ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Manual

ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Management & Procedure Manual | 3rd Edition

Effective Date: 2014 Version #1

Chapter 4

Procedure Name: Facilities, Hygiene, and Safety

Purpose and Principle The pulmonary function (PF) laboratory intends to provide a safe environment for both employees and patients that conform to state and federal regulations and/or those of other regulatory entities (e.g. College of American Pathologists, The Joint Commission). This procedure addresses facilities, hygiene, and safety guidelines for the PF laboratory.

Responsibility The laboratory medical director and management staff are responsible for ensuring a safe work environment for both employees and patients.

Facilities 1. Laboratory Design, Space Allocation, and Access

The PF laboratory should work with the organization’s facility planning function to develop processes for labora- tory building and renovation projects. The design should allow for optimal work process flow and ergonomics (1). The laboratory should ensure that governmental, accreditation, and organizational requirements for cur- rent and planned space (e.g., energy sources, lighting, ventilation, water, refuse disposal, etc.) are met. If sample collection is required, the laboratory should have available accommodations for disabled patients and consider comfort, privacy, and safety. Environmental requirements for equipment and patient care are considerations in space allocation and design. Measures are in place to control access to, and use of, examination areas, samples, and supplies. 1.1. The PF laboratory monitors, documents, and controls the environmental conditions as required or when they may influence the quality of results. Such conditions include (as appropriate to technical activities): • sterility • electronic interference

• radiation • humidity • ventilation duct locations

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