HOW TO STORE QUALITY CONTROL MATERIALS IN A MEDICAL LABORATORY?

Storing quality control materials properly in a medical laboratory is essential to ensure their integrity and accuracy. Quality control materials are used to assess the performance of laboratory equipment, reagents, and processes, and they play a crucial role in maintaining the accuracy and reliability of test results. Here are some guidelines for storing quality control materials:

1.???Temperature Control: Store quality control materials in a controlled environment with stable temperature conditions. Most materials should be stored at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F), unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer.

Some quality control materials, especially those containing biological components, might require refrigeration or even freezing. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the appropriate storage temperature

?2.????? Humidity Control:

Maintain a moderate humidity level in the storage area to prevent damage to the materials. Excessive humidity can lead to deterioration or contamination

?3.????? Avoid Direct Light: :

Protect quality control materials from exposure to direct sunlight or bright artificial light. Light exposure can degrade certain components and affect the stability of the materials.

4.????? Dedicated Storage Area: Designate a specific area or shelf solely for quality control materials. This helps prevent confusion and cross-contamination with patient samples or other laboratory supplies.

5.????? Storage Duration:

Keep track of the expiration dates of quality control materials. Do not use materials that have expired, as they may no longer provide accurate results

6.????? Proper Sealing:

Ensure that containers and vials are tightly sealed to prevent contamination and evaporation. Use sealing caps or covers provided by the manufacturer.

7.????? Proper Labelling:

Clearly label each container with the material's name, lot number, expiration date, and storage requirements. This helps prevent mix-ups and ensures traceability.

8.????? Organization:

9.????? Organize quality control materials in a systematic manner to facilitate easy retrieval. Group them by type, analyte, or frequency of use.

10.? Inventory control System: Implement a "first-in, first-out" (FIFO) system to ensure that older quality control materials are used before newer ones. This practice helps maintain the integrity of the materials and prevents the use of expired products.Conduct regular inventory checks to monitor the availability and condition of quality control materials. Replace any materials that are close to their expiration dates

11.? Segregation: Keep different types of quality control materials separate from one another. Group them according to their intended use and application to avoid mix-ups.Separate quality control materials from patient samples and reagents to prevent any cross-contamination.

12.? Security: Control access to the quality control storage area to prevent unauthorized personnel from handling the materials. This helps maintain the integrity of the quality control process.

13.? Dry and Clean Environment: Keep the storage area clean and free from moisture. Moisture can lead to the degradation of some quality control materials and affect their performance.

14.? Proper Handling: When handling quality control materials, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight during transportation.

15.? Regular Monitoring: Perform regular checks of the quality control materials' condition, including visual inspections for signs of deterioration or contamination. If any issues are detected, take appropriate actions, such as contacting the supplier or discarding the affected materials.

16.? Documentation: Maintain proper documentation of quality control material usage, storage, and any incidents related to their integrity. This documentation is essential for auditing and accreditation purposes.

?By following these guidelines, a medical laboratory can ensure that its quality control materials remain effective and reliable, contributing to accurate and precise test results. Regular staff training and adherence to standard operating procedures related to quality control material storage are also crucial to maintaining the overall quality of laboratory testing processes.

#Medical Laboratory #Pathologist #Biochemist #Laboratory Technologist #ISO 15189?#Microbiologist #Lab Technician

International Accreditation Service, Inc. (IAS) A2LA Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JASANZ) Quality Council of India(QCI) ANAB - ANSI National Accreditation Board ANSI - American National Standards Institute NATA Randox Metropolis Healthcare Dr Lal PathLabs Lupin Diagnostics Limited NEUBERG GLOBAL LABORATORIES SA