Evaluating the adequacy of a laboratory
The SLIPTA checklist version 3 sections 12.2 and 12.3 talks about Facilities and Environmental conditions as well as the Adequacy of Size and Layout of the laboratory. How can the evaluation of the adequacy of a laboratory be performed and how should it be documented?
Comments
I think, the adequacy of space is measured by its ability to accommodate all the required activities that needs to be undertaken at that specific space.
i.e. There is low/no risk of harm to patients, clients, specimens and staff due to space insufficiency. Also, accuracy of procedures undertaken, and consistency of good quality services (including results) is not hindered by space inadequacy.
You can have a management form for space adequacy evaluation or include it in internal audits/safety audits as well as risk assessments.
Thanks sir. I am grateful. I was here thinking we needed architects and quantity surveyors to help😊. Meanwhile, this evaluation can be done by us. Thanks once again Musa. Kindly share any tools you have for this evaluation.
To evaluate adequacy of the lab we have to consider what @Musa Shija has stated above and additionally, there various requirement of placement of various instrument example, it is stated in some instruments' manuals on the distance between the instrument and the wall or adjacent instruments, avoidance of sunlight and placement of vibrating instruments. Therefore, you can create a checklist to evaluate the space required for each equipment.
In the planning for construction phase of the lab, involvement of laboratory personnel is pivotal to the overall outcome of the lab. The lab personnel's role is to advice on the layout of the construction structure with reference to what the purpose of the lab is example, location and number of sinks, electrical sockets and work benches to ensure adequacy.
In most circumstances though there is minimal to no involvement of the lab team hence the lab team is forced to work with what is available.
Moreover, due to poor planning construction is done without consideration of the purpose of the lab and the required instrumentation hence affecting the adequacy of the lab.
It would also be good to look if your country has established Administrative Orders for this clause. Like in our country we have an administrative order governing clinical and anatomic laboratories. It is stated there the required floor area for the respective sections (reception, microscopy, hematology, chemistry, etc).
@Robert Reyes I like that for you (your country)!! Kudos!
Thanks for the insight Salome. There is more work to be done then in my lab, because even though I believe there was a consultants for the construction of the hospital and for that matter the lab over 25 years ago, however, new developments and technological advancement in the field has made most of the design/structure (obsolete). We try to add modifications but some of these will require massive engineering controls, which might even involve breaking portions of the original structures down. Well, I think that is why SLMTA is here to help us make the best out of what we have.
Wow, this is amazing. The system really works. Nice to know. I remember my country has developed similar policies for clinical labs. But that was done recently and so some of the old labs do not conform to these requirements.