To complete a checklist, calibration record or inspection form on paper without performing the work, often by copying last time's numbers. In a cal lab it is a serious integrity breach, since faked as-found data hides OOT conditions and invalidates traceability for every result that follows. Auditors look for it in data that repeats exactly between calibrations or shows impossibly small scatter.
Same as-found numbers to the last digit three cals running, somebody pencil-whipped that record.
Also heard as
- pencil-whipping
- pencil-whipped
- dry-labbing
Related terms
As found
Calibration data recorded on an instrument as received, before any adjustment or repair is made.
Calibration certificate
The document reporting a calibration's results, uncertainties, conditions and traceability for one specific item.
OOT
Out of tolerance, an as-found calibration result outside the instrument's allowed limits.