3.2 Preparing for an Experiment

Always prepare your experiment ahead of time, whether it’s the night before or a few hours before you need to begin.

3.2.1 Reading

Always read through the manufacturer’s and/or proprietary protocols that you will be using at least a day in advance, and then review the protocol before preparing your experiment. You may also want to read alternative instructions or online forums in order to see what other scientists are doing to solve the same problems.

3.2.2 Calculating

Human error is also more frequently introduced, when attempting to quickly work out math problems. Before starting an experiment, always carefully work through any calculations. It’s never a good idea or feeling to begin doing math that takes 10 minutes in the middle of a time sensitive protocol that only allows for 5 minutes of extra time. Dilutions for example need to be done before the experiment so that you have an adequate amount of time and working solution for your protocol.

3.2.3 Pre-Cleaning

Tidying up or organizing your workspace before and after an experiment helps keep things in order, which in turn helps you focus on your assay vs. finding the right pipettor underneath your stack of protocols. Clearing your workspace also gives you the opportunity to use 70% ethanol to clean the workbench and the equipment. This step is important to remove any unwanted debris, whether it be tissue, DNA, RNA, skin cells (your own or someone else’s), chemicals, and bacteria. Cleaning in this manner also makes the lab bench a safe place for everyone’s experiments, lab notebooks, and personal safety.