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

Recording the lot number and expiration date of chemical reagent strips during a quality control check is essential for several reasons. The lot number allows for tracing specific batches of reagents for quality assurance and recalls, should there be a quality issue identified with a particular lot. The expiration date is crucial because using reagent strips beyond their expiration can lead to inaccurate test results, as the chemicals may degrade over time and not function as intended. By documenting these details, medical assistants help ensure that the tests conducted remain reliable and accurate, safeguarding patient health and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

While patient identification and the temperature of the storage area can be important in certain contexts, they do not directly relate to the quality control of the strips themselves. The last time the strips were used could inform usage history but does not impact the immediate quality assessment needed for the testing process. Therefore, the lot number and expiration date are key components in maintaining the integrity of laboratory testing.