1
Documents and
Records
2
Documents and Records
3
Why do laboratories need to manage
documents and records?
To find information
whenever it is needed!
4
Documents and Records—How do they differ?
Documents
 communicate
information via
policies, processes,
and procedures
 need updating
Records
 capture information
on worksheets,
forms, labels, and
charts
 permanent, do not
change
RECORDS
5
Information is the
major product
of the laboratory
6
Procedures Processes
Policies
Laboratory
Documents
7
Policies - The “WHAT TO DO”
“A written statement of overall intentions
and directions defined by those in the
organization and endorsed by
management.”
Policies:
 tell “what to do” in a broad and general way
 include the organizational mission, goals, and
purpose
 serve as the framework for the quality system
 should always be specified in the quality
manual
8
Processes - The “HOW IT HAPPENS”
A “set of interrelated or interacting
activities that transform inputs into
outputs.”
Processes:
 describe the steps involved to carry
out quality policies
 easily represented in flow charts
 involve a series of steps, usually
occurring over a period of time
9
Procedures - The “HOW TO DO IT”
Standard operating procedures (SOP)
 step-by-step instructions for performing
a single activity
Job aid
 a shortened version of the SOP
 does not replace the SOP
10
Hierarchy of Documents
“How to do it”
“How it happens”
“What to do”
11
Why are documents important?
 essential guidelines for laboratory
quality manual
SOPs
reference materials
 required by formal laboratory standards
12
Documents are the communicators
of the quality management system
Verbal instructions often are:
 not heard
 misunderstood
 quickly forgotten
 difficult to follow
13
Documents are a reflection of
the laboratory’s organization
and its quality management.
A good rule to follow is:
“Do what you wrote and
write what you are doing.”
14
Good Documents are:
 clear
 concise
 user-friendly
 Obvious
 accurate
 up-to-date
15
Documents for work processes should
be accessible to staff at the work site :
instructions on handling incoming samples
SOPs for each test
quality control charts
and trouble-shooting
instructions
safety manuals
and precautions
16
The Quality Manual
is a document describing the
quality management system
of an organization
17
Quality Manual
 communicates information
 serves as a framework or roadmap
for meeting quality management
system requirements
 demonstrates management
commitment to quality
18
Writing a Quality Manual
19
Writing a Quality Manual
Form a Steering Committee
Set policy for
12 QS
essentials
Describe how
the related
quality
processes occur
Reference
procedures
20
Key Points: Quality Manual
 only ONE official version
 never “done”, always being improved
 read and accepted by everyone
 use the best-adapted language
Very big job, but very useful
21
Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs) are documents that:
 describe how to perform a test using
step-by-step instructions
 written SOPs help ensure:
consistency
accuracy
quality
22
A Good SOP
 provides detailed, clear, and concise
direction for testing techniques
 is easily understood by new
personnel
 is reviewed and approved by
management
 is updated on a regular basis
23
Standardized SOP Format
 Computerized procedure
 Standardization:
 Header
 Version/chapter/reference
 Author/reader/validator
 Recipients
 Version date/Application
date
 Typical outline
 Updating and storage of
different versions is easy
J Johnson,
RB Smith
24
Complete Standardized Header
Use at the top of the first page only
25
Reduced Standardized Header
 other pages of every procedure
 use at the top of all other pages
26
When Preparing SOPs
establish
means for
updating
gather all
documents
include
each step
assess
scientific
validity
determine
procedure
to use
27
Suggested Outline for SOPs
 Title: Name of Test
 Purpose: Medical use
 Instructions:
Preexamination
Examination
Postexamination
 References to verify the method is established
 Author’s name
 Approval signature(s)–initial and date
28
Avoid Drowning in Detail…..
