In the context of laboratory equipment, what does "calibration" refer to?

Calibration refers to the process of configuring an instrument to ensure it provides accurate results for a sample. This involves adjusting the instrument to align its output with a known standard or reference. Proper calibration is crucial in laboratory settings to guarantee that measurements are reliable and consistent across different tests and experiments. By setting the instrument to known values, technicians can confidently interpret data and ensure that any analyses are based on accurate readings, which is essential for quality control and compliance with regulations.

While other processes listed might revolve around laboratory functions, they do not specifically address the purpose of calibration, which is to adjust and verify the performance of instruments for precise measurement.