gabrielmoreira Protocol Writing — Reproducible Lab Protocols & SOPs
Overview
Write clear, reproducible experimental protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for any scientific discipline.
Structure
- Title and Version — Protocol name, version number, date, author
- Purpose — What this protocol achieves and when to use it
- Safety — Hazards, PPE requirements, waste disposal
- Materials — Exact reagents (catalog numbers, lot numbers), equipment, consumables
- Preparation — Buffer recipes, stock solutions, equipment setup
- Procedure — Numbered steps with exact quantities, temperatures, times, speeds
- Quality Control — Expected results, acceptance criteria, troubleshooting
- Data Recording — What to record, where, in what format
- References — Published methods this protocol is based on
Key Principles
- Exact quantities: "Add 2.5 mL" not "add some"
- Catalog numbers: Every reagent identified by manufacturer and catalog number
- Time precision: "Incubate for 30 min at 37°C" not "incubate for a while"
- Critical steps: Mark steps where deviation causes failure
- Troubleshooting table: Common problems and solutions
- Version control: Track changes between protocol versions