FDA: Analytical Balance with Auto Calibration Needs External Check

Periodic Performance Checks of Your Analytical Balance Are Necessary for Optimal Performance

This FDA advisory answers the question of depending on the built-in auto-calibration feature without external checks on performance.  The FDA advices against solely relying on the auto-calibrate feature and to verify the auto-calibrate function with external checks. The reason for this is while not spelt out in the Q&A is simple: When you are dealing with quantities that are a tenth of a milligram, even a minor error in your analytical balance can have drastic consequences.  The FDA recommends frequency of performance checks based on the degree of use.  And also recommends verification of the auto calibration mechanism at least once a year.

For further information visit www.fda.gov.