Difference between Calibration and Validation: Understanding the Two Key Processes in Measuring Instrumentation
For any measuring instrument, whether it be a thermometer or a flow meter, it is important to ensure that it provides accurate readings. This is where calibration and validation come into play. Although both processes are used to ensure measurement accuracy, they are two distinct processes that differ in their purpose and application. In this article, we will explore the differences between calibration and validation.
What is Calibration?
Calibration is the process of adjusting an instrument to produce accurate results. It involves comparing the measurement produced by the instrument with a reference standard and making any necessary adjustments to ensure accuracy. Calibration is critical because measuring instruments can drift over time due to factors such as age, wear, and environmental factors. Calibration ensures that the instrument maintains its measurement accuracy over time.
What is Validation?
Validation, on the other hand, is the process of verifying that an instrument produces accurate measurements under real-world conditions. Unlike calibration, validation does not involve adjusting the instrument. Instead, it tests the instrument’s accuracy by comparing its measurements in real-world conditions with known, repeated measurements of the same value.
Validation helps to ensure that the instrument can provide reliable measurements in a specific application. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, a validated balance must be used for the accurate weighing of drugs, as this can affect the efficacy or toxicity of the medication.
Key Differences Between Calibration and Validation
The main difference between calibration and validation is the purpose of the two processes. Calibration is used to adjust the instrument to produce accurate results, while validation is used to verify the accuracy of the measurement produced by the instrument under real-world conditions.
Another key difference is the frequency at which they are performed. Calibration should be performed regularly to ensure that the instrument is always working optimally. In contrast, validation is only performed when the instrument is being used in a new application or if there are changes in the conditions of use.
Lastly, the traceability of the results differs between calibration and validation. Calibration provides traceable results, as the instrument is adjusted according to a reference standard. On the other hand, validation provides comparative results, as the instrument’s measurement is compared to known, repeated measurements of the same value.
Conclusion
Calibration and validation are both vital processes for ensuring that an instrument produces accurate measurements. Calibration is used to adjust the instrument to maintain its accuracy, while validation tests the accuracy of the instrument under real-world conditions. While both processes are different, they are complementary and work together to provide the most accurate measurements possible.
Table difference between calibration and validation
| Calibration | Validation |
|---|---|
| Refers to the process of adjusting or tuning a measurement instrument or system to ensure accurate, consistent, and reliable results. | Refers to the process of testing and evaluating the accuracy and reliability of a measurement instrument or system using independent data or methods. |
| Usually performed before or during data collection to ensure that the measurement instruments or methods are properly set up and calibrated. | Usually performed after data collection to check if the measurement instruments or methods have provided accurate and reliable results. |
| Generally involves adjusting the measurement instrument or system to match a known standard or reference value. | Generally involves comparing the measurement results to a different measurement instrument or method to check for consistency and accuracy. |
| Calibration is done to minimize or eliminate errors in the measurement process, ensuring accurate and reliable results. | Validation is done to confirm the accuracy and reliability of the measurement results, ensuring that they are meaningful and useful for the intended purpose. |
| Calibration involves adjusting the measurement instrument or system to improve its accuracy, precision, and repeatability. | Validation involves comparing the measurement results to a known standard or reference value and determining the degree of error or deviation between them. |