipment must be calibrated. Such equipment includes spectrophotometers, GCs, and HPLCs. Other equipment that requires validation includes lab software and customized devices. The number of equipment set points and parameters determines the simplicity or complexity. Equipment validation must be carried out according to usage and industry regulations. Periods of Lab Equipment Validation
Empty heading Expediting Lab Equipment Validation Most third-party companies validate their equipment. The process is usually fast due to specialization and the availability of resources. However, depending on your ability, it might not be feasible in the long run. You can reduce the cost by carrying out in-house lab equipment validation. Define a template and a protocol for each equipment validation. Your template must have detailed procedures and be consistent. If you have a qualified validation engineer, design a future reference template to use as the equipment ages. Always document all your validation steps and reports. Validation is a strict process. It must adhere to the equipment audit requirements. To reduce the workload, use validation software instead of paper documentation. The software will help you comply with the standards and adhere to validation intervals. Using Lab Management Systems If you operate several types of equipment, you will have a high volume of instrument data. The equipment data always require heavy analysis to comply with government regulations. Having a lab management system helps you fasten the process. Most of the time, paper management is very inefficient. Most modern labs have an information management system. These systems include data management systems and electronic notebooks. You can incorporate asset management, inventory management, and scientific information systems if you have a larger scope. Since these systems are computerized, you will improve productivity, efficiency, workflow, integrity, and accuracy of the data. The systems have various interfaces, functions, and options that a paper-based system cannot handle. Furthermore, you will enjoy the automated and integrated functions within a single dashboard. It helps you keep track and manage your validation. The main disadvantage of paper-based validation is that it lacks accuracy and integrity. The transcription process is always full of errors. It takes a lot of effort to retrieve information from archives with splintered records. Due to the intensity of the work, it is costly. Moreover, recent regulations call for computerized validation processes. Following Regulatory Rules Lab equipment validation strategy must be the regulatory requirements. Your strategies must be compliant with various rules from time to time. As the technology grows, there is always a transition in the data integrity guidance. You must follow the FDA rules as they are updated. You must have an electronic device that can generate, store, and index all validation data. Your system must have a computerized approval mechanism. These systems always generate an e-signature after successful validation. These rules aim to ensure compliance, increase efficiency, and reduce audit times. The regulatory authorities can easily perform their investigations and provide you with validation approval. These systems are a requirement in controlled operations, such as pharmaceuticals and food laboratories. Full Data Integration Full data integration improves the productivity of your lab equipment validation processes. Your data integration needs to be efficient and allow the smooth addition of new information. The integration has an interface with all validation solutions. Full data integration combines audits, e-signatures, reports, internal and external validations, and all workflow information. The integration provides paperless lab equipment validation with analytics, repository and compliance system. The main advantage of full integration is the streamlining and efficiency of validation operations. Furthermore, you will have faster decision-making and reduce the overall costs. It allows you to solve new challenges faster. Conclusion Lab equipment validation is an important process. It allows you to check the quality of your equipment and reduce impending production risks. It is also a government requirement through the FDA. Use integrated software for all the processes to make your validation simpler and faster. Biotechnical Services, Inc. has the premier technology to install a system with high integrity and strict compliance with your lab. We are registered, accredited, and ISO certified to offer lab validation solutions. Contact us today. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/expert-guide-to-fast-lab-equipment-validation/ Moving your lab to San Francisco requires utmost care. Lab relocation is critical and delicate. It is good to have the highest levels of oversight. Properly moving your lab equipment ensures a smooth transition while guaranteeing the authenticity of your lab data and research.
If you want to maintain the functionality of your lab while moving, contact effective managers. Biotechnical Services, Inc. is an expert in planning, managing, and preparing lab equipment movement. Challenges When Moving Your Lab Many people fail in the oversight stage. Avoid making an unplanned transition to your lab. Without proper planning, you might lose your valuable data and research. You might incur a higher cost and have a lot of hassle moving your lab. Before moving your lab equipment in San Francisco, ensure that you understand the equipment’s sustainability, nature, and importance. Always have a reliable backup. You will have a reserve in case of a mishap. Proper management helps in overcoming frustrations, unexpected costs, and communication challenges. When moving any lab equipment, consider its importance. Depending on the infrastructure, you might require mechanical, ventilation, electrical, or plumbing equipment. Fundamental Factors When Moving Your Lab Planning Forward Movement Planning the movement of lab equipment in San Francisco allows for cost-effective, time-efficient, and seamless transition. Proper planning is important when coordinating the process. It is imperative to plan the movement and storage of the equipment. Always plan the movement of your equipment according to the frequency of its use. The process improves the productivity of your lab in the new location. In addition, it helps you set up the new lab quickly, be resourceful, and efficiently. Assessing Possible Problems When moving your lab, ensure you have efficient communication. Having contact with the whole team is essential. You must also have constant communication with the outsourced company. Ensure to keep your team informed on all the aspects of your project. It allows you to make the necessary changes and resolve any arising issues easily. Furthermore, having effective communication helps you lower your costs. Some complex lab equipment requires removalists. Constant monitoring of your freight is useful. Monitoring your lab equipment in San Francisco rids you of any issues and makes communication very efficient. Avoid Using Temporary Labs Most temporary labs are very cheap and hassle-free. However, the result is a double movement. You will need to move your equipment two times. If you plan your lab movement well, you will not need a temporary lab. In addition, avoiding a temporary lab rids you the problem of money, efficiency, and time. Effective Steps to Moving Your Lab Set Up Your Team When moving your lab equipment in San Francisco, utilize your existing staff. Assign each technical staff concise and clear duties. Each staff should have relevant tasks and duties to handle. To help you lessen this process, select effective team leaders among your staff. Have essential roles assigned to all members of your team. These roles include:
If you want to avoid logistics problems, always have team meetings. It ensures that you maintain effective communication and keep your team leaders aware of the plans. In addition, the meetings with the team lead leader help you relay the information to the rest of the staff. Maintain Communication Before moving your lab equipment in San Francisco, inform all the team leaders. The team leaders will keep the rest of the team up to date with the communication. Any changes and decisions and changes will easily reach the rest of your staff. Have Proper Planning Record The Specifications of Each Equipment When planning to move your lab, always consider your equipment’s specifications. These specifications include dimensions, weight, capabilities and specific requirements. Always have a folder with all your lab plans. These plans are critical in preparing and saving your time and costs. Plan Your Transport The means of transport is essential when moving your lab. You need to know the rules and guidelines for the movement of lab equipment in San Francisco. When you understand the functioning of your equipment, you can easily plan for the right transport system. Furthermore, you will have the correct cost of the freight and cost charges. You must note that some equipment requires a special transport mechanism. Equipment Requirements Avoid Any Contamination Always make sure that you critically handle your lab equipment. It is important to avoid any contamination during transportation and storage. If you avoid contamination, you will have untainted research and accurate results. Keep The Calibration Almost all of your lab equipment require accuracy and precision. It is important to maintain the accuracy of your instruments. After re-installation, perform certain adjustments to maintain the calibration standards. Ensure that you transport your equipment carefully to avoid deviation in measurement. Comply With The Requirements To operate a heavily regulated laboratory, you must adhere to some standards. These standards are Goods Laboratory Practice and Good Manufacturing. The standards ensure that you meet legal compliance. Transportation Specialized Transport When moving valuable lab equipment in San Francisco, use a specified transport system. If you don’t have the means of transport, outsource from a reliable transporter. Using a specified transport will eliminate risks such as damage to your equipment and specimen. Refrigerated Goods Some refrigerated specimens require certain temperature ranges. When transporting these goods, always keep them according to their temperature patterns. Hazardous Materials Permits The government regulations require that you declare and obtain permits for hazardous materials. All hazardous materials should be documented, and special permits obtained before transportation. Live Animals You will have challenges transporting wild animals from your lab. Animals need food, water and the right temperature. Always eliminate all threats that might interfere with the lives of your animals. Chain of Custody You need to keep certain lab equipment in San Francisco confidential during transportation. These include expensive equipment, research and lab animals. These items require certain legal requirements. Relocating Planning Ensure you have the right route when transporting your lab equipment in San Francisco. Plan the specifications and the movement of your equipment. Tools Always have the right tools and materials before moving your lab. Have proper research with clarity and usability. Conclusion When moving lab equipment in San Francisco, have the right plan. If you consult Biotechnical Service, Inc., you will get the efficient movement of your lab equipment. We offer your valuable equipment proper communication, real-time data, and status monitoring. Contact us today for a premier laboratory experience. We are an accredited and ISO Certified laboratory with experienced technical staff in San Francisco. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/things-to-consider-when-moving-your-lab-in-san-francisco/ For the productivity of your lab equipment calibration in Los Angeles, consider accuracy. Your calibration gauges and processes ought to be very precise. Improve calibration consistency to eliminate possible errors during various measurements. Ensuring that your measurements are quantified improves your calibration productivity.
