Even if your laboratory is not classified as GxP compliant, it is still crucial to ensure laboratory employees are executing good laboratory practices at all times. In order to produce high quality data and keep clients satisfied, we at Alliance Pharma perform routine internal audits to ensure all of our facilities, practices and procedures meet the regulatory requirements and the expectations of external auditors. Below are some important laboratory practices that are always on the forefront of an auditor’s mission:
1. Date your water
Are you checking the expiration on bottled water before you drink it? Maybe not, but auditors are wondering how long that 5 liter gallon of water has been sitting on your HPLC system. Ambient water harvests a prime environment for bacterial growth, especially if the water is exposed (i.e. not covered with parafilm). Due to this potential contamination hazard, auditors like to see water for laboratory use given a defined expiry. P.S: make sure to keep up with expired reagents!
2. Check your trash
You may not be worried about house guests perusing through your trash and recycling bins. But if you work in a laboratory, you need to pay mind to what you’re disposing of and where you’re disposing it. Auditors will check regular trash bins for things like bio-hazards and sharps, which should have their own designated waste bins. Auditors also don’t like to see adhesive labels or tapes stuck to the sides of clear trash bags, as this can be a risk for a breach of confidentiality.
3. Practice good housekeeping
Auditors will also examine the status of a laboratory in terms of cleanliness and maintenance. A noticeable lack of maintenance can be a red flag for auditors, such as leaky sinks, broken/discolored floor and ceiling panels and dusty instrumentation. Try to keep a fresh set of eyes each time you go in the lab to avoid glazing over these minor details.
Ensure the high quality data your lab is producing can never be denounced by a bad audit report. Good laboratory practices are vital. At Alliance Pharma, we are committed to producing high quality data for our clients. We perform routine internal audits to ensure all of our facilities, practices and procedures meet the regulatory requirements and the expectations of external auditors.