5 Common Lab Mistakes and How to Fix Them

5 Common Lab Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Overview

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  • Source: Microbioz India

  • Date: 15 Oct,2024

Warehouse and laboratory operations encompass a wide range of processes, which sometimes can give rise to events called errors. If all possible sources of errors are something that can be avoided, none should be made by oneself.

Here are five common lab mistakes and their possible resolution or avoidance.

Failure to Properly Calibrate Instruments

It is important to never use uncalibrated instruments. Failure to take this precaution may lead to rough measurements, faulty results, or even loss of vital samples. Appropriate calibration shall be done on balances, pH meters, pipettes, and any other measuring device that gets utilized.

How to Fix It:

Create a calibration frequency for each of the precision instruments. Have records of calibration and activity performed and confirm that the laboratory staff are au fait with the calibration procedures. Instruments should be checked for accuracy by applying certified reference materials.

Cross-Contamination

Sample cross-contamination among the orders is another challenge, common among many microbiology and molecular biology labs. This will lead to false positive or false negative results hence ruining the experiements.

How to Fix It:

Always use different pipette tips for every sample and remember to disinfect and clean the workspace and tools before you begin with a different experiment. Remember to practice correct aseptic techniques and allocate particular sites for different processes.

Ignore Sample Management

Poor handling of samples, improper storage, or incorrect labeling of samples can lead to unsuccessful experiments or false outcomes. Temperature-sensitive samples, in particular, need very careful attention.

How to Fix It:

All the samples should be labeled immediately after preparation and handled as suggested (best refrigeration or freezing or desiccation). Attach documents detailing the procedures of handling samples to include the date, time, as well as conditions under which the samples were stored. When in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the handling and storage of reagents and samples.

Disregarding Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Deviations from the SOPs can result in poorly developed experiments, erroneous results, and possible accidents. In busy labs, due to time pressure, it is common practice to do some shortcuts or leave out some tasks.

How to Fix It:

Make sure everyone is familiar with the lab’s SOPs and all staff are aware of the procedures and there are reviews conducted periodically for the procedures. Do not keep the SOPs out of reach, put them on the walls or next to relevant machines with a sign indicating that compliance is a must. Whenever new procedures are added, re-training on the procedures so that proper compliance is understood.

Flouting Safety Procedures

Failure to follow laboratory safety measures such as physical protective measures or safe treatment of dangerous chemicals places risks of accidents, injuries and contamination of the work area.

How to Fix It:

Emphasize safety by requiring that employees use PPE and that hazardous materials be properly discarded. Carry out accident investigations as a part of the evaluation process to check the adherence to safety protocols. Educate employees on emergencies and chemical handling so that potential accidents can be addressed even before they happen.

Conclusion

Although laboratory errors can hardly be avoided, such errors can be reduced and their consequences managed by doing the right thing, and being trained. However, this will call for proper calibration of all equipment, maintaining the samples free of contaminants and being careful while handling them, following the respective SOPs, and all facets of safety. And this, lessening errors by anticipating errors, saves time and resources and in the end makes successful experiments more common.

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