How many times a year should laboratory scales and balances be calibrated and certified?

Calibration and certification of laboratory scales and balances is crucial for ensuring accuracy in measurements. Calibration at least twice a year is recommended because it balances the need for precision with practical considerations of time and resource allocation.

Doing so allows for the identification and correction of any potential drift in measurements that may occur over time due to factors like wear and tear, environmental conditions, or shifts in the equipment's operational integrity.

This semi-annual approach provides a sufficient frequency of checks to maintain the reliability of the scales and balances used in various applications within the laboratory, while also ensuring compliance with standards that many regulatory and accreditation bodies require. Regular calibration fosters confidence in the quantitative data being produced, which is vital for research, development, and quality control processes.