scope:

This guideline provides a basic understanding of the considerations for the implementation, verification, and maintenance of laboratory equipment. Recommendations are generic and not substitutes for specific information provided by a given instrument's manufacturer. This guideline discusses general purpose families of instruments, often adapted by the laboratory for specific tasks, and some area-specific instruments. It is intended for use by laboratory directors, managers, supervisors, technologists, and others responsible for routine calibration, verification, maintenance, and operation of laboratory equipment. Although this guideline is not a textbook of laboratory and pathology equipment, sufficient background information will be incorporated into the discussion when necessary for understanding the recommendations provided. This guideline supports activities described in Quality System Essential (QSE): Equipment.