There are several ways of increasing your lab equipment calibration in Los Angeles. How to Increase Productivity of Your Lab Equipment Calibration Install a Calibration Management Software If you want to gauge the performance of your calibration processes, use management software. Management software provides a clear picture of the calibration rate of each technician. Using the software, you can determine the amount of equipment your lab can handle daily. In addition, you can find ways to cut costs and increase productivity using the software. Use a Lab Automation Software Using the normal calibration processes can time consuming and challenging. Automation software is useful when checking the process of calibration. You can easily get more information on the technician handling the task. You can tell the calibration stage of various processes at any given time. Moreover, the software can help check the workflow, reduce errors, and reduce installation time. The management can speedup up the coordination and eliminate training costs. Avoid Calibration Errors For your successful lab equipment calibration in Los Angeles, avoid process errors. Use automated software for calibration and management for seamless operations. The metrology software ensures that you calibrate your equipment without errors. In addition, you can maintain calibration standards and smooth workflow. You can use the software to determine the time of equipment shipping, location, and calibration stage. The calibration software keeps track of equipment both inside and outside the laboratory. Another advantage of the software is that your customers and staff get information on the various calibration stages. You can eliminate the need for unnecessary manual equipment touchpoints a management software. An example of such software includes Test Asset Equipment. Using such software saves time and eliminates the chances of calibration errors. Calibrate Equipment Simultaneously The best way to increase your lab’s productivity is to run several calibrations simultaneously. It saves you the time of calibrating one piece of equipment at a time. One technician can configure the processes of various units with automated software. The management software will provide the calibration data of all the equipment at each stage. Using this method, you can keep your equipment fully functioning within a shorter time. Reduce Calibration Setup Time In most instances, getting equipment data can be tiresome. Assessing the previous equipment calibration history takes much longer. However, you can keep all the data in the management software. With the automated software, you can instantly get each piece of equipment data. Instead of checking one piece of equipment at a time, the management software has all information in one place. A technician can easily find all the calibration information of the equipment. Moreover, calibration data can be kept for future reference. Use Software Support Instead of drafting calibration procedures that metrologists must approve, you can use the software support system. When you have many pieces of equipment, it takes a lot of time to make a calibration process for each asset. Training your staff on various calibration processes takes time and resources. Using mobile calibration software ensures that you have accurate information. You can eliminate various constraints using the software and have quicker processes. How to Get Started Increasing Productivity in Your Lab Increasing your lab productivity ensures that you have a shorter turnaround time. The best method to increase the productivity of lab equipment calibration in Los Angeles is by installing software. By using automated calibration management software, you can easily manage your processes. However, installing and managing the software is a complex procedure. It requires further training of your staff. If you want to lessen the installation process, consult an expert. Biotechnical Services, Inc. has the expertise to set up and implement calibration strategies in your lab. You can increase your lab’s productivity when the management software is up and running. Furthermore, you will reduce the workload of your staff. Benefits of Lab Automation Benefits on Productivity
Benefits on Quality
Conclusion If you want to increase the productivity of your lab equipment calibration in Los Angeles, consider automation of your processes. You can automate these processes using equipment management software. It makes your equipment calibration accurate with high precision. Furthermore, you can conduct calibration of various equipment simultaneously. In addition, you will eliminate transcription errors and save time and resources. For practical installation of lab equipment calibration in Los Angeles, contact Biotechnical Services, Inc. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/how-to-increase-productivity-in-a-laboratory-with-equipment-calibration/ Biotechnical Services Inc. offers reliable and premier lab equipment calibration in San Francisco. Equipment calibration is vital for accurate and precise process results. If you want to eliminate determined and undetermined deviations in your equipment, consider calibrating your equipment according to schedule. You should maintain a calibration schedule for the various equipment in your lab. A correct calibration schedule ensures smooth operations of your lab processes. When you calibrate your equipment according to its frequency, you will have reliable and accurate data analysis. Biotechnical Services Inc. has an accredited lab for all types of lab equipment calibration in San Francisco.
