Performance Tests and Calibrations

More detailed performance tests and calibrations are performed using the CMS pixel online software implemented in the XDAQ framework. The following sequence of test and calibration stages is processed [7]  

Repeat the adjustment of the delay settings within the digital communication circuit. 

Adjust the s ampling point (delay and phase setting) in the FED for the digitization of the analog pulse. 

Adjust the laser bias in the AOHs. The optimal setting is found by increasing the bias current until the separation between the ultra-black and the black level saturates. The AOH bias calibration is temperature dependent and has to be redone each time the operating temperature of the detector changes. 

Set the ultra-black signals of the ROCs and TBMs to the correct amplitude [8]. The TBM and ROC ultra-black levels have to be readjusted in case the previous item changes. 

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Given their radio-frequency electrical properties and nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shift components, solutions of reversed micelles constituted of water, AOT, and decane have been proposed as suitable systems to test and calibrate the performance of magnetic resonance imagers [68]. 

The requirements for persoimel are quite demanding and the assessors look in detail at the qualifieation of the persoimel. The laboratoiy management shall ensure the competenee of all who operate specific equipment, perform tests and/or calibrations, evaluate results, and sign test reports and ealibra-tion certificates. When staff are used which are still undergoing training, appropriate supervision shall be provided. 

Ensuring the competence of all who operate specific equipment, perform tests and/or calibrations, evaluate results, and sign test reports and calibration certifbates. 

The scope of the 17025 standard states that it specifies the general requirements for the competence to carry out tests and/or calibrations, including sampling. It covers testing and calibration performed using standard methods, non-standard methods, and laboratory-developed methods (ISO/IEC 2005, Preface p ii). 

Anklam et al. [7] as well as Ahmed [8] recently published a comprehensive overview of different PCR assays that have been published in the literature. The authors tried to include performance data adding to the value of the review articles. The validation of PCR methods and thus the establishment of such performance criteria is still the subject of much debate. H bner et al. [9] suggested an approach for the validation of PCR assays. In general, it is currently the view of most researchers that validation of a PCR assay should not differ essentially from the validation of other analytical methods. Thus, all principles outlined in the ISO standard 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, ISO standard 5725 Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results as well as the principles as laid down by Codex Alimentarius (http //www.co-dexalimentarius.net), are applicable to PCR. 

The instruments and laboratory equipment needed in testing are continuously maintained in good working condition. Also, when the instruments are used in daily research and in methods development, their good condition is a prerequisite. Despite daily use of the instruments, their performance is checked and calibrations are done regularly, and always (during one week) before the testing period. Different instruments need their own performance check (consult e.g. the manufacturers methods). The results of performance checks and calibrations are... 

A good investigation is not done by shooting in all directions. It is performed with an outlined strategy. A clear distinction has to be made between knowns and unknowns, and between established methods that have already been tested and calibrated versus developing methods that have to be checked and calibrated. 

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) provides considerable direction regarding appropriate methodology for establishing spectrophotometer performance tests and multivariate calibration [7]. 

To illustrate density measurement by capacitive methods, the performance of the ANL capacitive mass flowmeter is described. Instrument evaluation tests were conducted at the ANL Solid/Liquid Test Facility (SLTF), shown schematically in Fig. 6.19. The SLTF was designed as a specialized instrument-testing and calibration-loop facility for various liquid and liquid/solid media. The facility can provide volumetric flow rates that range from 0 to 10 L/s and flow speeds up to 6 m/s in 2-in. Schedule 40 pipe. It is equipped with an acoustic cross-correlation flowmeter, a PNA system to... 

Standard ISO/IEC 17025 2005 requires a laboratory to have quality control procedures for monitoring the validity of tests and calibrations undertaken. This means that laboratories must perform internal performance-based quality control checks in accordance with Section 5.9 of ISO/IEC 17025 2005 as it applies to every test, technology, and/or parameter within their scope(s) of accreditation in order to demonstrate compliance with accreditation requirements. Reference or fortified material containing known amounts of analyte, at or near the permitted limit or the decision limit (a non-compliant control sample) as well as compliant control materials and reagent blanks should preferably be carried through the entire procedure simultaneously with each batch of test samples analyzed. Ideally, the control samples should also be very similar to test samples and stable over time. The laboratory should maintain a sufficient amount of control material to last for a significant time period (preferably a number of years) and at suitable analyte concentrations. 

To test and calibrate the HPLC system, first perform a blank analysis by injecting a water sample. Next analyze a PAP reference, which should elute at ca. 12 min followed by a PAPS reference, which should elute at ca. 16 min. 

HCF and process operators use the performance monitoring instrumentation and controls described above to maintain Zone 1 confinement boundary integrity. The functional performance of this equipment is assured by means of administratively controlled TSR surveillance activities. SCB-to-Zone 2A differential pressure instrumentation is subject to periodic channel functional testing and calibration, and the ventilation system fan sequencing interlock is periodically tested by HCF operations personnel in accordance with operating procedures. 

The review of equipment qualification should determine (a) whether assurance of the required equipment performance capability was initially provided and (b) whether equipment performance has been preserved by ongoing application of measures such as scheduled maintenance, testing and calibration and has been clearly documented. It should be noted that a review relating to (a) above may not be necessary if a previous review has concluded... 

General Criteria for the Operation of Various Types of Bodies Performing Inspections General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories... 

The minimum requirements for this type of work will depend on the type of testing and calibration being performed. However, because much of it relates to radiation protection instruments the actual neutron flux and gamma radiation level requirements are quite low. Dose rate levels from a few micro-Sv h to a few milli-Sv h are often all that is necessary. 

Each laboratory should have a quality assurance program which should be well understood and used by individuals as well as by laboratory organizations to prevent, detect, and correct problems. The purpose is to ensure that the results have a high probability of being of acceptable quality. Ongoing activities may include preventative instrument maintenance, performance verification and calibration, system suitability testing, analysis of blanks and quality control samples, and ensuring system security. A plan should be set up to... 

The instrumentation will be calibrated as per the requirements of the test codes. All the instrumentation must be calibrated before a test and certified that they meet the code requirements. The ASME PTC 19 series outlines the governing requirements of all instrumentation for an ASME Performance Test to be within the governing band of uncertainty. 

Operational qualification involves performing a series of tests to check that all elements of the system are functional across the specified operating range. This usually involves performing challenges at the worst case extreme operating conditions. The process should allow confirmation of final operation, maintenance and calibration procedures. 

Overall control is provided by the PDP-11/44, running DEC S RSX-llM operating system. RSX-llM is a multi-user multi-task operating system, and a number of other analytical instruments are interfaced to this computer system and are running concurrently. The automated Instron software is menu-driven because our experience has shown that menu-driven software is particularly effective for applications of this type. To perform either test the user accesses a main menu from which separate menus for instrument calibration, tensile tests, and flexure tests can be reached. The tensile and flexure menus have equivalent options the choices pertaining to automated testing are as follows ... 

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