Manual of basic techniques for a health laboratory - libdoc.who.int

2. Setting up a peripheral health laboratory 452.5.6 Storage, stocktaking and ordering suppliesStorageGlasswareKeep glassware on the shelves of a cupboard away from dust. Erlenmeyer flasksshould be plugged with non-absorbent cotton wool or covered with brown paper(or preferably with thin sheets of paraffin wax or clinging plastic, if available) andarranged by type and size. Graduated pipettes should be kept in drawers dividedinto sections.Chemicals and reagentsArrange chemicals and reagents in strict alphabetical order. Acids and inflammableand dangerous chemicals (indicated by appropriately coloured labels) should bestored separately in a special section. Unopened stocks can be kept in crates filledwith sawdust.Poisons (also indicated by appropriately coloured labels) should be stored separatelyin a locked cupboard.InstrumentsSome instruments, e.g. spectrophotometers, should be kept in an air-conditionedroom if the climate is hot and humid. For storage of microscopes see section 3.1.6.StocktakingStock cardsA stock card should be prepared for every chemical, stain, piece of glassware, etc.A sample stock card is shown in Table 2.3.When you order an item, indicate:— in the column headed “Ordered from”: where you sent the order— in the column headed “Ordered”: the date and the quantity ordered.When you receive an item, indicate:— in the column headed “Received”: the date of receipt and the quantity received— in the column headed “In stock”: the total in stock in the laboratory after theitem has been received.When an item has been used up (or broken), indicate:— in the column headed “Issued”: the date of issue and the amount issued— in the column headed “In stock”: the total left in stock after the item hasbeen issued.Table 2.3 A sample stock cardItem: Giemsa stain (250-ml bottle) Item no.: 29Ordered from Ordered Received Issued In stockDate Quantity Date Quantity Date Quantity2 bottlesCompany A 1.8.01 2 bottles 20.8.01 2 bottles 4 bottles10.10.01 1 bottle 3 bottles3.12.01 1 bottle 2 bottlesCompany A 15.11.01 2 bottles 10.12.01 2 bottles 4 bottles