Refrigerator Storage - Reagents and Specimens
Can laboratory reagents be stored in a refrigerator that also contains medications or laboratory specimens?
Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.
Yes. Laboratory reagents may be stored in the same refrigerator as laboratory specimens. In both cases, there should be distinctly marked and separated areas in the refrigerator to minimize any risk of contamination from spills. Laboratory reagents should be stored on upper shelves with laboratory specimens on lower shelves. Temperature monitoring and security requirements should be followed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions for use, accepted laboratory standards of practice and any regulatory requirements.
NOTE: Medications may not be stored in the same refrigerator as reagents and specimens. However, if the organization checks with their Board of Pharmacy and State Licensing Agency for the lab and get clear guidance that your process is compliant with law and regulation, that would be acceptable.
Yes. Laboratory reagents may be stored in the same refrigerator as laboratory specimens. In both cases, there should be distinctly marked and separated areas in the refrigerator to minimize any risk of contamination from spills. Laboratory reagents should be stored on upper shelves with laboratory specimens on lower shelves. Temperature monitoring and security requirements should be followed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions for use, accepted laboratory standards of practice and any regulatory requirements.
NOTE: Medications may not be stored in the same refrigerator as reagents and specimens. However, if the organization checks with their Board of Pharmacy and State Licensing Agency for the lab and get clear guidance that your process is compliant with law and regulation, that would be acceptable.
Manual:
Ambulatory
Chapter:
Waived Testing WT
First published date: April 11, 2016
This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on April 17, 2023
with update notes of: Editorial changes only
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