How Long Keep Laboratory Records

According to California Code, all test requisitions, patient charts, test results with pertinent reference ranges, name of person performing tests, instrument printouts and all other test records must be kept for a minimum of three (3) years.

How long should laboratory files be kept?

Record/materialMinimum retention time8.1Laboratory records of blood products received and issued1020 years8.2Laboratory records of all immunohaematology testing†††20 years

How do you maintain laboratory data records?

All observations should be made using pens and pencils should never be used. Support documents such as spectra, chromatograms, etc should be stored separately. Weight slips should also be initialed with date and preserved in a likewise manner.