How frequently should a treadmill or arm cycle used in stress testing be calibrated?

Calibration of exercise equipment, such as a treadmill or arm cycle used in stress testing, is crucial to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results. Regular calibration helps to maintain consistent performance and precision, which is essential for patient safety and the validity of the exercise test data.

Choosing to calibrate the equipment monthly or sooner ensures that any deviations from the expected performance can be promptly addressed. This frequency helps to minimize potential inaccuracies that may arise due to wear and tear or component drift over time. Regular calibration is particularly important in clinical settings where precise measurements can impact diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Calibration every week or every six months may not suffice for clinical accuracy and reliability. Therefore, a monthly schedule or sooner is most appropriate to maintain the integrity of exercise testing outcomes.