Receiving, sorting, transporting and storing samples in life sciences and related industries
Overview
This standard is about receiving, sorting, transporting and storing
specimens/samples in a laboratory, in accordance with approved procedures and
practices. You will be expected to follow the company procedures ensuring that all
labelling is correct, that all requirements of any laboratory information system are
adhered to and that samples are stored and transported in the correct way.
Ensuring that samples for analysis are handled correctly is essential. Any mistakes
prior to analysis are likely to render subsequent results invalid. Adherence to correct
procedures for labelling, storing and transporting samples will ensure that results are
valid.
You will be expected to accept responsibility for your actions ensuring that all
procedures are followed. You are not expected to have responsibility for developing
or managing the system.
Who this standard is for
The standard is recommended for all staff, but particularly new recruits and
junior employers.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 ensure that your work is carried out in accordance with workplace procedures
P2 confirm that specimens/samples received are in the correct
packaging/container and are labelled accurately
P3 correctly unpack, label, prepare and sort specimens/samples ready for analysis
P4 prepare samples or specimens for storage, transport or any other required
processing
P5 process all necessary documentation
P6 identify and deal with any samples or specimens that required special handling
or processing
P7 ensure that all samples are stored and/or transported according to the laid
down procedures
P8 communicate the required information to authorised people according to
company procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 the health and safety requirements of the area in which you are carrying out
the activities
K2 the formal lines of communication open to you
K3 the organisational structure and lines of accountability within company
K4 the legal and regulatory frameworks within which you are working and the
implications of failing to comply with either
K5 the correct procedures for the work you are carrying out
K6 the sample/specimen handling system for your
organisation
K7 the sample information system in use in the organisation
and why it is important that it is followed
K8 the range of hazard labels used on specimens/samples
and what each label means
K9 the analytical procedures that the samples will undergo and any special
handling or preparation that needs to be done
K10 the procedures to be followed if non-standard, or damaged samples are
received
K11 the factors that might adversely affect the integrity of the specimen/sample
K12 the limits or your authority and to whom you should report to if you have
problems you cannot resolve
K13 the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) regulations, and their
application in the workplace (such as chemicals, radioactive substances and
biological material)