Calibration | Validation |
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Calibration is a process that ensures that accuracy is maintained in the measurements produced by your equipment. |
Validation is a documented process that provides assurance that a product, service or system consistently provides results within the acceptable criteria. |
Calibration performance of any equipment is compared against a reference standard. |
There are no reference standards used in validation. |
Calibration assures accuracy of measurements. | Validation provides proof of consistency across all the processes, batches of products or methods being used. |
You must periodically calibrate your instruments. Identify if there is a ‘drift’ in the measurements and eliminate it through calibration. |
There are no such requirements for validation. It should be performed when you make any change in the existing system or when the revalidation period has reached. |
It should be performed as per calibration SOP. | It should be performed as per the validation protocol. |