What is a calibration curve used for in quality control?

A calibration curve is utilized in quality control to establish the relationship between instrument response and known concentrations of a substance. In the context of quality control, this curve allows for the conversion of measured instrument outputs (such as counts, intensity, or other signals) into accurate concentrations of the radioactive source being analyzed. By plotting the known concentrations against the corresponding instrument responses, a calibration curve can be generated. This curve is crucial because it helps verify that the instrument is functioning correctly and provides reliable quantitative analysis, allowing for precise measurements when assessing the concentration of radioactive materials in various applications.

This method ensures that the results obtained from the measurements are both accurate and reproducible, which is essential for maintaining quality and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards in nuclear medicine and related fields. The use of known standards contributes to the reliability of the measurements, enabling institutions to monitor performance and detect any deviations that may occur over time.