When a rack has a rack-specific instruction that differs from the general SOP and you lack the protocol, which instruction do you follow?

• A. The notice posted by the study technician.
• B. The general SOP.
• C. The protocol directions.
• D. Ask a coworker.

Answer: (A)

When there is a rack-specific instruction that differs from the general SOP, you follow the rack-specific notice because it reflects the current, site-specific requirements for that rack. That posted instruction is the authoritative guidance for the exact conditions you’re working under, so it overrides the broader SOP when there’s a discrepancy.

Since you don’t have the protocol, you can’t rely on directions from a document you don’t possess, and the general SOP, while important, may not address the local variation on that rack. Relying on a coworker for procedural details isn’t ideal because they may not have the most up-to-date or authoritative guidance. If there’s any doubt, refer to the posted rack notice and escalate to the study technician or supervisor for confirmation.