Calibration reports are supposed to be clear and concise so the reader can understand the details. In fact, the ISO 17025 standard has a section that deals with this topic in specific terms so it would seem there should be no room for misinterpretation. Unfortunately, like all standards, if there’s room for creativity, someone will get creative and the results may not be particularly enlightening. In some cases, the intent of the standard is never considered.
Laboratories issuing these documents are not always to blame for this situation. In some cases the instructions from their customers are ambiguous or the reader of the document doesn’t understand some of the content when it is clearly reported. In others, the laboratory is expected to be psychic or judge and jury all in one. In a perfect world, the standard requires discussion with the customer to clarify what is required but often the customer is not up to speed on this and can offer little guidance. In many cases, such discussions could cost the laboratory more than the job is worth. I hope the following comments will help in addressing some of the causes of it all.