Difference between validation and calibration

A calibration is a process that compares a known against an unknown, whereas a validation confirms that the instrument is installed correctly. Let us understand that in detail.

What is calibration?

A calibration is a process that compares a known (the standard) against an unknown (the customer’s device). During the calibration process, the offset between these two devices is quantified and the customer’s device is adjusted back into tolerance (if possible). A true calibration usually contains both “as found” and “as left” data.

What is validation?

A validation is a detailed process of confirming that the instrument is installed correctly, that it is operating effectively, and that it is performing without error. Because a validation must test all three of these operational parameters, it is broken into three different tests: the installation qualification (IQ), the operational qualification (OQ), and the performance qualification (PQ).