What does it mean for an instrument to be:

a) well-calibrated

b) validated

?

Question

What does it mean for an instrument to be:

a) well-calibrated

b) validated

?

anonymous · Answer

In my opinion well-calibrated is the instrument is calibrated with standard method for using in specific work such as you have to calibrate for testing QC respect to ASTM or any standard
but validated is suitable for some work which you're mentioned, for example if I'm doing thesis or some work which no need the specific standard method, something that valid for your assumption is enough. In the other word, say that it OK for this but less accuracy respect to well-calibrated 

I'm not native person, my english is not s effluence ^^"

anonymous · Answer

What does the word "calibrate" mean in this context?

anonymous · Answer

calibrate is like to do standardization of instrument such as calibrates the thermometer.. 
I don't know that I answer it or not ??

anonymous · Answer

Look around this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calibration