CLSI Provides Protocols For Laboratory Instrument Implementation, Verification, And Maintenance

WAYNE,PA-(Marketwire) - Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recently published an approved guideline, "Laboratory Instrument Implementation, Verification, and Maintenance; Approved Guideline" (GP31-A), that provides information in a systematic and easy-to-use format about assessing instrument performance and function from the time of instrument purchase through the routine performance of clinical testing.

This guideline provides the laboratory with recommendations for achieving accurate, precise, and high-quality data for patient care at a reasonable cost. The guideline also includes information necessary to carefully approach the installation and maintenance of instrumentation with the goal of consistent, proper functioning leading to improved quality control (QC) and efficiency.

Gerald A. Hoeltge, MD, President of CLSI, notes, "GP31-A is an excellent resource for anyone who wants an authoritative summary of the set-up, QC, and maintenance needs of the instruments found in most clinical laboratories. Modeled after the College of American Pathologists' 'Laboratory Instrumentation Manual' (now out of print), GP31-A offers guidance on centrifuges, dilutors, analyzers, and many other kinds of devices. When setting up a new laboratory or reviewing current standard operating procedures (SOPs) for completeness, medical laboratory professionals will find this guideline a valuable addition to their quality systems library."

The document includes recommendations on issues ranging from environmental evaluation, manufacturer relationships, initial verification of functionality, and ongoing operational assessment. It includes recommended instrument performance criteria that should be considered and a discussion of proper functioning of instrumentation based on theory or experience, when necessary.

For additional information on CLSI or to purchase the document listed in this release, visit the CLSI website at www.clsi.org or call +610.688.0100.

CLSI (formerly NCCLS) is a volunteer-driven, membership-supported, nonprofit organization dedicated to developing standards and guidelines for the health care and medical testing community. CLSI's unique consensus process facilitates the creation of standards and guidelines that are reliable, practical, and achievable for an effective quality system.

SOURCE: Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute