Laboratory Space Configuration and Storage Guidance
Content Relevant to: CAHC and SWP Models
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Federal and State requirements for medical areas, such as OSHA, MIOSHA, and CLIA, were
utilized in the development of the following space configuration and storage recommendations
for Child and Adolescent Health Centers (CAHC) and School Wellness Programs (SWP). For
more information see the resources listed below.
NOTE: Immunizations and/or other medications storage and preparation often share lab space
(immunization services are a CAHC model requirement MPR #1). If your site has shared lab
space with immunizations and/or other medications, consider space requirements when
planning.
Clean and Dirty Laboratory Areas
When performing lab tests, it is important to plan for a properly configured space to ensure
prevention of infection and the safety of clients and staff. According to Clinical Laboratory
Improvement Amendments (CLIA), there should be designated “DIRTY” and “CLEAN” areas.
Best practice is to have enough space to have physical separation between the two areas.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a “DIRTY AREA” as an area
where there is a potential for contamination with blood or body fluids and where contaminated
or “used” supplies, equipment, specimens, or biohazard containers are stored or handled.
The “CLEAN AREA” is defined as an area designated only for clean and unused equipment,
supplies, and other materials needed for lab function.
Considerations for the space needed for each area:
1. DIRTY AREA:
At minimum, this area will need a sink, adequate counter space for lab testing and lab
equipment, a biohazard sharps box securely mounted to the wall (at or above hip level),
space for locked storage of lab supplies, adequate electrical outlets for lab testing
equipment, as well as a small refrigerator for lab test controls and specimen holding.
2. CLEAN AREA:
At minimum, a separate area with adequate counter space/workspace for computers
etc., a sink for hand washing should also be accessible here, and secure, lockable
cabinets and drawers for testing supplies and materials and confidential lab documents.
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Ideally, the “CLEAN” and “DIRTY” areas will be two separate areas with a sink in each area.
However, one sink in a shared lab space with separate “CLEAN” and “DIRTY” areas is
acceptable. If there is only a single, long counter, a double sink could serve as a natural
designation between “CLEAN” and “DIRTY” areas. An acrylic barrier on each side of the sink
could prevent splashing from occurring between these two areas.
For safety and infection prevention, the “CLEAN” and “DIRTY” areas are labeled as such.
Additional notices for non-laboratory restrictions should be posted, such as “No food, drink or
application of cosmetics”. “Do not unplug” signage is helpful to protect refrigeration contents.
Equipment and Secure Storage Space
The laboratory should contain enough space to house appropriate equipment, testing supplies
and materials utilized for these services. If the site space is limited, this area may also store
medical supplies, immunization and/or other medications (if applicable). It is advisable to have
a separate storage space for medical supplies, when possible. Per Michigan pharmacy and
OSHA guidelines, storage of testing supplies, medications, and medical waste need to be in
secure, lockable cabinets.
NOTE: Space under sinks cannot be utilized for storage of any kind per OSHA rules.
Equipment (examples of commonly used lab equipment):
• Countertop testing instruments and other equipment (e.g., centrifuge, microscope,
point-of-care test machines). NOTE: May vary by site and population needs
• Temperature and humidity gauge
• Dorm-style refrigerator for controls and specimens
• Laboratory timer
• Sharps containers
• Trash can for non-biohazard contents
• Waste container for biohazard material
Testing Supplies (examples of commonly used testing supplies):
• Space to store point-of-care (POC) tests and controls
• Space for collection devices (needles, lancets, urine cups, etc.)
• Space for PPE (glove boxes, goggles, face masks, disposable gowns, etc.)
• Space for client medical supplies (wipes, band aids, dressings, etc.)
Manuals/Resource Materials:
• Lab Manual
• References and resources for staff and clients
For more information about additional examples of equipment, supplies, and materials, refer to
the resources below.
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Safety Equipment
Per OSHA, an eyewash station, or equivalent, is required within 55 feet of all treatment areas
where caustic chemicals or blood exposure is possible.
Medical Waste Management
A secure space for storage of medical waste container(s) is an OSHA requirement. A locked
closet or a locked cabinet designated for storage of medical waste may be located within the
lab space. The closet/cabinet must be of an appropriate size to store multiple locked, sharps
containers with triple barrier protection (sharps boxes in a hazardous waste bag, in a
hazardous waste box). As stated above, undercounter storage is not an acceptable area to
store anything at any time, including hazardous materials awaiting pickup. Medical waste may
be stored in a different area of the site using the same criteria as above.
Sharps Containers
According to OSHA, biohazard sharps containers must be securely mounted to the wall of the
lab space, at hip level or higher. Regulations require labeling the container with an expiratory
date no more than 90 days from date of initial use. When the sharps container is at the fill line
or at 90 days, it is closed and removed to medical waste storage as above. All medical waste
must be removed from the facility within 90 days.
Resources
For assistance with OSHA and MIOSHA requirements, see the following resources:
• Department of Labor, OSHA Standards for Medical and Dental Offices
• Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) Resources
• MIOSHA Standards for Doctor’s/Dentist’s Offices (Under “D” on A to Z Topics Index List)
For immunization administration space and equipment information, see the following
resources:
• CDC Vaccines for Children Program (VFC)
• Michigan VFC Resources Guide (see VFC Provider Manual)
For medication and medical supply lists, see your fiduciary vendor supply lists available:
• School Health Vendor Supply List
• Laboratory Supplies Vendor
School-Based Health Alliance-Community Healthcare Provider Resources
(Operations/Logistics) https://tools.sbh4all.org/merck-toolkit/community-healthcare-providers/
Last revised: 06/1/2022
