When calibrating a medical device, what should be checked first?

When calibrating a medical device, the first step should always be to check the power supply. The power supply ensures that the device operates correctly and functions within its specified parameters. Without verifying that the device has a stable and adequate power source, subsequent calibration steps cannot accurately reflect the device's true performance. If a device is not receiving the proper voltage or if there are fluctuations in the power supply, the calibration results could be unreliable, leading to potential safety hazards or inaccurate measurements. Therefore, ensuring that the power supply is functioning as required lays a critical foundation for a successful and accurate calibration process.

Once the power supply is confirmed to be stable and functioning properly, other factors such as operational safety, measurement accuracy, and device compatibility can be addressed in sequence, but none of these can be accurately evaluated without first confirming proper power operation.