This Quality System Essential course is about having appropriate equipment that is accurate and reliable, so that your laboratory can provide test results that contribute meaningfully to patient care. It discusses taking the time to properly select the right equipment; install the equipment and validate its function; maintain and calibrate the equipment according to established requirements; solve and document equipment-related problems; and maintain all required records. At the end of this course you will be able to:

• Apply important considerations when selecting equipment
• Differentiate between the three types of equipment qualification
• Outline the components of a validation protocol
• Distinguish between the three parts of maintenance and calibration programs
• Select appropriate follow-up for equipment problems
• Practice proper decommissioning of equipment
• Organize the required equipment records

This course has been approved for P.A.C.E.® credit. The suggested prerequisites for this course are:

• QMS: Introduction to Quality Management in the Medical Laboratory
• QSE Purchasing & Inventory