How should corrections to laboratory records be documented?

The appropriate way to document corrections to laboratory records is to clearly indicate the corrections along with the date, time, and initials of the person making the changes. This practice maintains the integrity and traceability of the record, which is essential in laboratory settings. It provides a clear audit trail that allows others to see what changes were made, when they were made, and who made them. This method adheres to good laboratory practices and ensures compliance with regulatory standards, which often require documentation to be accurate and verifiable. By including the date and initials, the record remains transparent and accountable, fostering reliability in scientific work.

Other approaches, such as erasing the original entry completely, can lead to confusion or the ability to conceal errors, which compromises the integrity of the data. Adding a note on a new page may not be as effective in keeping the record organized and clear, making it harder to track the changes in context. Using a different colored pen might not provide the same level of clarity and could potentially create uncertainties regarding the authenticity of the information as original entries would not be easily distinguishable from corrections.