What is The Frequency of Lab Equipment Calibration? Every laboratory should have a proper equipment schedule. The type of equipment determines the frequency of lab equipment calibration. It is also necessary to consider the extent of use of equipment. Equipment used frequently needs to be calibrated periodically to maintain its accuracy. Frequency of Lab Equipment Calibration According to Type Balances and Weights Consider calibrating your balances and weights at least once per year. Regularly perform zero checks on your balances to ensure precise measurements. Using a reference weight, do a one-month point check to ensure that your balances work within the required capacity. It is recommended to do repeatability checks for your balances and weights at least once in six months. Repeatability checks confirm the accuracy level of the lower and upper ends of your scales. Consider performing regular temperature checks in your laboratory to ensure measuring range accuracy. However, taking your weights to an accredited lab for analysis at least every two years is mandatory. Biotechnical Services Inc. uses the latest technology to maintain the required parameters of calibration accuracy. Thermometers and Temperature-Controlled Equipment Furnaces, water baths, and autoclaves need to be calibrated according to usage. Thermocouples and thermometers should be calibrated at least once a year at ice points. Vacuum chambers, incubators, ovens, and all thermostatically controlled devices must be calibrated externally at an accredited laboratory. Calibration of these devices must be performed yearly at their working ranges. At Biotechnical Services Inc., we have specialized equipment to calibrate your thermocouples, thermostats, and every type of thermometer. We have employed the latest technology to ensure accurate results of your lab equipment calibration in San Francisco. Timing Devices Calibrate your clocks and stopwatches at least once a year. Equipment such as pressure gauges and hygrometers must be calibrated in an accredited laboratory. These types of equipment should be calibrated frequently according to their use to ensure accurate measurements. Volumetric Labware Volumetric flasks, pipettes, and burets are normally calibrated internally upon receipt. These lab equipment should be checked to ensure that they meet the acceptable tolerance. Spectrophotometers, gas sensors, orifice plates, pitot tubes, gas meters, and rotor meters must be calibrated yearly. These devices are calibrated by an accredited laboratory at installation and recalibrated after every year. However, the calibration frequency may change according to their level of use. Factors to Consider for Frequency of Lab Equipment Calibration Number of Uses Instead of calibrating your equipment every six months or yearly, perform the calibration according to the number of equipment uses. It allows you to be proactive and minimize potential equipment inaccuracies. You can also reduce the cost of calibrating equipment that you rarely use based on usage. After a Shock An electric or mechanical shock may affect the level of accuracy of your equipment. Even if you cannot notice any problem after the shock, microscopic changes often affect equipment precision. Job Requirements Some projects require that you calibrate your equipment in a certified laboratory. For quality assurance, a client may require that you calibrate your equipment monthly, quarterly, or yearly. Calibrating according to terms ensures you meet the client’s satisfaction and maintain the equipment’s standard. Equipment Age The accuracy of your equipment drifts more as it ages. The frequency of calibration will increase as the equipment gets older. Frequently calibrating older equipment maintains accuracy and avoids performance dips. Before and After a Major Task Before starting a major project, consider calibrating your equipment. It will ensure that you meet the project needs. You will also ascertain that your equipment meets the optimum performance level. Calibrating your equipment before a critical project ensures confidence in the results and analysis of data. Immediately after completing your project, recalibrate your equipment to confirm the accuracy of the results. If you need onsite lab equipment calibration in San Francisco during your project, consult Biotechnical Services Inc. Our technical staff is always ready to handle your calibration needs in time. Manufacturers’ Recommendation The best practice for calibrating your equipment is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation. When you purchase lab equipment, its manual usually indicates calibration intervals. ConclusionFor the optimum and accurate performance of your equipment, consider establishing the calibration frequency. The calibration schedule will ensure that you produce accurate results and lab analysis. Ensure that you calibrate your equipment in an accredited laboratory. Biotechnical Services Inc. is a registered, accredited, and ISO Certified laboratory for all types of calibration. Contact us for premier and precise lab equipment calibration in San Francisco and its environs. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/what-should-the-frequency-of-lab-equipment-calibration-be/ Lab equipment repair ensures its reliability, accuracy, and dependability. The process will negatively impact test results when equipment is not working efficiently. To solve this problem, you need to repair your equipment through maintenance and calibration. If your equipment is completely broken down, you should consider replacing it. Whichever the case, lab equipment should be repaired or replaced by qualified personnel. Biotechnical Services Inc. has certified and experienced technical staff to handle your lab equipment repair. You can also contact us for quality equipment replacement.
Read on to know whether you need to repair or replace your lab equipmentLab Equipment Repair In most instances, companies prefer repairing their equipment. Replacement becomes the last option when equipment breaks down or malfunctions. As part of equipment maintenance, repairs should be done regularly. Repairing equipment reduces the running costs since you will not be required to purchase new equipment. Repairing is also part of equipment maintenance. It leads to more efficient and productive processes in your lab. For proper and accurate lab equipment repair, consider contacting an accredited company. Reasons for Lab Equipment Repair
When equipment breaks down and can no longer function, it needs replacement. However, replacement is not always an overhaul of the entire plant. Sometimes, the affected components in equipment are replaced. When equipment performance decreases, the affected components are replaced to improve efficiency. However, it would be best to consider replacing the entire system when the equipment gets older. When deciding between lab equipment repair or replacement, consider the differences in the costs. Replacing lab equipment is viable if you look at the long-term costs. Consider looking for a trusted company when you want to replace your lab equipment. At Biotechnical Services Inc., you will get quality equipment and professional services. Our core values are based on integrity to our clients. Reasons for Lab Equipment Replacement
Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/lab-equipment-repair-vs-replace-which-is-right/ Biotechnical Services Inc. provides high-end lab equipment repair maintenance to ensure a longer life span and efficiency. When you maintain your equipment in mint conditions, it performs excellently as a new device. Besides improving your equipment’s quality, maintenance ensures high performance in your lab.
The Best Tips for Lab Equipment Repair Maintenance Follow Standard Operating Protocols Using your equipment and maintaining it out of its capacity range will likely cause detrimental effects. Ensure that you read and follow the instructions in the equipment’s manual or guide. Before using your equipment, learn more about its capabilities and features. If your equipment has a screen, learn the warning and danger symbols. You can respond and repair your equipment when you notice such signs, warnings, or sounds. Most equipment with LED or LCD screens will warn you when it’s damaged, not fully closed, or incorrectly assembled. It’s important to follow the standard operating protocol of equipment. Focusing on the SOP will allow your equipment to function properly within its scope. Some equipment is heavy duty and may need several breaks to avoid damage or overheating. Follow the required protocol when performing lab equipment repair maintenance to avoid voiding your instrument warranty. To ensure these protocols are followed, train and orient your staff on using different equipment. Preventive Maintenance and Regular Cleaning Routine cleaning and maintenance of your lab equipment ensure it is in excellent condition. A regularly maintained equipment provides precise and accurate results that are reliable. Equipment such as analyzers and centrifuges must be in good condition to provide high precision. Conducting lab equipment repair maintenance on these instruments accurate analyses and avoids malfunctions. Cleaning of lab equipment is normally done in-house. However, preventive maintenance requires expertise. It is advisable to consult a professional for testing, assessment, and preventive maintenance of your instrument. Biotechnical Services Inc. have specialized labs for maintaining sophisticated and delicate equipment. Our technical staff will perform lab equipment repair maintenance and support services. Contact Biotechnical Services Inc. if your equipment requires specialized services such as accessories and spare replacement. Calibrate Your Equipment on Schedule Like any other machine, lab equipment is prone to wear and tear. After using your equipment for a long time, it begins to drift and deviate. Regularly use a calibrating instrument to configure your instrument. Calibration ensures that your equipment is within the acceptable range. Calibration results must be traceable to the standards and acceptable protocols. Regulatory bodies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provide a guide on calibration protocols. When you notice an error in your equipment, repair it immediately to avoid inaccurate results. However, the frequency of equipment calibration varies with equipment. Manufacturers normally indicate the period to conduct calibration of equipment. Critical equipment requires frequent calibration for optimum and precise results. You may require to calibrate your equipment before a major project, after an accident or after exposure to adverse conditions. Since calibration requires precision, consider taking your equipment to an accredited company. Biotechnical Services Inc. provides accurate lab equipment calibration and lab equipment repair maintenance. Evaluate Your Equipment Performance Check your equipment at all times to ensure that its hardware and system properties work optimally. The following metrics are used to gauge the performance of your equipment:
Conduct Lab Equipment Maintenance Using Professional Personnel Small repairs and maintenance can be done in-house. However, consult a specialist when dealing with large equipment with various components. Third-party specialists are the best when conducting lab equipment repair maintenance. Third-party personnel are accredited, highly skilled, and provide economically viable options. Furthermore, an external contractor performs equipment maintenance faster due to dedicated time. At Biotechnical Services Inc., we have a dedicated team of specialists who can instantly handle your equipment maintenance. For immovable equipment, we can perform onsite repair and maintenance. Refurbish Your Lab Equipment Instead of replacing your equipment, consider refurbishing it. Refurbishing improves your equipment features and ensures that it works seamlessly. It also reduces the cost of maintaining your equipment. Movable parts such as gears and wheels are lubricated and polished during the process. However, your equipment must be re-calibrated after refurbishing. Conclusion If you want to keep your lab equipment working seamlessly, ensure that you conduct regular maintenance. You can perform simple maintenance in your lab, such as cleaning. However, complex lab equipment repair maintenance such as calibration requires a professional. Contact us at Biotechnical Services Inc. for high-quality equipment maintenance. We are an accredited and ISO-certified company offering maintenance and calibration services. Original account posted here - https://www.biotechserv.com/advanced-tips-for-lab-equipment-maintenance/ A scientific lab has a wide range of specialized equipment and scientific apparatus. These equipment and apparatus are useful in chemical, pharmaceutical, biological food, cosmetic, and educational institutions’ labs.
