Because of their inherent robustness there is a
tendency to take the performance of UV/Vis
spectrophotometers for granted. However, sound
analytical practice requires that their performance
be checked at regular intervals. This performance
can be broken down into two parts – traceable
calibration of the instrument and the checking of its
ability to perform routine chemical analyses. The
latter checks will be carried out by the laboratory
using blanks and standards and are not described
here. Periodic calibration of spectrophotometers
requires measurement of wavelength accuracy,
absorbance and stray light (Stray Radiant Energy).
This guide describes procedures for making these
measurements.