What should be recorded during a quality control check of chemical reagent strips?

During a quality control check of chemical reagent strips, it is essential to record the lot number and expiration date of the strips. This information is crucial for several reasons.

The lot number helps in tracking the specific batch of reagents, which is important for quality assurance. In the event that a problem arises with the test results, knowing the lot number allows for tracing back to the specific batch that may have had quality issues.

The expiration date is equally significant because it ensures that the strips are used within their effective period. Using strips past their expiration date could lead to inaccurate results, which can significantly affect patient care decisions. Ensuring that only valid, unexpired reagents are utilized is a key aspect of maintaining high standards in laboratory testing.

Other potential choices, while relevant in different contexts, do not pertain directly to the quality control check of the reagents themselves. For instance, patient information or the last usage time does not impact the reliability of the reagent strips, and storage temperature is generally monitored for other reasons rather than specifically for quality control of the strips.