 BAD EXAMPLE: “The purpose of
this procedure is to document
the aforementioned activities,
herin after referred to as the
prescribed tasks in terms that
preclude their execution in an
inconsistent manner, wherin such
inconsistency may potentially
result in the prescribed tasks
delivering a result that is not
repeatable or reproducible”…
29
Do not rely solely on manufacturer
product inserts
Inserts do not provide specific
information for test sites,
such as:
 materials required, but not in kit
 specific safety requirements
 external quality control requirements
30
Job Aids
 shortened version of SOPs
 hand written or printed
 visible location at testing site
 useful tool to assure all testing steps
are correctly performed
31
Job Aids
32
Job Aids
33
Document Control
assures that the
most current
version is used
ensures availability
when needed
organizational tool
34
Document Control Elements
 system for organizing, such as
numbering or coding system
 approval, distribution, and revision
process
 master log that describes which
documents are in circulation
 accessibility of documents at the point
of use
 system for archiving
35
equipment
service
manuals
SOPs
texts,
articles,
reference
books
Controlled
documents
regulations
and
standards
36
Documents of External Origin
 Include in the laboratory document
control system:
instrument service manuals
industry regulations
ISO standards
references used for documentation
37
Numbering System
 need uniform numbering system
 do not change a current system that works
 one system: letter for the type of document
and then an incremented number: B1, B2,
B3 for books and T1, T2 for official texts
 number all pages of document
 reference by document code, pages,
location code: Book number 2, pages 188-
200, on bookshelf 1: B2,188-200, BS1
38
Document Preparation and
Control Process
Preparation
Preparation
Review
Review
Issue
Issue
Distribution
Distribution
Revision
Revision Approval
Approval
39
Implementing Document Control
 collect existing documents and records
 review and update
 determine additional needs
 develop or obtain documents, forms,
worksheets, logbooks, reports
 involve stakeholders
40
Common Document Control Problems
 outdated documents
 too many documents are
distributed and the system
cannot be maintained
 lack of control of documents
of external and internal origin
41
Why are records essential?
Sample
tracking
throughout
process
Management
tool
Identify
problems
Continuous
monitoring
of
quality
system
42
Patient
test reports
EQA /
PT records
Quality
control
data
Maintenance
records
Instrument
printouts
Workbooks
Worksheets
Sample
log book
or register
Laboratory
Records
43
Critical
communications
Customer
feedback
User
surveys
Continuous
improvement
External
audits
results
Internal
audits
results
Personnel
records
More
Records
44
Keep the Things You Might
Forget!
 disposition of rejected samples
 referral of samples to another
laboratory
 records of adverse occurrences or
problems
 inventory and storage records
 equipment purchase data, preventive
maintenance, and troubleshooting
45
Test Report Contents
 test identification
 laboratory identification
 patient unique
identification and location
 name and address of
requestor
 date and time of
collection
 time of receipt in lab
 date and time of release
of report
 primary sample type
 results (SI units)
 biological reference
intervals
 interpretive comments
 person authorizing
release, with signature
when possible
 note if reporting a
corrected result
46
Paper Systems
 Permanence
 bind books
 number pages
 use permanent ink
 control storage
 Accessibility
 use system that will
allow ease of access
 Security
 maintain
confidentiality
 keep safe from
environmental hazards
 Traceability
 allow for tracking of a
specimen throughout
all processes
47
48
Electronic Systems
 permanence
computer system maintenance, backups
 security
access
confidentiality
 traceability
49
Testing
process
review
Time
between
assessments
-audits
Research
purposes
National
legislation
and
regulation
Factors
affecting
retention
times
50
Summary
Documents:
 include written policies, processes, and procedures
 need to be updated and maintained
Records:
 include information captured in processes
 are permanent, do not require updating
A good document control program:
 most current version used
 availability and ease of access
51
Key Messages
 Information is our product.
 Documents are essential for assuring
accuracy and consistency in the
laboratory.
52
Scenario
 testing algorithm
 safety manual
 client test results
 standard operation
procedures (SOPs) for an
approved HIV rapid test
 manufacturer test kit
inserts
 summary of findings from
on-site evaluation visit
 report of corrective actions
 temperature log (blank
form)
 quality control record (blank
form)
 daily maintenance log
(completed)
 stock cards and stock book
(completed)
 EQA sample transfer log
(completed)
You have found all these papers lying on a desk.
Which of these are documents and which are
records?
53
Scenario
 testing algorithm
 safety manual
 client test results
 standard operation
procedures (SOPs) for an
approved HIV rapid test
 manufacturer test kit
inserts
 summary of findings from
on-site evaluation visit
 report of corrective actions
 temperature log (blank
form)
 quality control record (blank
form)
 daily maintenance log
(completed)
 stock cards and stock book
(completed)
 EQA sample transfer log
(completed)
You have found all these papers lying on a desk.
