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

46 Manual of basic techniques for a health laboratoryTable 2.4 Estimating the quantity of supplies requiredYearQuantity used per monthJan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.200020012002Classify the stock cards in strictly alphabetical order and keep them in a box orfiling drawer. Each item can be given a number, which is then entered on the stockcard after the heading “Item no.”.InventoryMake an inventory of all laboratory supplies every 6 months. Count the quantity ofeach item in stock and check that the figure corresponds to the one shown in the“In stock” column of the stock card.Ordering suppliesA well-organized laboratory should submit an order to the central supply storesevery 3 months. To draw up the order, check the stock cards one by one.It makes it easier to estimate the quantities required if a table summarizing thestock used each month (see Table 2.4) is added to the bottom of each stock card.In the case of chemicals, stains and reagents, order the quantity used in a 3-monthperiod, taking into account any recent increase or decrease in the amount used. Forexample:● Eight bottles of Giemsa stain have been used in a year.● This gives an average of two bottles used every 3 months.● Order two bottles every 3 months (or four bottles every 6 months if orders aresubmitted twice a year).Expiry datesReagents (e.g. blood group antisera, antigens, etc.) have to be used before a certaindate. This expiry date should be marked on the container by the supplier. Make anote of the expiry date on the stock card in the column headed “In stock”.2.6 Registration of specimens and preparation of monthlyreports2.6.1 Registration of specimensAll specimens must be registered and given numbers when they arrive at the laboratoryand the results of all investigations must be recorded. This will:— prevent the specimens from getting mixed up;— make it possible to look up a result;— make the results available for the promotion of public health.