Verification vs. Validation vs. Calibration - What is the difference?

Sean Manning said:

Hi Guys

We were in the process of reviewing our methods and one interesting debate opened up on the use of words "calibration" and "validation". Can anyone provide a clear explanation on the difference between these 2 terms.

All the best

Sean

Click to expand...

For example, in monitoring temperature.

Verification - refers to the first actual check
Validation - double checks first actual check
Calibration - refers to an equipment being compaired and/or adjusted in a similar way as possible with a second equipment or device as the standard.

Hi everybody,
I have to write a procedure to validate a new machine.
Do you have any example for this matter?
Thanks and regards,
Clara

clara said:

Hi everybody,
I have to write a procedure to validate a new machine.
Do you have any example for this matter?
Thanks and regards,
Clara

Click to expand...

Best option is to request the qualified person to validate the machine concerned - capture the activity in a video and few stills - sit back and convert the video into instructions - include pictures wherever required - add some key points to be taken care (based on machine manual and through interaction with the one who validated)

I am sorry, are you asking for a template (i am realising late) ?

Clara,
Search for process validation-IQ,OQ,PQ you will get it.
regards
betty

allenlee said:

Our 3rd party cal lab told us that "validation" report could be a summary and conclusion only without detail measuring data. Is that a standard ?

Click to expand...

I know this is sorta late, but can anyone here comment on this?

My understanding (which is very shaky so what I'm about to say could be wrong, hence me googling this subject) is as follows:

Calibration and verification are carried out on measurement equipment to determine their accuracy.

Calibration would be carried out on adjustable measuring instruments (micrometers, scales, verniers etc). Because the accuracy of such instruments will drift naturally over time, we need to periodically bring them closer to the standard against which they measure.

Verification would be carried out on non-adjustable measuring devices (e.g. steel rules, tape measures) or attribute-based comparison standards such as colour charts. Because these measuring tools will remain the same under stable conditions, the accuracy drift that happens over time with adjustable devices does not occur; they remain stable so calibration is not appropriate.

Since I'm still getting my head round this subject, I would appreciate any feedback please.

simonmaal said:

Calibration would be carried out on adjustable measuring instruments (micrometers, scales, verniers etc). Because the accuracy of such instruments will drift naturally over time, we need to periodically bring them closer to the standard against which they measure.

Verification would be carried out on non-adjustable measuring devices (e.g. steel rules, tape measures) or attribute-based comparison standards such as colour charts. Because these measuring tools will remain the same under stable conditions, the accuracy drift that happens over time with adjustable devices does not occur; they remain stable so calibration is not appropriate.

Click to expand...

I wish to refer to an old post (Post#14 of this thread) with which I'm in perfect agreement so far as Calibration & Adjustments are concerned. Here it is,

Hershal said:

The biggest difference is that calibration requires traceability.....

Traceability in turn requires (1) unbroken chain of comparison to National or international standards; and (2) stated uncertainties at each step.

Verification is just that - verifying something, so it is not calibration.

Validation is making sure that whatever is verified or calibrated is fit for the intended use.

Note that neither of these three necessarily require any adjustment or similar.....each MAY require it, but that is not a fast rule.

Click to expand...

In addition, you may also refer to this NPL FAQ for further clarifications on this issue.

Thank you samsung; I was almost correct then
I've been reading about this in a distance learning course and it's been confusing me like crazy! I think the post you linked to says it all; I did read it earlier but for some reason it didn't really sink in (must have been my early morning!)

simonmaal said:

Thank you samsung; I was almost correct then
I've been reading about this in a distance learning course and it's been confusing me like crazy! I think the post you linked to says it all; I did read it earlier but for some reason it didn't really sink in (must have been my early morning!)

Click to expand...

verification means to satisfy specification's requirement,but validation is to satisfy customer's requirement

or you can say so:

verification is to do right thing,validation is to do what customer wants to have

thats d hit sean
validation is about life cycle of instuments & other tools also
lets an example of TPG, its validation is that how many time we can use it. If its lifetime is 5000 times in particular material that we are using & our production is 1000/day, than it can be validate for 5 days only.