e-mail, etc.

In the United States of America, these laboratories

though classified differently (with a few differences) are

covered under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act

(CLIA) of 1988.

LABORATORY SET-UP

Unless the laboratory is hygienic and provides necessary

physical and operative comfort, it would be wrong to

expect perfect results. To get perfect results, one has to

provide a perfect set-up for people to work in.

Laboratory Building and Space

Ample working space is absolutely essential. For smaller

laboratories up to 25 square meters (Fig. 1.2), the working

platforms can be arranged along the walls while the central

area is kept free for movement.

4 Concise Book of Medical Laboratory Technology: Methods and Interpretations For larger areas, partitions can be made which would

create separate spaces for different sections (Fig. 1.3).

The chief pathologist must have casual access to all subunits of the laboratory. If possible, he should be able to

directly see into the cabins either through glass windows

or through closed circuit cameras. In the cabins again, the

central region should be kept free and benches be placed

against the walls and away from the doors.

¾ Hygiene is of utmost importance. The whole facility

should be absolutely clean, uncrowded and devoid of

any hindrances to movement of men and materials.

Never, should a chance arise where two people would

clash or contaminated material would be spilt all over

¾ Scratch proof matt finish vitrified floor (slip resistant)

should be provided. The walls should preferably have

white ceramic tiles. Such provisions are resistant to

chemicals and disinfectants

¾ All benches should be preferably 2½ feet high and those

to be used while standing should be at least 3 feet high.

The bench surfaces should be solvent and acid proof.

Every laboratory and/or its section must have at least

one sink and one hand wash basin. The hand wash basin

should not be used for any other purpose, the sink can

be utilized for laboratory purposes like washing off stains

from slides or washing glassware or discharging noncontaminated laboratory refuse.

Physical Aspects of a Laboratory

¾ The ambient temperature should be within the comfort

zone of a human body. It should between 21 and 27°C.

If the laboratory is in a cold zone, it must have heating

provision, and conversely, if it is in a hot zone, it must

have cooling or air conditioning. The environment

control appliances like air conditioners or heaters must

not directly discharge air at the working bench zone

¾ A good exhaust system is a must for all laboratories.

This removes dirty air (aerosols), which may at times

be foul smelling. The sample collection zone too, must

have excellent exhaust provision

¾ Adequate ventilation is also essential but without

strong currents of air

¾ Lighting should be more than adequate and places

where very delicate or fine processes are being

conducted should have additional lighting provision.

As far as possible, do not use excessive heat producing

bulbs and lamps. The new CFLs are ideal

¾ Windows that are exposed to bright sunlight can be

internally fitted with reflective films or blinds

¾ There should be sufficient running water for the

laboratory and all must have sufficient number of sinks

and hand wash basins

¾ As most machines consume a lot of electricity, sufficient

power load (a little in excess) must be available to the

laboratory