How do you determine the initial recall date for instrumentation?

[wstory1]

Is there a "standard" method for determinimg the initial recall date for a new device? We receive many new devices with manufacturer's calibration certificates, some specify the date the manufacturer performed the calibration, others don't. If there's no date specified we typically determine the recall date from the date the device is placed in service plus the calibration interval. If the certificate does specify a date, do we use the manufacturer's calibration date plus the interval or use the date placed in service plus the interval? In some cases the manufacturer's calibration date plus the interval would still leave the calibration expired. Does the device need to be recalibrated before placing it in service? It's just been sitting on someone's shelf waiting to be sold. Is the calibration really no longer valid?

[Hershal]

In Reply to Parent Post by wstory1

Is there a "standard" method for determinimg the initial recall date for a new device? We receive many new devices with manufacturer's calibration certificates, some specify the date the manufacturer performed the calibration, others don't. If there's no date specified we typically determine the recall date from the date the device is placed in service plus the calibration interval. If the certificate does specify a date, do we use the manufacturer's calibration date plus the interval or use the date placed in service plus the interval? In some cases the manufacturer's calibration date plus the interval would still leave the calibration expired. Does the device need to be recalibrated before placing it in service? It's just been sitting on someone's shelf waiting to be sold. Is the calibration really no longer valid?

You have several hard questions.

First, if received without a truly valid calibration certificate then I would say send it out, get an accredited calibration.

Typically the accepted interval is 12 months, but depending on the sensitivity of the instrument you may need to shorten that. I would say do not extend it, absent historical data (3-4 years worth) to support that.

Some instruments can sit on a shelf for a time and not degrade, but in general, always request an up-to-date calibration (accredited if available) even if it costs a little more.

Hope this helps.