There are official and unofficial tools and processes that can be utilized as preparatory steps for an upcoming inspection. Relying on published tools or documents for assistance is worthwhile but is especially beneficial if the survey is a preliminary or first survey for the laboratory. Below are five actions that can be used to prepare for an inspection:
- Review all official regulations, checklists, and standards.
- Review previous citations and plan of correction submissions.
- This is not mandatory but is vital to avoid repeat citations, which will result in more severe measures by the inspecting agency.
- Utilize that review as a starting point for survey preparation.
- The surveyor(s) will verify that all items on the previous survey report and the correction plan have been changed and instituted as per the documentation submitted and approved.
- Perform a review of recent literature for common citations.
- Take note of the most common deficiencies found during laboratory inspections.
- Organize and perform a mock survey and corrective action.
- This will also provide a valuable opportunity to correct non-compliant actions before the official visit occurs.
