We ensure the quality of our clients' measurements through reliable, reproducible, and secure metrological services.
Discover our laboratories and scopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions from our clients.
-
1. When was A Uno Calibration Laboratory, S.A. (A1 Calibration) founded?
A Uno Calibration Laboratory, S.A., was founded in May of 2007 and has been providing calibration services continuously at the national and international levels since then.
-
2. Is A1 Calibration accredited under the ISO/IEC 17025 standard?
A1 Calibration has been accredited since April 2008, and the accreditation has been continuous to the present day. The historical accreditation body has been Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation Inc. (PJLA) from the United States.
-
3. Does A1 Calibration have trained technical personnel?
A1 Calibration is accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 and, as part of this accreditation, it has a competency training program tailored to the requirements of each job position. The Technical Management has education, training, and experience in calibration for all the magnitudes covered in A1 Calibration's scope and capabilities. The Technical Management provides training and supervision to each technician until they reach the required competency to perform each calibration procedure. Only then are they authorized to conduct calibration processes for clients.
-
4. Why is A Uno Calibration Laboratory, S.A. accredited by Perry Jonhson Laboratory Accreditation Inc instead of ECA?
The relationship with Perry Jonhson is because initially A1 Calibration was a company with U.S. capital and had operations in the USA that were properly accredited before starting operations in Costa Rica. Later, the operation in Costa Rica was separated, and it became a national capital company, but the relationship with Perry Jonhson remained because it has technical expertise and international recognition on the same level as ECA.
-
5. Is Perry Jonhson Laboratory Accreditation Inc authorized to accredit in Costa Rica?
The recognition of accreditations is based on the recognition that accreditation bodies have at the international level. In the case of Perry Jonhson, for laboratory accreditation, it is recognized by the ILAC International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation. The same body that gives recognition to ECA in Costa Rica.
-
6. What are PJLA's credentials as an accreditation body?
Similar to laboratories, Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA) is continuously evaluated by surveillance bodies APLAC/ILAC. They are evaluated at least every four years, which validates the competence with the Conformity Assessment according to ISO/IEC 17011:2004 - General requirements for bodies providing conformity assessment. Additionally, PJLA has more than 1000 accredited laboratories in various countries on different continents.
-
7. How long is A1 Calibration's accreditation certificate valid with PJLA?
Certificates are issued based on the date when the accreditation review committee makes the decision, with a validity period of two years.
-
8. Does A1 Calibration pick up equipment from clients' premises?
Indeed, A1 Calibration picks up equipment at clients' premises located in the Central Valley, and similarly, once calibrated, the equipment is delivered to clients' premises.
-
9. What is the turnaround time for calibrations?
Calibrations may vary depending on several factors (special customer requirements, subcontracting processes, equipment requiring adjustment and/or repair in which A1 has the capacity to perform, among others), but apart from these situations, A1 Calibration offers clients a response time of 7 to 10 business days once the purchase order and equipment are received at our facilities, and 3 business days for urgent services.
-
10. What is the turnaround time for certificates after the calibration is done?
The certificates are typically delivered on the same day the calibrated equipment is returned, but depending on agreements or handling agreed with clients, it may take 2 to 3 business days to deliver the certificates.
-
11. Does A1 Calibration perform on-site calibrations (In situ Calibration)?
Indeed, A1 Calibration performs on-site calibrations, appropriately coordinated with clients, according to the characteristics and requirements of the equipment to be calibrated. The corresponding certificates are delivered two to three business days after the calibration.
-
12. How often should I calibrate my measuring equipment?
The calibration intervals for clients' equipment are variable, considering the equipment's characteristics, frequency of use, and handling conditions. A1 Calibration Laboratory does not establish measurement intervals, but we can provide customers with guidance on the variables to consider for establishing the required calibration intervals. A Uno does not document calibration expiration dates unless requested by the client.
-
13. What industries does A1 Calibration Laboratory S.A serve?
At A1 Calibration Laboratory, we serve all types of industries. In 2007, we provided services to the aviation industry, and since then, we have extended our scope to serve industries such as medical, aviation, automotive, electrical, food, pharmaceutical, agriculture, metal-mechanical, construction, academia, chemical, among others, with extensive experience.