Which of these are documents and which are
records?
54
Questions?
Comments?
Organization Personnel Equipment
Purchasing
&
Inventory
Process
Control
Information
Management
Documents
&
Records
Occurrence
Management Assessment
Process
Improvement
Customer
Service
Facilities
&
Safety

4- Documents and Records.Why do laboratories need to manage documents and records?

  • 1.
  • 2.
  • 3.
    3 Why do laboratoriesneed to manage documents and records? To find information whenever it is needed!
  • 4.
    4 Documents and Records—Howdo they differ? Documents  communicate information via policies, processes, and procedures  need updating Records  capture information on worksheets, forms, labels, and charts  permanent, do not change RECORDS
  • 5.
    5 Information is the majorproduct of the laboratory
  • 6.
  • 7.
    7 Policies - The“WHAT TO DO” “A written statement of overall intentions and directions defined by those in the organization and endorsed by management.” Policies:  tell “what to do” in a broad and general way  include the organizational mission, goals, and purpose  serve as the framework for the quality system  should always be specified in the quality manual
  • 8.
    8 Processes - The“HOW IT HAPPENS” A “set of interrelated or interacting activities that transform inputs into outputs.” Processes:  describe the steps involved to carry out quality policies  easily represented in flow charts  involve a series of steps, usually occurring over a period of time
  • 9.
    9 Procedures - The“HOW TO DO IT” Standard operating procedures (SOP)  step-by-step instructions for performing a single activity Job aid  a shortened version of the SOP  does not replace the SOP
  • 10.
    10 Hierarchy of Documents “Howto do it” “How it happens” “What to do”
  • 11.
    11 Why are documentsimportant?  essential guidelines for laboratory quality manual SOPs reference materials  required by formal laboratory standards
  • 12.
    12 Documents are thecommunicators of the quality management system Verbal instructions often are:  not heard  misunderstood  quickly forgotten  difficult to follow
  • 13.
    13 Documents are areflection of the laboratory’s organization and its quality management. A good rule to follow is: “Do what you wrote and write what you are doing.”
  • 14.
    14 Good Documents are: clear  concise  user-friendly  Obvious  accurate  up-to-date
  • 15.
    15 Documents for workprocesses should be accessible to staff at the work site : instructions on handling incoming samples SOPs for each test quality control charts and trouble-shooting instructions safety manuals and precautions
  • 16.
    16 The Quality Manual isa document describing the quality management system of an organization
  • 17.
    17 Quality Manual  communicatesinformation  serves as a framework or roadmap for meeting quality management system requirements  demonstrates management commitment to quality
  • 18.
  • 19.
    19 Writing a QualityManual Form a Steering Committee Set policy for 12 QS essentials Describe how the related quality processes occur Reference procedures
  • 20.
    20 Key Points: QualityManual  only ONE official version  never “done”, always being improved  read and accepted by everyone  use the best-adapted language Very big job, but very useful
  • 21.
    21 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)are documents that:  describe how to perform a test using step-by-step instructions  written SOPs help ensure: consistency accuracy quality
  • 22.
    22 A Good SOP provides detailed, clear, and concise direction for testing techniques  is easily understood by new personnel  is reviewed and approved by management  is updated on a regular basis
  • 23.
    23 Standardized SOP Format Computerized procedure  Standardization:  Header  Version/chapter/reference  Author/reader/validator  Recipients  Version date/Application date  Typical outline  Updating and storage of different versions is easy J Johnson, RB Smith
  • 24.
    24 Complete Standardized Header Useat the top of the first page only
  • 25.
    25 Reduced Standardized Header other pages of every procedure  use at the top of all other pages
  • 26.
    26 When Preparing SOPs establish meansfor updating gather all documents include each step assess scientific validity determine procedure to use
  • 27.
    27 Suggested Outline forSOPs  Title: Name of Test  Purpose: Medical use  Instructions: Preexamination Examination Postexamination  References to verify the method is established  Author’s name  Approval signature(s)–initial and date
  • 28.