Here are the different types of lab equipment and their uses:Mixers, Shakers, and Stirrers These apparatus are useful when mixing various chemical liquids and solids for different lab applications. Laboratory mixing apparatus come in different ranges: rotators and vortexes, 3D gyratory rockers, microplate shakers, linear shakers, orbital shakers, and magnetic stirrers. If you want to increase the capacity of any shaker, attach a clamp or any other suitable platform. Centrifuge A centrifuge is an equipment used to separate gases, fluids, and liquids with different densities. Centrifuges are mostly used in research laboratories to purify nucleic acids, proteins, viruses, organelles, and cells. In a hospital laboratory, a centrifuge is useful in separating various blood components such as plasma and serum. Spectrophotometer A spectrophotometer is equipment that helps determine the light intensity by measuring the number of photons absorbed as they pass through a specific solution. The equipment is also useful in determining the concentration of chemical substances by analyzing the amount of light intensity. Spectrophotometers are classified according to the wavelength range of their light sources. There are two types of spectrophotometers:
A thermostatic bath is useful in inactivating and incubating cell cultures, thawing frozen samples, processing chemical reactions, and warming bacterial media. It is an important piece of equipment in medical research, a special and standard lab that deals with industrial and scientific experiments. Modern thermostatic baths are equipped with microprocessors with a controller that allows temperature consistency and regulation. There are two types of thermostatic baths:
Cleaner An ultrasonic cleaner perfectly cleans laboratory equipment using high-frequency waves that pass through a cleaning liquid. The immersed part of lab equipment is cleaned by the agitated liquid solution, mainly a solvent or water. The ultrasonic cleaner works by causing cavitation to the solution. Cavitation is when sonic energy dislodges the contaminants from the equipment surfaces by attracting them to the solutions bubbles. Incubators and Ovens Incubators and ovens are mostly used in microbiology, biology, and clinical labs. Lab incubators are used to incubate media, samples, and reagents. A lab incubator provides a steady temperature when warming the samples or reagents. Other applications of incubators include biotech, pharmaceutical, clinical, bacteriology, and food and beverage testing. Ovens are mostly used in laboratories for drying samples and glassware, annealing, product age acceleration, sterilization, evaporation, and polymerization. Rotary Evaporator Also known as rotavap, a rotary evaporator is an equipment that helps separate solvents from a given sample through evaporation. The process is usually done under low or reduced pressure. Lowering the pressure in the flask allows the solvent to boil at a low temperature. The solvent is mostly put in a round bottom flask to provide a larger surface area for faster evaporation. The most common solvents to be separated from a sample are hexane and ethyl acetate. Polarimeter A polarimeter is an equipment that measures the angle of rotation after an optically active material polarizes a light. Some chemicals are optically active and will polarize right, causing it to rotate either clockwise or anticlockwise. The intensity of such a light rotation is called the angle of rotation. The direction of rotation of the polarized light provides the properties of such substance and its concentration in a given sample. Microtome A microtome is cutting equipment used to produce very thin slices of samples under experiment. Microtomes are mostly used in microcopy, where samples are studied through electron radiation or observed through light. Most microtomes have diamond, glass, or steel blades. The blades vary according to the specimen to be used and the thickness of the slices required. Conclusion The apparatus and equipment mentioned above are useful when operating a laboratory, either industrial, research, or standard. At Biotechnical Services, Inc., we supply the latest high-quality equipment for your laboratory needs. Contact us today for any type or make of laboratory equipment. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/understanding-different-types-of-lab-equipment-and-their-uses/ Calibration Definition
Calibration is testing the accuracy of the lab equipment and adjusting it to meet the required standards. After the equipment or instrument has been calibrated, a report and calibration certificate is issued to prove that it has been restored to the manufacturer’s accuracy specifications. Lab equipment calibration is performed by comparing the accuracy of the equipment to the standard of the measuring instrument. Reasons for Calibrating an Equipment All types of equipment degrade with time, drifting and losing stability. Using equipment over a long time and rough handling may cause inaccuracy reading in equipment. Frequent calibration of equipment restores its accuracy standards and ensures that it conforms to the specified calibration data. Calibrated equipment promotes productivity and quality and increases the value of the production process. How Often Should an Equipment be Calibrated The frequency of calibrating equipment varies from industry and the criticality of the instrument. Critical equipment is calibrated frequently to ensure a quality process. Other equipment can be calibrated periodically or according to the intensity used in a plant. When equipment loses its calibration, it should be re-calibrated immediately. Most types of equipment have the recommended calibration schedule set by the manufacturer. It is important to follow a schedule for optimum production results and avoid losses due to equipment inaccuracy. Terms Used in Equipment Calibration Calibration Range The calibration range of equipment refers to the limits of measuring, transmitting or receiving a quantity. It is expressed by defining the lower range and upper range values. The range usually starts from zero to a given span value. For example, if a pressure gauge measures pressure from 0psif to 500psig, the lower range value is zero while the upper range value is 500psig. The calibration range of such a pressure gauge is 0 to 500psig. Span Span is the difference between the upper range value and the lower range of equipment. Span is denoted by: Span = URV – LRV URV is the upper range value, and LRV is the lower range value. For example if the range of a pressure gauge is 0 to 500psig, then span = 500 – 0 = 500psig. Equipment Range The capability of an instrument is the equipment range. It provides the rating of the equipment. Ranging of an Equipment Ranging equipment sets both the lower and upper range values to match the required sensitivity. For example, if you want to range a pressure transmitter to provide a range of 0 to 200 bar and output of 4 -40 mA, then the range of such equipment will be: 0bar =4mA 200bar =40Ma Zero and Span Adjustment Both smart and analog equipment is adjusted using zero and span measurements. The adjustment allows setting equipment to any range specified by the manufacturer’s limits. Analog equipment has an interaction between zero and span adjustment. However, smart equipment has no such interaction between zero and span. Five Point Calibration The general rule of thumb states that calibration points should be taken between 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent ranges when calibrating equipment. Since calibration is taken at five points, it is commonly known as five-point calibration. When performing a five-point calibration exercise, perform tests from both ends, i.e., increasing or decreasing order. Field Calibration When conducting field calibration, equipment is not uninstalled from the process. Calibration is performed while the equipment is still mounted. It provides an ambient condition to calibrate equipment in its true process. Bench or In-Shop Calibration Under the bench calibration, the equipment is calibrated with a device that simulates its process rather than its actual process in the field. Equipment is uninstalled and taken to the calibration shop, where the simulation is done on a calibration bench. Calibrators These are devices that are used to calibrate specific types of equipment. There are different types of calibrators according to purpose. These are:
Calibration Records These are the various documents that show the calibration history of the equipment. It contains all the calibration information, including the calibration dates and the calibrating technicians’ names. Traceability When calibrating equipment, it should be traceable to an international standard. Traceability ensures that equipment has been properly adjusted according to national and international standards. Most equipments are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Conclusion You should follow the calibration principles to ensure accurate and precise results when calibrating your equipment. The calibration instruments used must be traceable to the national and international standards. Biotechnical Services, Inc. provides premier, accurate and timely calibration of every type of equipment. We use the latest calibrating instruments to achieve the highest precision in our calibration. We are an accredited calibration company and ISO certified. Contact us today for your lab equipment calibration. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/principles-of-lab-equipment-calibration-you-should-know/ The accuracy and reliability of your lab equipment depend on its calibration. You can opt to calibrate your equipment or outsource the service to a calibrating company. Depending on your company’s available resources and workforce, you can choose the type of calibration service that best suits your needs. Generally, outsourced calibration is far much better than in-house calibration. You may encounter some serious setbacks when you calibrate equipment on your own. You can outsource all your lab equipment calibration to Biotechnical Services, Inc. We offer the most comprehensive and accurate lab equipment calibration in Los Angeles.
