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1. Scope This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) applies to the staff and students using the Force Dial FDN 100 in the Pharmacy Practice Resource Unit (PPRU) at the Pharmacy Department, University of Malta. 2. Objective To describe the procedure for the operation and calibration of the Force Dial FDN 100. 3. Definitions 3.1. Force Dial FDN 100: A dial gauge designed for routine hand-held force testing with the option of obtaining both tension and compression results. It may also be used as an algometer to test pain threshold, pain tolerance, trigger and tender points as well as to monitor treatment progress. 3.2. Hook: Attached to the device through a hole in its body and is used to measure tension forces. 3.3. Compression Head: Attached to the other end of the device and is used to measure compression forces. 4. Responsibility 4.1. The members of the Department of Pharmacy (staff and students) are responsible for following this SOP. 4.2. The designated Laboratory Officer or Laboratory Assistant is responsible for ensuring that this SOP is followed. Page 2 of 5
5. Procedure 5.1. Operation 5.1.1. Apply a force to the compression head or hook in an axial position. 5.1.2. Follow the pointer to read the maximum force that is being applied. 5.1.3. Press the peak hold button to return the pointer to the resting position. 5.2. Calibration 5.2.1. Obtain a standard test weight that is equal to the most frequently used range of force. 5.2.2. Suspend the standard test weight on the hook. 5.2.3. Check that the result obtained does not vary by more than +/- 1 graduation from the scale. Page 3 of 5
5.3. Flow Charts 5.3.1. Operation Start Apply a force to compression head or hook in an axial position Follow the pointer to read the maximum force being applied Press peak hold button to return pointer to resting position End 5.3.2. Calibration Start Obtain standard test weight equal to the most frequently used range of force Suspend standard test weight on hook Check that result obtained does not vary by > +/- 1 graduation from the scale End Page 4 of 5
6. Precautions 6.1. Verify the level of accuracy with standard test weights prior to using the device. 6.2. Exercise the plunger in and out for about 10 seconds before use to ensure that it is functioning properly. 6.3. Note that there is no zero on the dial and the graduations actually begin at 1kg or 10N. 6.4. Do not press the peak hold button whilst performing a force test. 6.5. Do not lubricate any part of the dial since oil residues will accumulate dust resulting in increased friction and decreased accuracy. 6.6. Contact the supplier if inaccurate readings are being obtained and do not attempt to adjust the device yourself since this may further damage its gauge. 7. Reference Wagner Instruments. FORCE DIAL FDK/FDN Series Push Pull Force Gage operation manual. Greenwich: Wagner Instruments. 8. Appendices N/A 9. Revision History Version Number Amendments/ Reasons for change 01 Initial Release 02 Inclusion of subheading titles of Procedure section in Table of Contents Page 5 of 5