VA HANDBOOK 7610 (240)
August 20, 1986
(e) Safety regulations mandated by State or local authorities for handling of biological/toxic wastes.
(f) For each laboratory section, procedures performed, methodologies (automated/manual) used to perform them, and the
number of FTE technologists/technicians currently performing them.
(g) Laboratory operational practices pertaining to specimen accessioning, processing and distribution.
The actual space (NSM/NSF) required for each function within the laboratory and the resulting t otal space (NSM/NSF)
required for laboratory service is based on the laboratory's position within the LCAP cluster grid (refer to Figure 240.F4)
Information provided by the LFAC enables the Director, Pathology Service to determine if deviations from the actual
space (NSM/NSF) for any laboratory function are necessary.
b. In the design of a clinical laboratory, a determination of the required square footage is only the beginning. The use of
average figures for all laboratories is misleading, tends to perpetuate existing designs and to prevent innovation. The use of
average figures is not a form of laboratory planning, but rather is something that is done instead of planning-intended
primarily to provide a basis for estimating construction costs. The criteria for each laboratory section are intended to provide
flexibility so that space will be planned based on the need to respond to the medical center's patient care programs. The
number of square meters/ feet for each laboratory section are considered a dequate for normal operations, but may be
modified during program and conceptual development if adequately justified. Pathology and Labortory Medicine Service in
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Central Office, using information provided by its LFAC and the administrative data
requested from each Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center, generates a thorough analysis of a laboratory's
current and projected functional requirements. The LFAC is completed by the laboratory chief prior to the preliminary design
phase to provide an accurate basis for space allocation.
Any deviations from criteria should be discussed among, and concurred in by VHA (including CM) and the Office of the
Controller, as these changes may have design and budgetary impact.
c. The following factors concerning space determinations were taken into consideration:
(1) Space required is based on the use of state-of-the-art equipment (diagnostic instrumentation, laboratory casework,
etc.).
(2) Space required is based on the differing capabilities of each LCAP level laboratory to perform all laboratory procedures
(tests) incorporated in the most recent edition of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Laboratory Workload Recording
Method.
(3) Laboratory work area space for LCAP Levels M, L, and VL laboratories includes space for the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) and non-the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical technology student/pathology resident training.
(4) Laboratory work area space for all LCAP Level laboratories includes refrigerated and nonrefrigerated storage space for
several days' supply of reagents, control, stains, diagnostic instruments supplies (cups, trays, tubing, etc.), glassware and
other supplies (microscope slides, disposable pipettes, etc.).
(5) Pathology and Labortory Medicine Service policy is that space for only one office for clinical laboratory scientists be
provided in Levels L and VL chemistry and microbiology laboratories regardless of the number of full-time clinical laboratory
scientists staffed in the laboratory.
6. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
a. Laboratories should be designed to meet changing requirements. Changes in laboratory requirements/new technology
dictate flexibility or adaptability of design to patterns of laboratory workflow, deletion of certain procedures and addition of
240-18
Previous Page