In-House Lab Equipment Calibration In-house calibration refers to the option where you choose to calibrate your equipment on your own. If you want to perform in-house calibration, you need highly trained technicians and engineers. Furthermore, your lab needs all the necessary calibration instruments in your laboratory. Disadvantages of In-House Calibration Most companies prefer monitoring every step of the production process on their own. However, processes such as calibration are sensitive and expensive. Inaccurate calibration could lead to product failure and severe consequences on the production process, leading to great loss. Due to high risks and chances of less calibration precision, in-house calibration is not the best choice. Here are some problems associated with in-house calibration: Costs The cost of establishing a lab and purchasing calibration equipment can negatively affect your company’s budget. Furthermore, training your staff on how to calibrate various equipment is costly. Since calibration is done periodically, keeping a lab idle cannot justify the lump sum amount of money used in its establishment. Machines In-house calibration results are less accurate than third-party science laboratories. Calibration companies have invested in the latest, accurate calibration instruments. For instance, Biotechnical Services, Inc. offers premier lab equipment calibration in Los Angeles using precise instruments such as auto-collimator, interferometers, rotary tables, etc. It is very expensive for a typical company to install such high-end devices. Moreover, accurate calibration requires a controlled environment with precise altitude, temperature and humidity, and barometric pressure. These factors are difficult to establish in a company’s in-house calibration lab. Training Specialty labs have employed trained and experienced technicians in metrology. These specialists can deliver accurate results using the required calibration parameters. Achieving the same in-house purpose will require taking your staff for further training. When you take your staff for training, you will reduce your company’s productivity. Hiring qualified technicians will increase the running costs of your company due to elevated compensation. Longer Turnaround Third-party companies operate on a full-time mode offering calibration services hence a shorter turnaround time. Your in-house team may have other tasks to perform in your company, resulting in a longer turnaround period. For efficiency, your lab needs a dedicated team which may be costly for your company. Outsourced Lab Equipment Calibration When you need to outsource your calibration services, you can ship your equipment to their lab, or the company can send some of its calibration specialists to your firm. Outsourcing your calibration services is a wise idea since you will save time and money and get verified results from a scientific laboratory. Here are the advantages of outsourcing your calibration services: Save on Costs Getting calibration services from a third-party company eliminates the costs of establishing a lab and training your staff. An in-house calibration lab is also expensive to maintain. You will incur equipment maintenance, heating, cooling, and space costs if you have a calibration lab. Since calibration is done occasionally, outsourcing is the best option to save on operational costs. Verifiable Results You will get consistent and verifiable results when you outsource your equipment calibration. Since standardization organizations regulate calibration companies, you will be certain to get the most accurate results. Furthermore, a calibration company will provide you with documentation verifying the tests and your company audits. Fast Turnaround A third-party calibration company provides a faster turnaround, especially with on-site calibrations. Since these companies specialize solely in calibration, you will receive your adjusted equipment within a short time. Relying on your lab for calibration takes time since your staff has other tasks. Even if you prioritize calibration in your in-house lab, other production processes will fall in the schedule. Therefore, it is best to take your equipment to a calibration company so that your staff can concentrate on their duties. Secure Lab Environment Calibration companies operate under strict standards and lab controls. The strict requirements ensure that you get the most accurate calibration results. These requirements are difficult to achieve in an in-house lab due to the high cost of establishing such a facility and the money needed to employ or train existing staff. Outsourcing your calibration services ensures that your instruments are adjusted in a secure environment according to the protocols, and the results meet the manufacturer’s standards. Conclusion Choosing the best method of calibration service depends on your equipment requirements, budget, and time. Establishing a functional lab with qualified personnel could strain your company’s budget. Outsourcing your calibration services will guarantee accuracy, save time, and produce results that meet acceptable standards. Biotechnical Services, Inc. has a modern scientific laboratory with premier calibration equipment. Our lab is ISO certified and is accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation. We offer precise and reliable lab equipment calibration in Los Angeles and the neighboring regions in California. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/in-house-calibration-vs-outsourced-calibration-know-the-difference/ In industrial laboratories, ovens are useful for reliability testing, sterilization, and quicker drying of lab appliances. For instance, soldered chip joints are tested for their strength in semiconductor industries using ovens. A precise temperature must be kept accurate and constant during the experiments when using ovens. The accuracy of an oven can be determined through testing and calibration. Biotechnical Services Inc. offers precise oven calibration in San Francisco using advanced thermocouples and thermometers. Contact us when in need of equipment testing and calibration.
