Calibration certificates: getting `value´ for calibration?

A service organization operating through its calibration or testing laboratory as an issuing authority for certificates of calibration or test reports must ensure that the information given on the certificate or report is correct, traceable and that it is adequate for the customers purpose. The user of the certificate of calibration should ensure that the information and the measurements made on an instrument are what is required and that the uncertainties are acceptable. The user is advised to read calibration certificates carefully to make sure that they are of the correct type and to ensure the certificate meets their requirements. The user can greatly assist calibration laboratories by ensuring that the calibration requirements are discussed with the laboratory before the work is commenced. Finally, although `time is of the essence´ when calibration work is undertaken it should not be sacrificed at the expense of the quality of the results and due time must be allowed for the calibration work to be completed correctly