How should standard protocols for checking performance in calibration of a sensory panel be documented?

Documenting standard protocols for checking performance in the calibration of a sensory panel in written form is crucial for several reasons. A written record ensures that the protocols can be consistently followed by all team members, providing a reliable reference that can be reviewed over time. It allows for clarity in the procedures being implemented, which is important for maintaining the integrity of panel performance evaluations.

Written documentation can also include necessary details such as specific methodologies, criteria for calibration, and any adjustments made during the process, which might be overlooked in verbal discussions or presentations. This thoroughness supports transparency and accountability, essential for scientific rigor. Additionally, it provides a foundation for training new panelists or for audits, ensuring that all practices remain standardized and effective.

Digital recordings might provide an auditory account but lack the permanent and structured format that written documents offer. Presentations, while useful for sharing information, do not provide the detailed guidance that written protocols do. Therefore, written documentation is the clear best practice for standard protocols in sensory panel calibration.