Reasons for Calibrating an Oven Ovens are tested and calibrated to maintain the accuracy and precision of oven enclosure temperatures. Since most parts of an electric oven are mechanically operated, especially the thermostat, it experiences stress, leading to deviation and making your oven operate out of precise temperature range. An oven thermostat is mechanically operated by dialing its knob, which triggers on and off settings when the desired temperature range is attained. When the thermostat sensor loses its accuracy, the oven will be operating at a different temperature than expected, affecting the quality of the product. When an oven loses its accuracy, it becomes less efficient and should be calibrated immediately. Oven calibration is also done after an oven has been repaired to test its accuracy. When dealing with industrial products, calibration is important when checking the positions with minimum and maximum temperatures for proper positioning of items and necessary adjustments. Contact Biotechnical Services Inc. for oven calibration in San Francisco when you need any tests of lab equipment. We accurately test and calibrate your industrial or laboratory oven using the latest technology and calibration equipment. Electric Oven Calibration An electric oven is calibrated to check its temperature accuracy at a given set value. More reasons that call for oven calibration include:
Calibration Method Calibrating an electric oven entails comparing the temperature generated by the set value in the dial knob and comparing it with a digital thermometer fitted with a thermocouple or wireless sensors. The thermocouple used in the calibration is fitted with a data logger with thermos shield capability to perform calibration at high oven temperatures. Requirements A warm-up time of about one hour for the oven under calibration for stabilization of chamber temperatures
Reference Standards
Oven Calibration Setup Insert thermocouple wires into the oven chamber. When performing standard calibration, place the cable at three points: the mid-right, mid-left, and center. Use a temperature recorder with the capability of recording more than five channels. A temperature recorder can take the temperature readings at intervals automatically. Calibration Procedure
Conclusion Keeping the temperature reading of your oven accurate helps you deliver high-quality products. An accurate temperature is required for various processes when dealing with the food industry and pharmaceutical industry products. Therefore, you need to check your oven regularly to determine if it is still accurate or needs calibration. At Biotechnical Services Inc., we offer premier and professional oven calibration in San Francisco and its neighborhood. Contact us today for onsite calibration of your oven and other lab equipment. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/electric-oven-calibration-to-test-your-ovens-accuracy/ Lab equipment validation technicians are professionals who specialize in pre-testing and testing equipment and systems for product manufacturing. The work of validation technicians entails inspecting, testing, and calibrating instruments, analyzing, measuring, and auditing procedures, equipment, and industrial machines. When validating the equipment or machines, validation technicians prepare documented evidence proving that they produce consistent, defect-free, and highest quality results according to the manufacturer’s specifications. In regulated and sensitive industries such as medical and pharmaceutical equipment manufacturing, validation technicians plan, monitor, and implement the set validation strategies. Biotechnical Services Inc. has fully certified validation technicians for all types of lab equipment in Los Angeles and its environs.
Some of The Varied Names of Validation Technicians
What Is Validation? Validation refers to generating documented evidence to prove that equipment, a procedure, or a system is functioning as expected. Validation is conducted by maintaining strict compliance throughout the production process and ensuring consistency in the results. What is The Work of a Validation Technician? A lab equipment validation technician follows a validation master plan. The master plan is a document generated at every validation risk assessment, with specified validation procedures in a system or during a manufacturing period. During the process of validation, a technician follows an equipment validation protocol. Equipment validation protocol is a technician’s plan when validating equipment, processes, or systems. It contains test parameters, production equipment, characteristics, decision points, and acceptable validation results. Each process has its validation protocol which outlines the required measurements, steps to be followed, the required proof, and the expected outcome. A deviation from a validation protocol requires instant action to correct it. The general duties of a lab validation technician include:
Types of Validation and Technician’s Roles Validation technicians have different roles in each manufacturing process within an industry with specific validation specialization. Biotechnical Services Inc. has a team of specialized technicians that can handle the validation of any lab equipment in Los Angeles. Here are the types of validations: Process Validation It provides evidence that a system has a consistent production or results. Process validation entails prospective, retrospective, and concurrent validations. It requires in-depth validation knowledge, relevant experience in the transfer and design, and downstream and upstream manufacturing processes. Equipment Validation It proves that the equipment and the whole facility or industry are functioning properly according to the set requirements by the regulatory authorities. Equipment validation follows the Installation, Operational, and Performance Validation Protocols (IQ OQ PQ). The technicians in this department are tasked with testing the equipment and verifying that they indeed meet the expected specifications. Cleaning Validation Validation technicians in this field provide an outline to follow when cleaning manufacturing equipment and new products. Other tasks of cleaning validation technicians include investigation, analyzing, and troubleshooting deviations in unvalidated cleaning processes. Computer Systems Validation Validation technicians in this department ensure that GxP computer systems process data and information the way they were programmed and that no deviation occurs. When conducting computer system validation, a CSV process is initiated to ensure that the whole system runs accurately, is robust, and has no tampering or software intrusion. Skills Possessed By Validation Technicians
Conclusion Lab equipment validation technicians play a significant role in ensuring that your equipment, process, or facility is accurately validated according to the relevant protocols. Validation ensures that various devices and systems run and produce the expected results. For this reason, validation technicians must have the technical background and relevant experience in a specific validation field. Biotechnical Services Inc. has specialized validation technicians who can handle any of your system, process, or lab equipment in Los Angeles. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/lab-equipment-validation-technicians-who-are-they-and-what-do-they-do/ A flow meter is equipment for measuring the flow rate of gases and fluids under a process in various facilities and industrial plants. It is a test instrument that determines the speed of fluids passing through vessels, orifices, or pipelines at a particular time. Instrumentation and control engineers normally regulate the efficiency and speed of fluid flow. However, the flow meter readings deviate during the process due to liquid pressure causing an inaccurate reading. Flow meter calibration is conducted to reset the meter to the true value when this happens. Flow meters are calibrated by comparing them to a predefined standard. Biotechnical Services Inc. has the best technology for accurate and precise flow meter calibration in San Diego.
Flow Meter Calibration and Recalibration Flow meter calibration entails comparing the measurement readings of a particular flow meter and comparing it to a standard under the same conditions and rectifying the flow meter by adjusting it to be accurate according to the given standard. Flow meter recalibration involves resetting a flow meter that has already been used. As a flow meter is used, it goes out of phase over time. How to Calibrate a Flow Meter There are several ways of calibrating a flow meter. However, these methods must meet the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. Some of the methods used by Biotechnical Services Inc. for flow meter calibration in San Diego are:
Tips on The Best Flow Meter Calibration PracticesCalibration Standard The accuracy of flow meter calibration depends on the precision of the calibration standard. When calibrating your flow meter, ensure that the standard is four times more accurate than the flow meter under test. It is a requirement by the set calibration industry standards. However, the more accurate calibration standards are, the more the cost. A more accurate calibration standard has more quantity of test points being recorded and their breadth. A more advanced calibration standard has a set of several piezometers. The other costs associated with flow meter calibration are; uninstalling, transport, and the final reinstallation of the flow meter to its process. Biotechnical Services Inc. can perform onsite calibration. You don’t have to incur the costs of dismantling and transporting your flow meter. Our calibration engineers will visit your facility or industry when you contact us; perform the tests, and calibrate your flow meter. Traceability The standard used for flow meter calibration should be traceable to a documented and recognized body in the industry. In the United States, calibration standards are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The traceability of a standard is critical for calibration authenticity. When calibrating your flow meter under traceability, it is compared against a given standard usually conducted under strictly controlled laboratory conditions. It ensures that the test conducted is traceable to national and international standards. Flow Rate The equipment flow rate and the standard must be consistent when conducting your calibration. For the calibration tests to be constant, ensure that you take both readings in real-time to establish if there is a deviation before adjusting your flow meter. The calibration procedure has o be conducted by a specialist technician who has a sound understanding of gas and fluid properties. Biotechnical Services Inc. has certified technicians for your flow meter calibration in San Diego. Consistent Measurement Calibration measurements must be taken and examined consistently for accurate results. A certified technician must ensure that the correct calibration procedure is adhered to, traceability standards are followed, and any uncertainty during the test is recorded. When calibrating the flow meter, temperature fluctuations in the laboratory must be considered. These tests must be carried out by a calibration professional. Simulation When calibrating your flow meter, ensure that you consider the equipment’s conditions it usually operates. The conditions that affect the flow meter reading include:
Conclusion The accuracy of your flow meter is crucial. Failure to calibrate your equipment may lead to detrimental consequences, losses, and a reduction in its performance. Contact Biotechnical Services Inc. for accurate and precise flow meter calibration in San Diego and its environs if your facility or industry requires equipment tests. Original blog posted here - https://www.biotechserv.com/important-tips-on-how-to-perform-flow-meter-calibration/ Proper refrigerator calibration is essential to preserve the efficacy of your costly vaccines and other medications. The optimum temperature to store your vaccines in a medical refrigerator is between 2 to 8 degrees centigrade, as recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The temperature range must be kept constant during the transportation and storage of your vaccine. Most medical refrigerators are equipped with sensitive temperature sensors and digital controllers to keep your medical refrigerator within the required temperature range. However, these temperature probes and digital controllers lose their accuracy with time.
