What is NIST traceability?

NIST traceability means that Tra-Cal's calibration measurements are linked to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) through an unbroken chain of calibrations. Every standard used at Tra-Cal is calibrated against a higher-level standard that ultimately traces back to NIST's primary reference standards. This ensures that measurements are accurate, consistent, and nationally recognized—a requirement for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and many regulatory compliance programs.

What type of equipment do you calibrate?

Tra-Cal performs calibration across the following disciplines: RF/Microwave, Electronic, Temperature and Humidity, Physical and Dimensional, Optical, Oven and Freezer, and Timing and Frequency. Both in-lab and on-site calibration are available across these categories. If your specific instrument type is not listed, Tra-Cal recommends contacting them directly, as their stated capabilities may extend beyond what is listed on the site.

What is your average turnaround time?

Our standard turnaround time is five business days—significantly faster and more cost-effective than OEMs and other third-party labs. For time-sensitive requirements, expedited options are available as well, including same-day options for both in-lab and on-site calibrations.

What is the difference between an accredited lab and an accredited calibration?

An accredited lab (such as Tra-Cal, which is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited) has been formally evaluated and approved by an accreditation body (ANAB) for its quality management system, technical competence, and procedures. An accredited calibration specifically refers to a calibration performed within the lab's approved scope—meaning the specific measurement type and range are covered under the lab's accreditation certificate. It is possible for a lab to perform calibrations outside its accredited scope, so customers should confirm that their specific instrument and measurement range falls within the lab's current scope of accreditation.

Do you offer expedited calibration options?

Yes. Tra-Cal requires the manufacturer name, model number, serial number, and item description for any instrument submitted for expedited calibration. This information should be provided prior to pickup, drop-off, or shipping of the equipment to confirm expedited availability.

Do you offer repair services?

Yes. Tra-Cal has offered test and measurement equipment repair services for over 30 years. Our technicians service equipment from more than 100 manufacturers, including Keysight, Tektronix, Boonton, Fluke, Anritsu, Rohde and Schwarz, JDSU/Viavi, Ando, Thorlabs, and others. Common instruments serviced include spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and signal generators.

Is Tra-Cal ISO/IEC 17025 accredited?

Yes. Tra-Cal is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, as well as ANSI Z540-1 and Z540.3 standards. The lab is inspected annually by the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB). A current Certificate of Accreditation is available on our site.

Are Tra-Cal's calibrations NIST traceable?

Yes. All calibrations performed by Tra-Cal are based on measurement standards traceable to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This traceability applies across all calibration disciplines the lab supports, including RF/microwave, electronic, temperature, physical, and dimensional.

Do you offer on-site calibration services?

Yes. Tra-Cal provides on-site calibration services throughout Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington D.C. area. The service is designed to minimize production downtime by eliminating the need to disassemble and ship sensitive equipment. On-site ISO 17025:2017 accredited calibration is also available. Inquire with us for an on-site calibration quote.

How do I get a calibration quote?

Quotes can be requested directly through our Request a Quote form. We can also be reached by phone at 301-527-9200 or by email at info@tra-cal.com. Tra-Cal is located at 8577 Atlas Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

Will Tra-Cal notify me when my instruments are due for recalibration?

Yes. Tra-Cal provides monthly notifications to customers when instruments are approaching their calibration due date.

Do you provide onsite calibration using mobile labs so instruments can be calibrated at our facility with NIST-traceable documentation?

Yes. Onsite calibration services are available using fully equipped mobile labs. Technicians can come directly to your facility and perform precise calibration for a wide range of electronic, RF/microwave, and physical measurement instruments. All calibrations are backed by NIST-traceable documentation, including certificates and stickers, to make sure your equipment meets compliance and audit requirements. This option helps you minimize downtime and eliminates the need to ship sensitive instruments offsite.

Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical answers about our calibration capabilities, accreditation, on-site services, documentation, and industries served.

NIST traceability means that Tra-Cal’s calibration measurements are linked to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) through an unbroken chain of calibrations. Every standard used at Tra-Cal is calibrated against a higher-level standard that ultimately traces back to NIST’s primary reference standards. This ensures that measurements are accurate, consistent, and nationally recognized—a requirement for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and many regulatory compliance programs.
Tra-Cal performs calibration across the following disciplines: RF/Microwave, Electronic, Temperature and Humidity, Physical and Dimensional, Optical, Oven and Freezer, and Timing and Frequency. Both in-lab and on-site calibration are available across these categories. If your specific instrument type is not listed, Tra-Cal recommends contacting them directly, as their stated capabilities may extend beyond what is listed on the site.
Our standard turnaround time is five business days—significantly faster and more cost-effective than OEMs and other third-party labs. For time-sensitive requirements, expedited options are available as well, including same-day options for both in-lab and on-site calibrations.
An accredited lab (such as Tra-Cal, which is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited) has been formally evaluated and approved by an accreditation body (ANAB) for its quality management system, technical competence, and procedures. An accredited calibration specifically refers to a calibration performed within the lab’s approved scope—meaning the specific measurement type and range are covered under the lab’s accreditation certificate. It is possible for a lab to perform calibrations outside its accredited scope, so customers should confirm that their specific instrument and measurement range falls within the lab’s current scope of accreditation.
Yes. Tra-Cal requires the manufacturer name, model number, serial number, and item description for any instrument submitted for expedited calibration. This information should be provided prior to pickup, drop-off, or shipping of the equipment to confirm expedited availability.
Yes. Tra-Cal has offered test and measurement equipment repair services for over 30 years. Our technicians service equipment from more than 100 manufacturers, including Keysight, Tektronix, Boonton, Fluke, Anritsu, Rohde and Schwarz, JDSU/Viavi, Ando, Thorlabs, and others. Common instruments serviced include spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and signal generators.
Yes. Tra-Cal is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, as well as ANSI Z540-1 and Z540.3 standards. The lab is inspected annually by the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB). A current Certificate of Accreditation is available on our site.
Yes. All calibrations performed by Tra-Cal are based on measurement standards traceable to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This traceability applies across all calibration disciplines the lab supports, including RF/microwave, electronic, temperature, physical, and dimensional.
Yes. Tra-Cal provides on-site calibration services throughout Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington D.C. area. The service is designed to minimize production downtime by eliminating the need to disassemble and ship sensitive equipment. On-site ISO 17025:2017 accredited calibration is also available. Inquire with us for an on-site calibration quote.
Quotes can be requested directly through our Request a Quote form. We can also be reached by phone at 301-527-9200 or by email at info@tra-cal.com. Tra-Cal is located at 8577 Atlas Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Yes. Tra-Cal provides monthly notifications to customers when instruments are approaching their calibration due date.
Yes. Onsite calibration services are available using fully equipped mobile labs. Technicians can come directly to your facility and perform precise calibration for a wide range of electronic, RF/microwave, and physical measurement instruments. All calibrations are backed by NIST-traceable documentation, including certificates and stickers, to make sure your equipment meets compliance and audit requirements. This option helps you minimize downtime and eliminates the need to ship sensitive instruments offsite.