Unexpected or inconsistent readings may result from instrument accuracy, environmental conditions, sensor response, placement or actual variation in the measured quantity. Before adjusting an instrument, determine whether the discrepancy can be reproduced under controlled conditions.
Calibration, verification and adjustment
- Verification: compare an instrument reading with a suitable documented reference to determine whether it meets the applicable requirement.
- Calibration: establish and document the relationship between the instrument indication and a reference under defined conditions.
- Adjustment: change an instrument setting or correction where the manufacturer permits it; adjustment is not the same as calibration.
Preparing a useful accuracy check
- Confirm the exact model, probe and intended measuring range.
- Review the official specifications and any stated environmental limits.
- Allow the reference and instrument to stabilize under comparable conditions.
- Record the values, units, measurement locations and reference uncertainty.
- Compare the observations with documented criteria rather than assuming a universal tolerance.
- Use manufacturer-authorized procedures or an appropriate calibration service when required.
Calibration and accuracy articles
- testo 104 Food Temperature Guide: Use, Cleaning and Verification
- testo 103 Food Temperature Measurement: How to Check Core Temperature
- testo 830-T1 Infrared Temperature Measurement Guide: Setup and Accuracy
- testo 810 Infrared Temperature Measurement Guide: Range, Spot Size & Accuracy Tips
- What Should a Food Delivery Temperature Check Record Include? Key Fields
- Infrared Thermometer Calibration Certificates: What to Check
- How to Measure pH in Canned Food Safely: Sampling, Calibration, and the 4.6 Limit
- HVAC Flow Hood Measurements: Setup, Errors and Best Practices : Check the hood seal before trusting
- Infrared Pyrometer Guide: Improve Accuracy with Emissivity and Distance
- How to Choose a Temperature and Humidity Data Logger: Accuracy, Memory and Setup
- Data Logging Explained: Choosing Sampling Intervals for Accuracy and Storage
- Temperature Probes Explained: Types, Accuracy and How to Choose
- pH Probe Calibration: Step-by-Step Instructions and Common Errors : How to distinguish calibration from verification
Do not invent calibration solutions, reference temperatures, allowable errors or legal compliance limits. Confirm procedures against the specific instrument manual and applicable standards.