c. Microbiologic Safety Hoods. Cleaning, checking for sufficient airflow, and
verifying of the condition of ultraviolet (UV) light should be performed at regular intervals
on all hoods.
d. Centrifuges. Maintenance personnel should calibrate the centrifuge as
required by your SOP. The centrifuge must be kept clean at all times.
1-15. STAINS AND REAGENTS
When you prepare solutions, follow meticulously the recommended instructions
of the manufacturer or currently approved literature. Dark amber bottles with a tight cap
The following information must be included on a reagent or stain label: the date that the
bottle was opened if it was purchased, the complete name of the reagent, the date of
manufacture, the expiration date, and the initials of the person who prepared it. The
stock should be rotated to use the older, nonexpired reagents before the newer ones.
a. Stains. All stains must be checked periodically with known samples to
ensure potency and correct color reaction. Checking the expiration dates of stains will
help prevent erroneous results. When consecutive stains are used, carryover from one
dish to another should be kept at a minimum. Do this by blotting the tray of slides on
paper towels prior to immersing into the next reagent.
b. Reagents. Positive and negative controls should be performed with all
reagents to ensure their adequacy. Refrigerate and store reagents according to
instructions furnished by the manufacturers.
1-16. CONTINUING EDUCATION
Laboratory personnel must be kept abreast of new trends, ideas, and procedures
in the field of parasitology.
a. Inservice Seminars. A set schedule of conferences within the laboratory
should be established to update technicians. Members of the staff can present lectures
on current changes and findings within the field of parasitology.
b. Surveys. Known samples can be used to test the reproducibility and
proficiency of the laboratory in terms of performing certain procedures.
(1) Internal. The supervisor may initiate a survey by introducing a control
specimen as a routine sample.
(2) External. Commercial surveys that verify the results obtained in the
local laboratory with those obtained by other laboratories on a regional or national level
are available from various groups and societies.
MD0841
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