Specimen and reagent storage
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Does anyone know what standard or accrediting agencies, i.e. CAP, CLIA, etc. address storage of specimens and reagents in the same refrigerator?
Several people in one blog suggested that storing specimens and reagents in the same fridge is not ideal but that if they're on separate shelves and if specimens are stored on the bottom (prevent leaking over reagents) that it would be okay. They did not however include a reference or standard that supports that opinion.
Thank you,
Ramona
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I have never seen a reference stating that they can't be kept in the same fridge. The only reference I ever saw about keeping things separate was that shelves have to be clearly labeled for example, in the case of keeping autologous blood/allogeneic blood units in the same fridge. I agree with your idea that the reagents (top)/patient samples (bottom) should be kept on separate shelves in case of leakage.
FAQ from Joint Commission: Refrigerator Storage - Reagents, Medications, Specimens Publish | January 01, 0001 Can laboratory reagents be stored in a refrigerator that also contains medications or laboratory specimens?
Yes. Laboratory reagents may be stored in the same refrigerator as medications or laboratory specimens. In both cases, there should be distinctly marked and separated areas in the refrigerator to minimize any risk of contamination from spills. Sealed containers may be used as a further measure to prevent contamination. Preferably, medications should be stored on upper shelves and laboratory reagents on lower shelves. Conversely, laboratory reagents should be stored on upper shelves with laboratory specimens on lower shelves. Temperature monitoring and security requirements may be different for medications and laboratory reagents. The organization should follow the more stringent policy when these are stored together.
I agree. I too have never heard of any reference stating the need for different refrigerators for storing reagents, test kits and specimens until yesterday. The person that told me was not able to provide a reference or standard to back up it up.
Thank you so much for the reference.
Hello,
I'm not refuting the 'lab side' for 'mixed' storage but urge you to also consider there are two sides to this type of storage (even on separate shelves). I'm suggesting that even if the 'lab side' isn't finding a regulation, including local, about mixing, push the nursing component in the testing site - whomever holds those medications/vaccines to be stored/used - to make sure there is no pharmacy block on that mixed storage.
We have some pharmacy locations that do not want personnel besides nursing in secured medication refrigerators with narcotics etc. We do not place reagents in pharmacy refrigerators for pharmacy security reasons.