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