Dear Members, CLSI have published a new standard for evaluation of external transport systems. This is a laboratory focused standard.
PRE06 | Evaluation of External Transport Systems
Abstract
CLSI PRE06—Evaluation of External Transport Systems describes processes for evaluating an external transport system. Specimens are commonly transported from external, off-site locations to the laboratory, where they are eventually examined. The system is comprised of any number of distinct and interdependent processes encompassing numerous variables that affect the system in unpredictable ways. Taken as a whole, the sending site, receiving site, examining laboratory, and all of the transportation modes and the components used, including the specimen carriers, dataloggers, and the supporting quality management system, make up the external transport system. Each component, route, and mode of transport should be individually and collectively evaluated. To ensure the integrity of the specimens transported, the sending site, receiving site, and examining laboratories are collectively responsible for evaluating the entire transport process, including its individual parts if warranted. Means to mitigate adverse conditions, such as extreme weather, should be communicated between each facility in real time. CLSI PRE06 presents important considerations for each part of the transport process, as well as best practice recommendations for assessing the suitability of an existing system or when changes are made within that system.
