Week 2 - Notes - Lab Management
Equipment Management in Laboratories
Page 1: Equipment Responsibility
Laboratory Manager's Role
Oversee equipment management systems.
Ensure users are trained in operation and maintenance.
User Responsibility
Care for equipment and adhere to SOPs.
Importance of Maintenance
Ensures data consistency and reliability.
Impacts productivity and integrity of work.
Reduces budget costs by preventing premature replacements.
Enhances safety by identifying faulty equipment.
Maintenance Procedures
Develop SOPs for equipment.
Document repairs and maintenance.
Implement preventive maintenance programs.
Train staff on equipment use and care.
Page 2: Selecting and Acquiring Equipment
Criteria for Selection
Purpose and usage of the equipment.
Performance characteristics (accuracy, reproducibility).
Facility requirements (space, utilities).
Budget considerations.
Availability of reagents and their costs.
Ease of operation and language of instructions.
Warranty and safety considerations.
Purchasing vs. Leasing
Consider repair costs
manufacturer support such as providng information on operation and maintenance
Evaluate initial costs versus long-term expenses such as repairs.
Ensure necessary installation and training are included - negoations could be looked at to save more money.
Page 3: Installing Equipment
Pre-installation Checks
Verify physical requirements (space, utilities).
Confirm vendor responsibilities in writing.
Installation Best Practices
Prefer manufacturer installation for warranty compliance.
Ensure all parts are present and software is backed up.
Do not use equipment until fully installed and verified.
Page 4: Getting Equipment Ready for Service
Assign maintenance responsibilities.
Develop usage and maintenance recording systems.
Implement calibration and performance verification plans.
Schedule regular maintenance tasks.
Train operators specifically for equipment use.
Performance Verification
Evaluate new equipment against manufacturer claims.
Conduct parallel testing with old equipment for validation.
Page 5: Equipment Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance
Regular cleaning, adjustments, and part replacements.
Follow manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules.
Maintenance Plan Components
Oversight responsibilities.
Written policies and procedures.
Record-keeping formats and logs.
Page 6: Inventory Management
Maintain an inventory log for all equipment.
Include details like make, model, purchase date, and warranty.
Conduct rEqegular inventory checks to assess equipment condition.
Page 7: Troubleshooting and Repair
Train operators to identify and troubleshoot equipment issues.
Follow manufacturer instructions for repairs.
Use backup instruments or alternative testing methods if necessary.
Page 8: Equipment Maintenance Documentation
Essential for quality management.
Each major piece of equipment should have a dedicated maintenance document.
Include maintenance schedules, function checks, and troubleshooting guides.
Page 9: Process Control
Ensures accurate and reliable testing.
Validates technician performance and environmental conditions.
Page 10: Sample Management
Quality of samples directly impacts test results.
Laboratories must ensure samples meet testing requirements.
Page 11: Laboratory Handbooks
Develop a handbook for sample management.
Include essential information for staff and sample collection.
Page 12: Sample Collection and Preservation
Define collection processes and requirements.
Ensure proper labeling and handling of samples.
Page 13: Outcomes of Collection Errors
Delays in reporting, unnecessary redraws, and increased costs.
Potential for incorrect diagnoses and patient harm.
Page 14: Sample Processing
Verify sample condition and completeness before testing.
Establish rejection criteria for suboptimal samples.
Page 15: Sample Tracking
Maintain a register of all incoming samples.
Track samples throughout the laboratory process.
Page 16: Sample Storage, Retention, and Disposal
Develop policies for sample storage and retention times.
Monitor stored samples and dispose of them safely.
Page 17: Sample Referral
Ensure proper labeling and documentation for referred samples.
Monitor and record results from referred tests.
Page 18: Sample Transport
Manage transport to maintain sample integrity.
Adhere to safety regulations during transport.
Page 19: Packaging Requirements
Follow specific packaging instructions based on sample classification.
Ensure triple packaging for hazardous materials.
Managing Sample Transport
Train personnel in proper transport procedures.
Maintain controlled temperatures and monitor compliance during transport