Page 72 - The Veterinary Laboratory and Field Manual 3rd Edition

Setting up and using a laboratory service 41

Providing a quality service 2 Ensure that samples are adequately identi-
fied and tracked through the system. Some
Understanding and responding to the needs and of the larger laboratories rely on barcode
expectations of clients (for example, veterinari- tracking but smaller facilities still number
ans/animal health professionals/extension staff) samples and track manually.
requesting laboratory tests are key components 3 Run quality standards and controls with all
of QMS. tests (this should be stipulated in the SOPs).
The service provided must be: 4 Implement a regular review of staff perfor-
mance and provide appropriate training and
• reliable: with tests competently performed continuing professional development.
using SOPs, competently under routine and 5 Ensure an efficient and reliable recording
emergency conditions and reports issued ‘on system.
time’ 6 Ensure that the reagents and consumables
• accurate: test results free from error required are of an adequate quality for the
• accessible and available: through a network work being done (that is, check formulation
of regional and provincial laboratories and an and expiry dates).
efficient specimen collection and transport 7 Check the analytical and diagnostic sensitiv-
system ity and specificity of all routine and specific
• professional: laboratory staff knowing their tests. This, and the need to determine ‘nor-
job, presenting clear and informative reports mal’ values for the population of interest,
• user friendly: laboratory staff communicat- may require field studies done in collabora-
ing courteously and knowledgably tion with veterinary field staff and disease
• dependable: laboratory staff arriving at work surveillance teams.
on time, not being absent unnecessarily, and 8 Check the quality of all samples submitted,
not allowing tests to be discontinued because that is, are the samples in good condition?
reagents have not been ordered correctly or in If not then a note should be placed on the
good time, or equipment has failed because result sheet to indicate that the result might
preventive maintenance has not been carried not be reliable.
out or replacement parts ordered 9 Keep a check on the environmental condi-
• flexible: to allow for the introduction of new tions in the laboratory, that is, temperature
technologies in response to the needs of users and humidity, air flow.
and changing animal health care strategies. 10 Check that laboratory equipment is cor-
rectly used and calibrated, for example,
glassware/pipettes.
Ensuring the quality of laboratory 11 Check the water supply daily for the pres-
test results ence of dirt, blockages and so on, and the
quality of distilled water produced from it.

Within the laboratory 12 Check the electricity supply daily for voltage
levels and fluctuation.
1 Limit the laboratory tests carried out to 13 Keep a check on the washing and steriliza-
those which can be done well, that is, keep tion of glassware and other items such as
the work simple and check that routine pro- equipment used for routine work.
tocols (SOPs) are developed and followed 14 Ensure regular maintenance and servicing
for specific tests. of all equipment.

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