ABSTRACT
Metrologists, people who work with measurements, devote much effort toward ensuring international consistency in measurement. Instruments in the laboratory are also calibrated. A user might calibrate an instrument by placing a standard in or on the instrument and turning a knob, keying in a value, or adjusting a dial until the instrument displays the value of the standard. It is good laboratory practice to regularly check the performance of instruments to make sure they are functioning properly. A “good” measurement achieves a required level of accuracy and precision. Experienced laboratory professionals know that measurements repeated in succession on the same day tend to be relatively consistent. The measurement of weight is among the most common tasks performed in a biology laboratory. It is the responsibility of the user to make sure that a balance is calibrated.
