kalibraatioketju

Kalibraatioketju refers to the traceable sequence of comparisons between a measurement instrument and a known standard. Each step in this sequence involves a calibration process where the instrument's readings are compared to a reference. This reference is itself calibrated against a higher-level standard, and so on, creating a chain of traceability. The ultimate link in this chain is usually a national or international primary standard, maintained by a metrology institute.

The purpose of a kalibraatioketju is to ensure that measurements made by any instrument can be related to the fundamental units of measurement. This is crucial for quality control, scientific research, and regulatory compliance. For example, if a thermometer is used to measure the temperature of a pharmaceutical product, its calibration must be traceable through a kalibraatioketju to a standard temperature reference. This guarantees that the measurement is accurate and comparable to measurements made elsewhere.

The integrity of the kalibraatioketju depends on the competence of the calibration laboratories involved and the quality of the standards used. Each calibration step must be documented, and the uncertainty of each comparison must be evaluated. Deviations or breaks in the chain can lead to inaccurate measurements and undermine confidence in the results. Therefore, maintaining a robust and unbroken kalibraatioketju is a fundamental aspect of modern metrology and quality assurance systems.