Handling and Storage of Ongo Slides
Proper handling and storage of Ongo Slides are essential to ensure their quality, reliability, and performance when used with Ongo Compact and Ongo Vision Semen Analyzers. This article will provide guidance on the best practices for handling and storing Ongo Slides, as well as tips for inventory management to maintain a consistent supply for your facility's needs.
Handling Ongo Slides
- When handling Ongo Slides, wear clean, powder-free gloves to prevent contamination and ensure the integrity of the slides.
- Avoid touching the chambers: When removing Ongo Slides from their packaging or handling them during sample preparation, avoid touching the chambers or the slide surface to minimize the risk of contamination.
- Use gentle movements: Handle Ongo Slides gently to prevent damage to the chambers or the slide itself. Avoid applying excessive pressure or bending the slides.
Storing Ongo Slides
- Store in original packaging: Keep Ongo Slides in their original packaging until ready for use. The packaging is designed to protect the slides from dust, moisture, and other environmental factors that can affect their quality.
- Maintain proper storage conditions: Store Ongo Slides in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. The recommended storage temperature range is between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F), with a relative humidity below 80%.
- Organize inventory: Arrange Ongo Slides in a manner that allows for easy identification of lot numbers and expiration dates. Use a "first in, first out" (FIFO) inventory management system to ensure that older slides are used before newer ones.
Inventory Management
- Predict usage: Estimate the number of Ongo Slides used per day for each Ongo Compact and Ongo Vision Semen Analyzer in your facility. Use this information to calculate the expected demand over a specific period.
- Order sufficient quantities: To ensure an uninterrupted supply of Ongo Slides, order approximately twice the calculated demand for the desired period. This buffer will account for any unexpected increases in usage or potential delays in receiving new shipments.
- Monitor expiration dates: Keep track of the expiration dates of your Ongo Slides inventory. Ongo Slides have a shelf life of 24 months from the date of manufacture. Regularly check expiration dates and use slides before they expire to minimize waste.
- Maintain adequate stock levels: Regularly review your inventory levels and reorder Ongo Slides when stock falls below a predetermined threshold. This proactive approach will help you avoid running out of slides and ensure a consistent supply for your facility's needs.
Appropriate handling and storage of Ongo Slides, combined with effective inventory management, are crucial for ensuring optimal performance and reliable results when using Ongo Compact and Ongo Vision Semen Analyzers. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, fertility professionals can maintain the quality of their Ongo Slides, minimize waste, and ensure a consistent supply to meet their facility's needs. Providing the necessary disposables is essential for customer satisfaction and the smooth operation of your semen analysis services.