Calibration of laboratory equipment in university environments: narrowing the gap in terms of metrological management
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Abstract
In university laboratories, data is generated that feeds research and teaching activities. In addition, they support different productive sectors and, in some cases, provide information for decision-making with legal scope. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the quality of its results by implementing actions to improve measures. In this sense, the objective of this study was to develop a strategy for calibrating laboratory equipment and glassware at the National University of Costa Rica (UNA) to reduce the gap in metrological management. Among the most relevant results are that university laboratories have little or no budget for their measurements’ metrological management, making it challenging to meet needs such as equipment calibration and staff training. In addition, it depends administratively on other university entities such as schools and institutes, which limits its response capacity in terms of offering services to external users. In the case of the UNA, significant investments have been made in equipment and personnel training. However, not all traceability needs have been covered, which prevents the complete management of the quality of the results. This study has identified mechanisms for laboratories to have traceability to the International System of Units (SI), increasing confidence in their results, improving the detection of problems, and even reducing economic pressure on the calibration item.
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