Skip to content

Methods: Wet Lab

Dr. Jason G. Wallace edited this page Dec 13, 2024 · 19 revisions

Wet Lab Methods

Table of Contents



General

The wet lab is a fragile ecosystem that requires precision and care. Before working in the wet lab ensure you have completed all trainings.

For a reminder about sterile technique please see:

Sterile Technique Guide

Here are the posted Wet Lab Rules:

  • SAFETY FIRST
  • Know where the first aid, fire blanket, and emergency eye station are.
  • No food, drink, or other consumables
  • Do not work in the wet lab alone (or at least let someone know you are there)
  • Put on gloves!
  • When working with dangerous or corrosive reagents wear safety goggles and a lab coat
  • Label everything you make with your initials and date
  • Put away anything you are not actively using
  • Keep your space and the lab organized
  • Clean your dishes
  • Do not leave frozen or refrigerated reagents out for extended periods of time.
  • Please limit crying in the wet lab while others are working
  • If faced with a fire in the lab: pause, think, remove it's source of oxygen/fuel, and always report. Water is NOT the answer.


rhAmp Genotyping


Real Time qPCR


Whole Bacteria Microbiome Extraction


Printing Labels

Printing Labels is one of the most challenging tasks you will take upon yourself in the Wallace Lab. Here is a guide to limit the pain.

  1. Make an Excel table with headers for labels.
  2. Mailing tab, start mail merge, labels. Brand = Avery, OK
  3. Select Recipients -> use existing list.
  4. OK, OK
  5. Address Block
  6. Match Fields - First, Middle, Last Name
  7. OK, Update Labels
  8. Finish and Merge
  9. Edit Individual Documents, All, OK
  10. Center and Enlarge all
  11. Print -> Print Preferences
  12. Paper = Manual Print
  13. Feed Label paper into printer

Label Guide

Plating Bacteria

See this guide in the Journal of Visualized Experiments: Aseptic Laboratory Techniques: Plating Methods. (We especially use the Spread-plating technique with a rod)

Opentrons Liquid Handler

See this separate page for the Opentrons robot.