Do not leave plate counts to memory. Issue and return should be traceable through the same container or route ID.
The form should include date and shift, plate ID or batch, count, freezer exit time, readiness check, assigned container or route, and issuing and receiving people.
Take readiness criteria from the plate model instructions; freezer time alone does not prove performance. If measuring, add instrument, location and result.
At return, log count, time, condition and any damage or leak against the same record. Check the last known location and recipient of a missing plate; do not close the form from memory.
The shift owner signs off issue and return reconciliation. If ready sets are insufficient, notify planning and use an approved alternate arrangement; do not treat a partly ready plate as suitable.