The National Institute of Standards (NIST) records that 35% of wasted vaccines are due to uncalibrated medical refrigerators. It has prompted NIST to set up a calibration standard for all medical refrigerators. For you to be within the CDC and NIST calibration requirements, it is advisable to calibrate your medical refrigerator regularly. At Biotechnical Services Inc., we offer precise medical refrigerator calibration in San Francisco. We use the latest calibration technology and equipment to produce the most accurate and premier calibration and validation standards. How to Keep Your Medical Refrigerator Calibrated Use a Calibrated Medical Refrigerator Most medical refrigerators come with pre-installed temperature probes and digital controllers. These controllers are often calibrated according to NIST standards and often accompanied by a calibration certificate lasting for a year or two. The calibration certificate act as proof that the temperature is within the standard range approved by the CDC. However, after the calibration period elapses, you need to recalibrate your refrigerator. Use of Calibrated Thermal Recorder and Data Logger A thermal recorder refers to an internal temperature probe that is mainly combined with a small digital thermometer, i.e. a data logger. The data logger is mostly NIST calibrated and has a different price range according to its features. You may purchase a data logger that is Bluetooth or WiFi-enabled, or one with sophisticated high-tech cloud-based notification and reporting software. Place your data logger inside your medical refrigerator next to your specimen. Ensure that you pass its connecting wires through the data loggers’ ports to the display or a monitor, mounted mainly on top of your medical refrigerator for easier temperature monitoring. If you want to install thermal recorders and data loggers in your medical refrigerator, Biotechnical Services Inc. has experienced and qualified technical staff. At Biotechnical Services Inc., we will install your data loggers and help you with refrigerator calibration in San Diego and its environs. Recalibrate Your Medical Refrigerator When choosing either a calibrated medical refrigerator or a data logger, consider the ease of recalibration for each option. Since most medical refrigerators lack NIST calibrated temperature controllers, adding a thermal recorder and a data logger for alarms and VFC reporting is advisable. Having both a temperature controller and a data logger provides dual reporting and eliminates the chances of losing your products in the refrigerator. Most data loggers require that you ship them to the manufacturer for calibration. However, you can contact a calibration specialist for onsite calibration. At Biotechnical Services Inc., we offer the services of onsite medical refrigerator calibration. Once you notice a deviation in temperature reading, contact us at Biotechnical Services Inc. for your onsite medical refrigerator calibration in San Francisco and other regions of California. How to Keep Your Medical Refrigerator Working Smooth Check The Door Seal You should check your medical refrigerator door seal to determine if there is any wear and tear. When you close the refrigerator door, ensure that there is no gaps between its body and the seal. If your seal has a tear, contact a technical for seal replacement to make your refrigerator run efficiently. Check The Fan and Motor Always clean both the cooling fans outside and inside your medical refrigerator to eliminate the trapped dust and particles. When cleaning, use a damp cloth to dust off the motor and the fan blades. Clear all the residue and ensure that the cooper tubing remains insulated and intact. Clean The Inner Cabinet The shelving and the entire inner cabinet unit need a thorough cleaning to avoid the growth of bacteria or fungi. Avoid cleaning the inner cabinet when the vaccines or other medicines are inside. Opening the cabinet door for cleaning will make the refrigerator temperature out of range. To eliminate the bacteria or fungi, use a disinfectant such as Lysol. Check Electrical Connections and Power Cord To ensure the safety of your medical refrigerator, ensure that the appliance plug is not burnt looking, melted, broken, or twisted up. Ensure that the electrical connections to the power cord are not worn out and that the insulation is still intact without any strip or an exposed conductor. Other Equipment to Check Ensure that the data loggers and temperature controllers give precise and accurate notifications and reports. Ensure that your calibration certificate is not expired. If the calibration period has elapsed, contact a specialized for immediate calibration. Check your battery backup system to avoid losses due to power interruptions. It is essential to check the battery backup at least weekly. ConclusionMedical refrigerator calibration ensures that your vaccines and other medicines are in the correct temperature range. Inaccurate temperature reading could cause you losses. It is vital to keep your medical refrigerator accurate at all times. At Biotechnical Services Inc., we can install data loggers and temperature controllers in your refrigerator professionally. Contact us at Biotechnical Services Inc. for your medical refrigerator calibration in San Francisco and its environs when you notice a slight change in temperature reading. Original blog posted here - https://www.biotechserv.com/refrigerator-calibration-to-ensure-your-medical-refrigerator-is-working-smooth/ The accuracy of a spectrophotometer affects the quality of specimen measurements. The proper functioning is determined by the precision of various parameters of its internal optical setup. If you want to guarantee the highest performance possible of your spectrophotometer, it needs to be calibrated. When calibrating a spectrophotometer, a blank solution is required to provide absorbance of the said solution as a zero reference when conducting a spectroscopic analysis. When a spectrophotometer is accurately calibrated, you can quickly determine a substance’s absorbance of light at a specific wavelength. It is essential to calibrate your spectrophotometer to maintain its baseline for future experiments. A specialist best handles spectrophotometer calibration. At Biotechnical Services Inc., we offer efficient and scientific spectrophotometer calibration in San Diego and the larger California region.
