Receipt, labelling and storage of reagents
Guideline
Purpose and use of this guideline document
Reagents used during the analysis of clinical trial samples may be purchased and/or prepared in
house. In either case it is advisable to ensure that reagents are adequately labelled, clearly
identifiable and fit for use.
This document provides guidelines for this and can be used to develop trial-specific processes.
Record keeping
 It is also recommended that reagent receipt into the laboratory is documented (see example
form UoB-CLN-LAB-QCD-030 Reagent receipt and storage record).
 All records must be stored safely and securely throughout the trial and archived with the other
trial documents when the trial closes.
Guidelines
Ordering and receipt of reagents
 Order reagents in quantities which allow them to be used before their expiry date or, if no
expiry date is stated, a 5 year expiry date is recommended.
 When reagents arrive they should be checked by someone from the team who originated the
order.
 If the reagents are acceptable, record the date of receipt in ink on the container, either on the
manufacturer’s label or separately, without obscuring any information.
 Process and/or store reagents according to the manufacturer’s and/or trial-specific
instructions.
 Document reagent receipt (see UoB-CLN-LAB-QCD-030 Reagent receipt and storage
record).
Expiry dating of reagents on receipt
 Ensure the reagent container is clearly labelled by the supplier or manufacturer with an expiry
date
 If no expiry date is given, label the container with an expiry date of five years from the date of
receipt
Labelling of reagents prepared in-house
 Reagents which are to be used for one day only should be labelled with the following
information:
o Identification, including concentration, pH, etc., where relevant.
o ‘Use on ..........’ (date of usage).
o Radioactive hazard tape (if applicable).
o ‘Unused reagent must be discarded at the end of the working day.
 Ensure reagents which will be used for more than one day are labelled with the following
information:
o Identification, including concentration, pH, etc., where relevant.
o Date of preparation.
o Date of expiry.
o Storage conditions
o Initials of the preparer.
o Radioactive hazard tape or other (if applicable).
Disposal of expired reagents
 Dispose of expired reagents or reagents considered unfit for further use as soon as possible
in an appropriate manner.
UoB-CLN-LAB-QCD-012 Receipt labelling and storage of reagents v1.0 (EAv1.0)
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Receipt, labelling and storage of reagents
Guideline
 If the disposal method is not given in a Health and Safety Data Sheet or other documentation
refer to the appropriate COSHH form for a suitable method.
Use of wash bottles
 Wash bottles must be clearly labelled with contents
 It is recommended that wash bottles containing liquids other than water are colour-coded and
clearly labelled to distinguish them from water bottles for safety reasons.
Related documents
 UoB-CLN-LAB-SOP-001 Procedures for GCP compliance in the laboratory
 UoB-CLN-LAB-QCD-030 Receipt reagent and storage record
UoB-CLN-LAB-QCD-012 Receipt labelling and storage of reagents v1.0 (EAv1.0)
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