The accuracy of a measuring instrument is linked to U.S. National standards by what process?

The process that links the accuracy of a measuring instrument to U.S. National standards is known as traceability. Traceability ensures that measurements can be related to national or international standards through an unbroken chain of comparisons. This connection to established standards reinforces the reliability and credibility of the measurement results.

When a measurement is traceable, it means that it has been compared to a reference standard that is maintained by a recognized authority, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S. This process also involves documentation that demonstrates the relationship between the measurement and its reference standard, which is essential for maintaining quality assurance in various industries, particularly where precision is critical.

Calibration is a related process, as it involves adjusting an instrument to ensure its accuracy, but calibration itself does not inherently guarantee traceability unless it is conducted in accordance with recognized standards. Validation is the process of confirming that a method or instrument performs as intended but is not specifically about linking to national standards. Certification generally refers to a formal recognition that an individual or organization meets specific standards but does not directly reflect the connections between measurement instruments and national standards.