ASTM E2063-12(2017)

Standard Practice for Calibration and Functionality Checks Used in Forensic Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph) Examinations

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice sets forth the minimum requirements for calibration and functionality checks when conducting PDD examinations and related activities. For additional information see Practice E1954 and Guide E2000.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides guidelines for calibration and instrumentation (both analog and computerized systems) actively used in the psychophysiological detection of deception (verification of truth). As a minimum, such instrumentation shall simultaneously record an individual’s respiratory, exosomatic electrodermal, and cardiovascular activity.  
1.2 Analog polygraphs shall be calibrated by the psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) examiner, manufacturer, or factory-authorized individual.  
1.3 Computerized instrumentation shall be calibrated by the manufacturer or factory-authorized individual.  
1.4 The PDD examiner or factory-authorized individual shall perform functionality checks to ensure instrumentation is operating properly.  
1.5 This practice does not prohibit additional components which may be offered as supplemental measurements of physiological change. Additional recording components (such as movement sensors) may be used in addition to, but not replace, the required minimum components and these additional components shall meet the manufacturer’s specifications for calibration.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2017
• ICS: 07.140 - Forensic science
• ICS: 11.040.55 - Diagnostic equipment
• Technical Committee: E52 - Forensic Psychophysiology
• Drafting Committee: E52.02 - Instrumentation

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E2063-12 - Standard Practice for Calibration and Functionality Checks Used in Forensic Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph) Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM E2035-12(2024) - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM E2035-12(2017) - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM E1954-05(2017) - Standard Practice for Conduct of Research in Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM E2035-12 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM E2035-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM E2035-10a - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2010
• Refers: ASTM E2035-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2010
• Refers: ASTM E2035-07 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2007
• Refers: ASTM E2035-07e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2007
• Refers: ASTM E2035-05a - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM E2000-05 - Standard Guide for Minimum Basic Education and Training of Individuals Involved in the Detection of Deception (PDD) (Withdrawn 2014)
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2005
• Refers: ASTM E1954-05 - Standard Practice for Conduct of Research in Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2005
• Refers: ASTM E2035-05 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2005
• Refers: ASTM E1954-05(2011) - Standard Practice for Conduct of Research in Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2005

Overview

ASTM E2063-12(2017): Standard Practice for Calibration and Functionality Checks Used in Forensic Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph) Examinations establishes minimum requirements for the calibration and operational verification of polygraph instruments. This practice applies to both analog and computerized systems utilized in forensic psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD), commonly known as polygraph examinations. Ensuring proper calibration and functionality checks is critical for maintaining the reliability and validity of results in forensic settings.

Key Topics

• Minimum Equipment Requirements
  Polygraph instrumentation must simultaneously record respiratory, exosomatic electrodermal, and cardiovascular activity during examination. Additional components, such as movement sensors, may be included, provided they meet manufacturer calibration specifications.

• Calibration Procedures

  • Analog Polygraphs: Calibration may be performed by a qualified PDD examiner, the manufacturer, or a factory-authorized individual.
  • Computerized Instrumentation: Calibration must be conducted by the manufacturer or an authorized specialist.

• Functionality Checks

  • Functionality checks ensure the instrument operates correctly before use and are carried out by the PDD examiner or an authorized individual.
  • At any sign of malfunction, instruments must not be used until they pass subsequent calibration or functionality checks.

• Recordkeeping Requirements

  • A recorded calibration or functionality chart must be maintained, documenting the date, time, location, instrument identification, and name of the individual performing the check.
  • These records should be kept for a minimum of one year, in either physical or digital format as applicable.

Applications

ASTM E2063-12(2017) serves several practical applications in forensic and investigative contexts where polygraph examinations are used:

• Forensic Laboratories: Ensures all polygraph equipment meets strict calibration standards to uphold test validity.
• Law Enforcement Agencies: Regular instrumentation checks help maintain the integrity of polygraph results used in investigations.
• Legal and Judicial Settings: Adherence to recognized calibration protocols supports the admissibility of polygraph evidence.
• Private and Government Examiners: Provides guidance for routine maintenance and documentation, supporting quality management systems.
• Training Programs: Used as a reference for educating examiners about proper instrument handling, calibration, and verification procedures.

By following this standard, practitioners can minimize errors attributable to instrumentation and bolster confidence in polygraph-based PDD examinations.

Related Standards

• ASTM E1954 - Practice for Conduct of Research in Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph): Provides best practices for PDD research activities.
• ASTM E2000 - Guide for Minimum Basic Education and Training of Individuals Involved in the Detection of Deception (Withdrawn 2014): Covered education and training standards for examiners.
• ASTM E2035 - Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology: Offers standardized definitions relevant to PDD examinations.
• Polygraph Manufacturer Manuals: Instrument-specific calibration and maintenance procedures must always align with current manufacturer specifications.

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM E2063-12(2017) ensures consistent, objective procedures for calibration and functionality checks in polygraph examinations, helping organizations:

• Comply with forensic science quality management requirements
• Ensure reliable physiological data collection for deception detection
• Reduce legal risks by following internationally recognized standards
• Build trust in investigative outcomes supported by validated polygraph results

This standard supports worldwide harmonization of polygraph calibration, in line with WTO TBT Committee principles, thereby contributing to global best practices in forensic science.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2063 − 12 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Practice for
Calibration and Functionality Checks Used in Forensic
Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph)
Examinations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2063; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This practice provides guidelines for calibration and
E1954 Practice for Conduct of Research in Psychophysi-
instrumentation (both analog and computerized systems) ac-
ological Detection of Deception (Polygraph)
tively used in the psychophysiological detection of deception
E2000 Guide for Minimum Basic Education and Training of
(verification of truth). As a minimum, such instrumentation
Individuals Involved in the Detection of Deception (PDD)
shall simultaneously record an individual’s respiratory, exoso-
(Withdrawn 2014)
matic electrodermal, and cardiovascular activity.
E2035 Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
1.2 Analog polygraphs shall be calibrated by the psycho-
2.2 Other Document:
physiological detection of deception (PDD) examiner,
Manufacturer Manual(s) for System(s) in Use
manufacturer, or factory-authorized individual.
3. Terminology
1.3 Computerized instrumentation shall be calibrated by the
3.1 Definitions of Terms—See Terminology E2035.
manufacturer or factory-authorized individual.
3.2 Terminology may vary according to different manufac-
1.4 The PDD examiner or factory-authorized individual
turers.
shall perform functionality checks to ensure instrumentation is
operating properly.
4. Significance and Use
1.5 This practice does not prohibit additional components
4.1 This practice sets forth the minimum requirements for
which may be offered as supplemental measurements of
calibration and functionality checks when conducting PDD
physiological change. Additional recording components (such
examinations and related activities. For additional information
as movement sensors) may be used in addition to, but not
see Practice E1954 and Guide E2000.
replace, the required minimum components and these addi-
tional components shall meet the manufacturer’s specifications
5. Minimum Requirements for Calibration and
for calibration.
Functionality Checks of Polygraph Instrumentation
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 A recorded chart shall be created demonstrating correct
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- functioning of the instrument.This chart will be maintained for
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
a minimum period of one year.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 5.1.1 This chart shall contain the following information, as
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
applicable: name of person performing calibration or function-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. ality check, time and date, location, manufacturer, model, and
instrument identification.
1 2
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E52 on Forensic For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Psychophysiology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E52.02 on contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Instrumentation. Standards volume informat
...