Limiting Access to Clinical Lab

What standard requires organizations to limit access to the clinical lab area to authorized personnel only?


Joint Commission standards do not specifically address the issue of clinical laboratory access. What the standards do say is that organizations must control access to and egress from “security-sensitive areas,” as determined by the organization (see EC.2.10, EP 6). To determine whether an area or a department is security sensitive, you are encouraged to conduct a proactive risk assessment.

According to EC.1.10, EP 4, the purpose of a risk assessment is to evaluate various potential threats to the health and safety of patients, staff members, and others. The Joint Commission does not specify any particular method for conducting a risk assessment. An effective approach includes some methodology for evaluating potential hazards and benefits and for monitoring decisions.


From EC News April 2007