LimsPulse
Incubator · Calibration procedure

Temperature accuracy

Compares the incubator display with a calibrated reference thermometer placed next to the control sensor, at each set point used for testing.

Photo of a Incubator
Photo: Sinalkar Kanchan, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped), via Wikimedia Commons
PURPOSE

Why this is checked

Analysts rely on the display to confirm plates are incubated within the required range. Accuracy calibration confirms the display tells the truth and allows any offset to be corrected.

Frequency

Typically every 6 or 12 months, and after sensor replacement or repair, as defined in your calibration SOP.

Learn how the Incubator works
YOU WILL NEED

Standards & tools

  • Calibrated digital reference thermometer with probe (resolution 0.1 °C), traceable to national standards
BEFORE YOU START

Prerequisites

  • Incubator running at the set point for at least 2 hours (or as per SOP) before measurement
  • Reference probe placed close to the incubator's control sensor, not touching walls or shelves
PROCEDURE

Step by step

  1. 1Set the incubator to the first set point used for testing (e.g. 22.5 °C).
  2. 2After stabilisation, record display and reference readings at least three times at 5–10 minute intervals.
  3. 3Repeat at the second set point (e.g. 32.5 °C).
  4. 4Calculate the mean difference (reference − display) at each set point.
RECORD

Example observation table

Set point (°C)Display (°C)Reference (°C)Difference (°C)
22.522.522.8+0.3
32.532.532.2−0.3
CALCULATION

How to calculate the result

Difference = Reference reading − Display reading
  1. Set 32.5 °C, display 32.5 °C, reference 32.2 °C
  2. Difference = 32.2 − 32.5 = −0.3 °C
  3. Within a typical limit of ±1.0 °C: Pass
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

Pass if

  • Difference between display and reference typically within ±1.0 °C at each set point, as defined in your SOP.
  • Reference temperature within the incubation range required by the methods (e.g. 20–25 °C and 30–35 °C).
IF IT FAILS

What to do

  • Label the incubator out of calibration and move plates to a calibrated incubator.
  • Adjust the controller offset or replace the sensor, then repeat the calibration.
  • Assess tests incubated since the last passing calibration.
MORE

Other Incubator calibrations

In LimsPulse · Calibration Management

LimsPulse schedules this calibration, records the result against limits, and blocks the instrument everywhere if it fails or goes overdue.

See how