    28 Avoid Drowning inDetail…..  BAD EXAMPLE: “The purpose of this procedure is to document the aforementioned activities, herin after referred to as the prescribed tasks in terms that preclude their execution in an inconsistent manner, wherin such inconsistency may potentially result in the prescribed tasks delivering a result that is not repeatable or reproducible”…
  • 29.
    29 Do not relysolely on manufacturer product inserts Inserts do not provide specific information for test sites, such as:  materials required, but not in kit  specific safety requirements  external quality control requirements
  • 30.
    30 Job Aids  shortenedversion of SOPs  hand written or printed  visible location at testing site  useful tool to assure all testing steps are correctly performed
  • 31.
  • 32.
  • 33.
    33 Document Control assures thatthe most current version is used ensures availability when needed organizational tool
  • 34.
    34 Document Control Elements system for organizing, such as numbering or coding system  approval, distribution, and revision process  master log that describes which documents are in circulation  accessibility of documents at the point of use  system for archiving
  • 35.
  • 36.
    36 Documents of ExternalOrigin  Include in the laboratory document control system: instrument service manuals industry regulations ISO standards references used for documentation
  • 37.
    37 Numbering System  needuniform numbering system  do not change a current system that works  one system: letter for the type of document and then an incremented number: B1, B2, B3 for books and T1, T2 for official texts  number all pages of document  reference by document code, pages, location code: Book number 2, pages 188- 200, on bookshelf 1: B2,188-200, BS1
  • 38.
    38 Document Preparation and ControlProcess Preparation Preparation Review Review Issue Issue Distribution Distribution Revision Revision Approval Approval
  • 39.
    39 Implementing Document Control collect existing documents and records  review and update  determine additional needs  develop or obtain documents, forms, worksheets, logbooks, reports  involve stakeholders
  • 40.
    40 Common Document ControlProblems  outdated documents  too many documents are distributed and the system cannot be maintained  lack of control of documents of external and internal origin
  • 41.
    41 Why are recordsessential? Sample tracking throughout process Management tool Identify problems Continuous monitoring of quality system
  • 42.
    42 Patient test reports EQA / PTrecords Quality control data Maintenance records Instrument printouts Workbooks Worksheets Sample log book or register Laboratory Records
  • 43.
  • 44.
    44 Keep the ThingsYou Might Forget!  disposition of rejected samples  referral of samples to another laboratory  records of adverse occurrences or problems  inventory and storage records  equipment purchase data, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting
  • 45.
    45 Test Report Contents test identification  laboratory identification  patient unique identification and location  name and address of requestor  date and time of collection  time of receipt in lab  date and time of release of report  primary sample type  results (SI units)  biological reference intervals  interpretive comments  person authorizing release, with signature when possible  note if reporting a corrected result
  • 46.
    46 Paper Systems  Permanence bind books  number pages  use permanent ink  control storage  Accessibility  use system that will allow ease of access  Security  maintain confidentiality  keep safe from environmental hazards  Traceability  allow for tracking of a specimen throughout all processes
  • 47.
  • 48.
    48 Electronic Systems  permanence computersystem maintenance, backups  security access confidentiality  traceability
  • 49.
  • 50.
    50 Summary Documents:  include writtenpolicies, processes, and procedures  need to be updated and maintained Records:  include information captured in processes  are permanent, do not require updating A good document control program:  most current version used  availability and ease of access
  • 51.
    51 Key Messages  Informationis our product.  Documents are essential for assuring accuracy and consistency in the laboratory.
  • 52.
    52 Scenario  testing algorithm safety manual  client test results  standard operation procedures (SOPs) for an approved HIV rapid test  manufacturer test kit inserts  summary of findings from on-site evaluation visit  report of corrective actions  temperature log (blank form)  quality control record (blank form)  daily maintenance log (completed)  stock cards and stock book (completed)  EQA sample transfer log (completed) You have found all these papers lying on a desk. Which of these are documents and which are records?
  • 53.
    53 Scenario  testing algorithm safety manual  client test results  standard operation procedures (SOPs) for an approved HIV rapid test  manufacturer test kit inserts  summary of findings from on-site evaluation visit  report of corrective actions  temperature log (blank form)  quality control record (blank form)  daily maintenance log (completed)  stock cards and stock book (completed)  EQA sample transfer log (completed) You have found all these papers lying on a desk. Which of these are documents and which are records?
  • 54.