Ask the Expert
Barry Craig, MLT (NCA), CLC
Lab Coordinator, CHS
Member POCCA (Point of Care Coordinators Alabama)
Member Helena Laboratories Focus Group
Q
What is best way to keep up with
expiration dates for reagents,
controls, and other materials?
A: I suggest making an Excel
database for all items you currently
use. You can set it up to change colors when an item
listed reaches its expiration date. Another method you
can use is a shelf system. Put newly received items on
a lower shelf and mark them with the received date.
Put items in use on a higher shelf and date them with
an opened date and open expiration date. What is an
open expiration date, you ask? Glad you are so full of
questions! The open expiration date is the date that a
product expires once opened. Most reagents, controls,
and calibrators are good until the date printed on the
label as long they are not opened. Once opened, the
expiration date is usually shortened to 30 or 60 days.
Q: Who is responsible for performing the
competency assessment?
A: The Technical Consultant (TC) for moderate
complexity testing is responsible for performing and
documenting competency assessments. The
competency assessments may also be performed by
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