Most labs manage inventory by feel. They order when something looks low, stock extra because they are nervous, and scramble when a standing order misses a delivery. There is a better way - and the formulas are not complicated. The reorder point formula eliminates stockouts - it tells you exactly when to order, not when you feel like ordering. Burn rate is not static - it must be reviewed monthly or your reorder points become meaningless. Standing orders are a tool, not a strategy - they need quarterly review or they silently drift out of alignment. Safety stock is calculated, not guessed - 3 to 5 days covers most situations. Overstocking is not safe - it ties up budget and creates expiration risk. TJC and CLIA surveyors expect documented inventory processes - gut feel is not a documented process. Sections: Why This Is a Quality Issue, Not Just a Logistics Issue; The Core Concepts; The Reorder Point: When to Order; How Much to Order; Building the System: What Every Lab Needs; Quick Reference; Glossary.