Spectrophotometers are usually tested and calibrated according to the pharmacopeia procedure. In the US, the calibration procedures are defined by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Here are the parameters to be tested and calibrated according to USP:
Here are the parameters that are tested and calibrated but not required by USP:
Photometric Accuracy Photometric accuracy refers to a spectrophotometer’s ability to precisely measure the absorbance of a specimen and return the said absorbance closely as possible to the actual value. Photometric accuracy is tested and calibrated by measuring liquid or solid filters of a particular absorbance and concentration values and comparing the measured absorbance with a reference standard value. For instance, a certain amount of potassium dichromate solution can be measured using an ultraviolet range and compared with a neutral density filter to determine if it falls within the acceptable level of the reference material. Wavelength Accuracy Wavelength accuracy assesses whether a spectrophotometer can precisely reproduce wavelengths. The wavelength accuracy-test determines the presence of misalignments or shifts in a wavelength axis. A wavelength calibration material should produce well-defined and narrow peaks. Holmium oxide solution is usually used to calibrate wavelength accuracy. The acceptable calibration standard depends on the wavelength range and the material used. Photometric Linearity Photometric linearity refers to the linearity of a function of increasing concentration of measured values such as absorbance. When performing the tests and calibration for photometric linearity, the same procedure as photometric accuracy is used except that different filters are used according to the accepted criteria when determining the linearity of three concentrations. Photometric Repeatability Photometric repeatability is the capacity or capability to return absorbance from measurements taken multiple times in a repeatable and reliable manner. When conducting photometric repeatability tests and calibration, the same reference materials as photometric accuracy are used only. In this regard, the filters are measured ten times before calculating the standard deviation of the calculated measurements to establish the extent of repeatability. Resolution Resolution refers to the resolving power and the capability of a UV spectrophotometer to resolve the structures within a given spectrum. When testing and calibrating spectrophotometer resolution, a solution of n-Hexane and Toluene is used. The absorption rate of a well-resolved peak at minimum and maximum are assessed. According to the USP testing and calibration standards, the ratio of the given minimum and maximum UV absorbance at a specific wavelength must be more than 1.3 for sufficient resolution to be determined. Our laboratory at Biotechnical Services Inc. has the latest technology for performing your spectrophotometer calibration in San Diego and the greater California region. Stray Light Stray light is not part of the test, analysis, or calibration. It is just a light that manages to reach the detector causing biases to the wavelength under study. Stray light does not originate from the specimen being measured. Typically, the stray light alters the sample results, causing a systematic error during the analysis. When testing and calibrating the stray light, a filter made of a solution of potassium chloride under a specified wavelength is used to determine the filter ratio of the solution. The spectrophotometer is calibrated when the stray light exceeds the acceptable criteria. Automated Verification The tests mentioned above and calibration can be conducted either automatically or manually. However, manual methods have a higher risk of minimizing calibration precision, are prone to imminent error, and are time-consuming. Advantages of Automated Verification
Conclusion An accurate and excellent spectrophotometer is vital for data measurement precision and compliance purposes. For accurate analysis and quality control of your processes, you should keep your spectrophotometer as accurate as possible. At Biotechnical Services Inc., we offer high integrity spectrophotometer calibration in San Diego with complete documentation and onsite installation and qualification for reliable and compliant laboratory operations. Original article posted here - https://www.biotechserv.com/expert-tips-on-how-to-calibrate-spectrophotometer/ If you want to develop and provide optimum storage for your cell cultures properly, you must maintain the highest performance standards for your lab incubator. Decontamination, cleaning, proper usage, and calibration of an incubator keep it running efficiently. An efficient incubator maintains the required gaseous, humidity, and temperature levels. No matter the types of incubator, such as Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), dual or single block, they have almost standard cleaning, operation, and calibration methods.
If your equipment is not working as it should or its calibration certificate has expired, contact us at Biotechnical Services Inc. for testing, maintenance, and incubator calibration in Los Angeles. We provide precise and accurate calibration of all types of lab incubators. The procedure of Cleaning Your Incubator Transfer Your Cell Culture to Another Incubator Before cleaning your incubator, transfer your specimen to the next incubator to avoid contamination or getting your culture compromised during the process. When your incubator is empty, you can work on it with comfort and perform confident and thorough cleaning. The next step is to shut down your incubator and cut the gas supply off. Remove The Shelves and Internal Components For proper cleaning of your incubator, take out all the removable components. Empty your water dish and wipe it with a clean cloth to avoid shedding fibers and lint. Clean The Internal Surfaces Using a mild dish detergent or a botanical cleaner, clean all your incubator’s internal parts, including the shelves, ducts, shelf supports, door gaskets, and fan. Ensure that you remove all the residues, dirt, and dust. Rinse the interior surface and wipe using a dry cloth. When you have entirely wiped every component, disinfect the interior chamber with 70% alcohol to keep your incubator clean and eliminate any lingering disinfectant. Turn The Incubator Heat On Close the incubator door and turn the heat on. Closing the door ensures that the incubator does not attract dust and other contaminants again during the process. The heating process should take a few minutes only. Turn On Automatic Decontamination The decontamination cycle is meant to get rid of any fungi or bacteria. Once the process is complete, fill the sterile water into the water reservoir. Avoid using tap water because the tiny amount of chlorine can corrode the cooper or steel parts with time and introduce more minerals and bacteria. Ultra-pure or deionized water is not recommended because it is aggressive; ions may react with copper, steel, glass, and other components in your incubator. Clean Incubator’s Exterior Clean every exterior part of your incubator to prevent dust, dirt, and other contaminants from getting into your incubator when you open the door. When cleaning the exterior part of the incubator, use a lint-free cloth with soapy water. Wipe with a soft clean cloth and clear water before drying it with a dry cloth. Ensure that you thoroughly clean the door handles and places you mostly touch. Operation of Lab Incubator Before operating your incubator, ensure that it is clean and has no residue from the previous specimen. When you have ascertained that your incubator is clean, connect its plug to the power source. Press ON both on the main switch and the control panel. You should be able to see the temperature controller, incubator motor, internal displays, and the orange lamp turning on. On the control panel, press ON on the heating switch; you will notice a green indicator lamp and dry heater. Scroll to your desired temperature on the temperature controller by pressing the decrement or the increment key. Once you have attained your required temperature, set the thermostat at about 5 degrees above the required temperature. The thermostat will cut the power off if the temperature exceeds the allowed 5 degrees before sounding an alarm. When your temperature is set, you will see a green digital on it and a red digital display of the actual temperature. On your PC or printer, set the time interval for data communication. If necessary, switch on the fluorescent light and enter the temperature monitoring record before recording the incubator log details of your cell culture samples. Ensure that your incubator is kept away from a heating device. Keep a record of temperature two times a day, i.e., early in the morning and later in the evening. At Biotechnical Services Inc., you can trust us for your equipment supply, installation, testing, and incubator calibration in Los Angeles. Lab Incubator Calibration Switch off your incubator and transfer your specimen to another incubator. Insert the thermal probes before removing the incubator cork from the validation porthole. After setting the temperature probes, switch on your incubator. Once your desired temperature is reached, start the data logger. Record the display temperatures and the data logger temperatures after about 10 or 15 minutes. You can monitor the sets of each temperature for about 2 to 3 hours. If you notice a temperature variation, adjust your incubator accordingly. Conclusion Proper cleaning, operation, and calibration of a lab incubator ensure that it runs smoothly and lasts longer. Always ensure that you frequently clean your incubator thoroughly for optimum growth of your cell cultures. Follow the standard operating procedures to ensure that your incubator is appropriately maintained. When your incubator has an error in temperature reading, contact us at Biotechnical Services Inc. for your incubator calibration in Los Angeles. Original article posted here - https://www.biotechserv.com/procedure-for-cleaning-operation-and-calibration-of-incubator/ |
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