Measurement systems calibration: microcomputer implementation

Measurement systems used in the collection and processing of laboratory data must be calibrated periodically to obtain accurate results. Because calibration factors can change over time or may be reset to optimize measurements for specific tests, care must be taken to assure that calibration factors and data are aligned correctly. Users should be able to process current data or re-process older data using appropriate calibration factors. The alignment of calibration factors and data should occur in a simple, automatic and transparent way. This document describes one approach to calibration procedures and computer programs used to collect, process, document, measure and display laboratory data. The examples are from our neurophysiology laboratory, where investigators study the mammalian spinal cord and peripheral neuromuscular system. Typical calibration problems, some workable solutions, and computer programs (described in pseudocode) are presented.