Laboratory notebook sample

Forensic analysis is usually required for the collection of data in the course of determining whether legislation has been infringed. The customer requires that, above all, there is an unbroken chain of evidence from the time the samples were taken to the presentation of evidence in courts of law. In the laboratory this will include documentation and authorization for sample receipt, sample transfer, sub-sampling, laboratory notebooks, analytical procedures, calculations and observations, witness statements and sample disposal. All of these aspects can be called as evidence in court. 

Laboratory mineral sieves, 16 615-616 Laboratory notebook elements of, 18 170 record of invention and, 18 168—170 sample page from, 18 169 Laboratory performance, tracking, 21 164 Laboratory reports, 12 91 Laboratory results, communicating, 21 164 Laboratory testing, quality control and,... 

The field and any subportions of the field to be sampled must have specific unique labels. These labels are typically recorded in a field or laboratory notebook. The notebook will also contain their exact location using a global positioning system (GPS). The position of any samples taken in any part of the area is also recorded using its GPS location. This is the only way one can be certain were a sample was taken. Flags or other markers are always subject to being lost or moved. 

Record keeping carried out not only by the analyst in laboratory notebooks, but also in logbooks for each instrument. After completion, these should be archived for at least ten years. Records should include the type of sample (with a unique identification number), collection method, location, date, description of sample, preparation and analysis method, and instrumental conditions, original data files, and the name of the person responsible. 

FIGURE 1.2 Sample pages from a laboratory notebook that a student is using for Experiment 6 in this text... 

In your laboratory notebook, list all food samples analyzed and indicate the presence or absence of monosaccharides/disaccharides and starches in each. 

Unless the complete history of any sample is known with certainty, the analyst is well advised not to spend his [or her] time in analyzing it. 7 Your laboratory notebook should describe how a sample was collected and stored and exactly how it was handled, as well as stating how it was analyzed. 

These consist of field data sheets, sample storage records, bench sheets or laboratory notebooks, chromatograms, and shipping papers. Some of the laboratory records, in particular, can be electronic rather than paper. 

Figure 11. Sample laboratory notebook page depicting overwrites and incorrectly and correctly executed cross-throughs (reproduced with permission from Unirqyal Chemical Co., Inc.).

In a modern laboratory, automated computer software for data acquisition and processing performs most of data reduction. Raw data for organic compound and trace element analyses comprise standardized calibration and quantitation reports from various instruments, mass spectra, and chromatograms. Laboratory data reduction for these instrumental analytical methods is computerized. Contrary to instrumental analyses, most general chemistry analyses and sample preparation methods are not sufficiently automated, and their data are recorded and reduced manually in laboratory notebooks and bench sheets. The SOP for every analytical method performed by the laboratory should contain a section that details calculations used in the method s data reduction. 

Bar-code label (with also alphanumeric readout) Adhesive label, 8 mm x 20 mm (approximately) Sample preparation form, carbonless, duphcate Chpboard for sample preparation form Laboratory notebook Pen, permanent, archive approved Marker, permanent Pair of scissors Forceps, stainless steel Sealing film Spatula, stainless steel, spoon type Absorbent wipe, standard Laboratory coat Gloves, latex Gloves, durable, chemically resistant Disposable items (continued) Waste bottle, wide mouth, volume 2 liters with chemical resistant lid Waste bottle, wide mouth, volume 4 liters with chemical resistant lid Wash bottle, polyethylene, 250 ml 1 pack 1 pack 1 set 1 1 2 4 1 5 1 pack 12 4 2 boxes 2 coats 2 boxes 1 pack 1 pack Minimum number 1 1 2... 

The occurrence of efflorescences should be documented in the field notebook. Samples, in plastic or glass containers, should be sent to the laboratory for chemical analysis. Conceptual models developed for water systems should incorporate the occurrence of efflorescences of observed compositions. 

Make a table in your laboratory notebook of the sequence number, sample numbers and corresponding crucible numbers (Table 5.1). Mark the volumetric flasks with sequence numbers. Include replicate samples, check samples (if available) and blank samples as required. (A blank sample is a crucible and reagents, but with no tea material, taken through the complete procedure.)... 

In the first tutorial students are introduced to the importance of keeping a proper research style laboratory notebook as proof of scientific discovery [14]. This is stressed by using examples from the literature that detail instances where published articles have been retracted due to poor or nonexistent laboratory notebooks [15,16], and with a sample of an advertisement for an industrial research position that specifies maintaining a laboratory notebook as part of the job description [17]. 

Laboratory records are kept very carefully in order to follow the progress of any study and to be able to repeat any steps that are necessary. Detailed records include all the information about samples, preparation methods, analysis results, and storage. These records provide the documentation necessary to prove that the research was done and how it was completed. All of this information together is data and there are two major places these data are kept a notebook and computer database. The Laboratory Notebook is an essential part of lab activities and the first record of all information. A laboratory notebook is needed to explain lab procediues, write down all lab data, show how calculations are made, and discuss the results of an experiment. A record of lab work is an important document, which will show the quantity and quality of the lab work that you have done. The laboratory database is the digital archive of information from the activities, experiments, and measurements of the laboratory. 

Note the color of the four samples, comparing the colors of the pure with the off-color for both the iron (III) chloride and the nickel (II) chloride. Write your descriptions in your laboratory notebook. Prepare solutions of each of the four samples by weighing 0.5 g of each into a 50-mL beaker and adding 30 mL of water. Stir thoroughly until dissolved. Label each beaker. Write descriptions of the color of each of the solutions in your notebook. 

Obtain at least three samples of snow. One sample should be obtained as close to a walkway or roadway and appear visibly dirty. One sample should be obtained as far away from pollutant sources and appear visibly clean. Use a relatively large beaker to collect snow and allow the snow to melt. Record pH values in your notebook. Draw conclusions about your observations and write these in your laboratory notebook. 

Obtain one or more soil samples from a hazardous waste site. Alternatively, your instructor may have a series of fortified soils available in the laboratory. An illustration of how a series of laboratory fortified acidic, neutral, and alkaline soils can be prepared and given to students as sample unknowns is shown in Table 5.3. Implement EPA Method 9045C while reviewing its details. Assume that the unknown soil is noncalcareous. Notice the use of flowcharts in helping to understand the procedural aspects of the method. Repeat the pH measurement for the four other samples and record your results in your laboratory notebook. The chemical nature of the contaminated soil samples will be revealed to you after you have completed your pH measurements. Rationalize the observed pH value for each soil based on a knowledge of the chemical used to contaminate the soil. Write your comments into your lab notebook. 

The most important information on the label of an experimental material is the name of the researcher responsible, as well as any other information, such as a laboratory notebook reference, that can readily lead to what is known about the material. For items that are to be stored and retained within a laboratory where the properties of materials are likely to be well understood, only the sample identification and/or name may... 

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