Lab Bench Daily Setup

Daily clinical lab bench startup — analyzer QC, calibration, reagent expiry, biohazard waste, and PPE per CLIA.

Analyzer Readiness and QC

• Analyzer powered on and self-check completed without errors
  Confirm the instrument completed startup diagnostics and is ready for use.
• Daily QC results within acceptable limits
  Verify required control levels were run and all results are within established acceptance criteria.
• Calibration status current
  Confirm calibration is current and no overdue calibration flags are present for the analyzer or assay.
• Pending maintenance or error alerts reviewed and resolved or escalated
  Check for instrument alerts, maintenance reminders, or unresolved errors that could affect testing.

Reagents and Consumables

• All required reagents are within expiration date
  Inspect each reagent in use for expiration date and discard any expired material.
• Reagents stored at required temperature and condition
  Verify storage conditions match manufacturer requirements, including refrigeration, room temperature, or light protection as applicable.
• Open reagent lot labels and in-use dates documented
  Confirm open-date, lot number, and discard date are recorded where required by SOP.
• Sufficient controls and consumables available for planned testing
  Verify enough controls, tips, cuvettes, slides, or other consumables are available to complete the expected workload without interruption.

Biohazard Waste and Work Area Condition

• Biohazard waste container present, lined, and not overfilled
  Confirm the regulated medical waste container is available, properly lined, and below the fill line.
• Sharps container secure and within fill limit
  Verify sharps disposal container is mounted or placed securely and not overfilled.
• Bench surface clean and free of visible contamination
  Inspect the work surface for spills, residue, or contamination before setup begins.

PPE and Safety Controls

• Required PPE available and worn correctly
  Verify gloves, lab coat or gown, and eye/face protection are available and used according to task risk.
• Hand hygiene supplies accessible at bench
  Confirm soap, sanitizer, or handwashing access is available and unobstructed for immediate use.