Written SOPs are an essential part of ensuring production of accurate and reliable results in the in-clinic laboratory. Previous articles in this 5-part series summarized the overarching framework of the total quality management system, importance of quality planning, and important aspects of the facilities, training, and documentation needed for in-clinic laboratory testing. The purpose of this article is to provide information about SOPs, including their definition, purpose, and benefits; the various types of SOPs; and the headings and content commonly addressed in SOPs as relevant to in-clinic laboratories.
Standard operating procedures are defined as written documents
