What is the purpose of building a BAL record?

The purpose of building a BAL (Business Application Layer) record is primarily to track implant availability. This function is crucial in the operating room setting as it allows healthcare facilities to monitor the inventory of implants effectively, ensuring that the necessary items are available when needed for surgical procedures. By maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of implants, surgical teams can avoid delays or complications arising from the lack of critical supplies during operations.

The other options, while relevant to the broader context of surgical management, do not specifically align with the primary objective of a BAL record. Documenting patient encounters relates more to patient care and medical records, recording supplies used during surgery focuses on general inventory management, and managing equipment maintenance pertains to ensuring that instruments and machines are serviced appropriately. Each of these functions serves an important role, but none address the specific aim of tracking implant availability as effectively as the correct choice does.