Rules for Writing, Updating and Accessing Laboratory Protocols - Essay Example

• Prepare a table listing all reagents used (scientific names), their level of concentration, molecular weight, and quantity (weight in SI units).

• Write a detailed experiment indicating all procedures, conditions (time, rate, temperature) for adding reagents and/ or solvents, any color changes, reactions such as gas emissions, and finally all the experiment's yields. Note that an appropriate number of significant figures should be used in the notebook (Thompson, 2008).

All protocols should be based on a reference and actual experiment procedure; recording all reagents, procedures, results, and by-products. The updating of protocols should follow the ‘Good Laboratory Practice’ on how long to retain specimens and records depending on the specimen. All experiments should be clearly described and a separate copy made in A4 size plain paper addressed to the faculty dean through the lab assistant on the protocol intended for an update; with a clear reference at the top for example; ‘Proposed protocol update to Protocol xxx; Filter and liquid assays 6/5/04’ with the date clearly stated.

Lab protocols can be accessed upon registration of an intended experiment in the lab timetable, listing the experiments’ requirements and objectives and then making a specific request to the laboratory assistant who doubles up as the archivist. Physical or electronic data can be used. Ensure electronic protocols are printed. Return any books/ periodicals of borrowed protocols after finishing the experiment.

Laboratory safety

Wear laboratory goggles or face shields, a white lab coat, and gloves at all times. Do not wear open shoes when dealing with liquid or corrosive reagents/ solvents. Know the location of the safety shower or eye washers and how to use them.

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) on title 10; Regulations number 19, 20, 30, 31, 33, 39, 40, and 71 which government rules and regulations on the handling, transporting, storage, and limiting ionization by radioactive materials. Use appropriate dosimeters to measure personal radiation before and after an experiment; if after an experiment your radiation is above normal; report immediately to the lab safety office (Refer to radioactivity standards index).
Confine radioactive material, bromides, potentially infectious agents, live cultures, and hazardous waste in tightly sealed containers and closed systems. When dealing with animals refer to the appendix on available immunization to prevent zootoxic pathogens (Bio-safety in the Lab, 1989)
• Wear one glove when working with Ethidium bromide; the gloved hand should touch Ethidium bromide exposed material and the other hand should never be in contact with Ethidium bromide.
• Never eat, drink, or chew gum when working with hazardous material
• Avoid pipetting anything with aid of the mouth or by bare hands.
• Know the recombinant DNA experiments that are not exempted and obtain prior approval from the Biological Safety Committee before commencing the experiment (See non-exempt recombinant DNA experiments index).

Inventory maintenance
Refer to the lab equipment parts catalog and maintenance periods from the equipment manager. They contain the equipment name and number; parts catalog numbers, maintenance practices, and user manual. Always clean materials such as pipettes, test tubes, and cylinders in the sinks. Do not use more than recommended volumes or amounts of reagents and solvents (Delany, Pentella, Rodriguez, Shah, Baxley & Holmes, 2011).
Always state the amounts of reagents, solvents, and material needed for an experiment stating the item, quantity, and volume based on experimental requirements; using the ‘material requisition sheet’. Write legibly in block letters. This will be used when ordering more material. Be sure to fill in your name(s) and sign for the items.
• Ordering must be timely and standardized to reduce costs.

• Do not carry any reagents, solvents, or materials outside the laboratory without prior approval from the laboratory manager.
• Use the proper communications channel to interact seamlessly with the purchasing, stores, receiving, material suppliers, and the laboratory; avoiding duplications and too much paperwork (Wenk, Bristol, McGeeney & Winter-Hallman, 1994).
• Use the standard budget preparation template (See budget preparation and requisition appendix).

Courses to attend
Please attend the following training before the third month of your laboratory use;
• Materials handling and use in the the biosciences laboratory. This entails how to use, calibrate and handle general lab tools and equipment and problematic equipment.
• Laboratory procedures and regulations for biosciences lab use. This handles procedures for requisitioning material, restocking and records and how to manage materials. This will enhance your lab management skills.
• Safety protocols, first aid, and emergency responses in the biosciences lab. Read More