How is the calibration of the applanation tonometer checked?

Prepare for the JCAT Independent Practice Exam! Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The calibration of the applanation tonometer is checked by using a measured weight attached to the tonometer balancing arm at specified intervals. This method allows for a quantitative assessment of the tonometer's accuracy, ensuring that it provides reliable intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements. By applying a known weight and verifying the tonometer's readings against expected values, technicians can determine if the device is functioning correctly.

Using weights at specific points, such as 0, 2, and 6, is critical because it spans a range of pressures that the tonometer may encounter during actual clinical use. This procedure ensures that the tonometer accurately reflects the true IOP across the full operational range, which is essential for proper patient diagnosis and management.

The context of other choices highlights different approaches to checking the device, such as relying solely on a qualified service technician’s expertise or having a second technician verify measurements on patients, which may not provide the same systematic calibration guarantees that weight testing offers. Thus, the correct process involves the direct use of measured weights to validate the tonometer's performance.

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