Which action is appropriate when instrument drift is detected between calibration checks?

Which action is appropriate when instrument drift is detected between calibration checks?

• A. Investigate and correct drift with recalibration, revalidation of QC, reanalysis of affected samples, and documenting corrective actions.
• B. Ignore drift if results seem plausible.
• C. Only replace the instrument.
• D. Document the drift but take no corrective action.

Answer: (A)

When instrument drift is found between calibration checks, the goal is to restore measurement accuracy and ensure data integrity. The best action is to investigate why the drift occurred, correct it by recalibrating the instrument, revalidate the quality control to confirm performance, reanalyze any samples that may have been affected, and thoroughly document the corrective actions. This approach directly addresses the bias introduced by drift, keeps results trustworthy, and maintains traceability. Merely ignoring drift, replacing the instrument without investigation, or just noting it without taking corrective steps would leave data potentially biased and noncompliant.

When instrument drift is found between calibration checks, the goal is to restore measurement accuracy and ensure data integrity. The best action is to investigate why the drift occurred, correct it by recalibrating the instrument, revalidate the quality control to confirm performance, reanalyze any samples that may have been affected, and thoroughly document the corrective actions. This approach directly addresses the bias introduced by drift, keeps results trustworthy, and maintains traceability. Merely ignoring drift, replacing the instrument without investigation, or just noting it without taking corrective steps would leave data potentially biased and noncompliant.