title: Temperature regulation and standardization practices of clinical laboratories in Karachi.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the temperature regulation and standardization practices of clinical laboratories in Karachi.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty five clinical laboratories in Karachi were examined for observing the standard protocols for running a lab with particular reference to temperature regulation. A questionnaire to the effect was filled.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 45 labs included, the mean complete blood count performed per day was 52+/-47. Only 5 (11%) labs had a temperature reader. Thirty (66.7%) labs had an air-conditioner installed, of which only 24 were found in working condition. Maintenance of instruments was carried out every 67.5+/-.30.6 days. The mean number of haemolyzed samples was 2.3+/-1.7. Control was available in 24(53.3%) labs, which was used daily in only 10 labs. Quantity of blood was the same in all the tubes in only 33(73.3%) labs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Commercial laboratories should be properly registered and their quality standardized.
authors.affiliation: Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad.
authors.forename: Malik Muhammad
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Adil
authors.forename: Ali Yawar
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Alam
mesh_terms: D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000592:standards; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards*; D010154:Pakistan; D011786:Quality Control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013696:Temperature