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SECTION III: COLA CRITERIA FOR QUALITY LABORATORY PERFORMANCEMA 12 RDry baths?MA 13 RTemperature dependent equipment?Some instruments have internal temperature monitoring devices that either refuse to let you perform testing or willnot pass the initial self-test when the temperature is out of range. If the instrument gives a readout of the temperature,it should be recorded. This should be one of the daily instrument function checks.MA 14 RHave acceptable ranges for temperature been established for each of the above?An acceptable range should be established for the above temperature checks by consulting information that comeswith the instruments and kits in use in your laboratory. When a temperature is out of range, corrective action shouldbe recorded.MA 15 RAre thermometers checked for accuracy at regular intervals?Thermometers can be checked by comparing them to a National Institute for Standards and Technologies (NIST)standard thermometer. If the thermometer is found to be inaccurate, a correction factor may be applied or a newthermometer acquired when the temperature reading has drifted too much. NIST standard thermometers may bebought from your laboratory supply company. Sometimes hospital laboratories will agree to let you borrow their NISTthermometer. Many reference labs will check your thermometers if you choose not to purchase or borrow an NISTthermometer.MA 16 RDoes the laboratory take and document all corrective actions taken when storage conditions are not maintainedwithin established limits?If proper storage conditions are not maintained, the integrity of reagents, controls, calibrators, and patient specimenscannot be assured. When such events occur the lab should document when the condition was identified, the actiontaken to correct the problem or relocate supplies to maintain appropriate storage conditions.MA 17 EDo you have an instrument maintenance program which includes function checks for each test system?A schedule should be established for the monitoring and upkeep of each instrument and should be included in theprocedure manual.MA 18 RAre function check data accessible for detecting instrument malfunction?Many manufacturers provide preprinted forms for the user to document these function checks.3-42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .© 2007 COLA FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT COLA PHONE 800.981.9883 | FAX 410.381.8611 | ON-LINE www.cola.org