What is a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)?

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is best defined as a specified protocol utilized to carry out a process or technique. SOPs provide detailed, written instructions designed to achieve uniformity in the performance of specific functions. They serve as a critical framework within organizations, ensuring that all employees follow the same steps to maintain quality and consistency in operations. SOPs are commonly used in various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and laboratory settings, to standardize processes, enhance safety, and comply with regulatory requirements.

In contrast, a comprehensive safety manual encompasses broader topics than the specific protocols represented in an SOP, focusing instead on overall safety policies and procedures within an organization. Guidelines for employee behavior typically refer to behavioral expectations rather than detailed procedural instructions. An annual compliance report is a document that outlines the adherence to regulations and standards over a specified time frame, lacking the step-by-step instruction characteristic of an SOP.