For bench researchers, the importance of keeping a good laboratory notebook bears special attention here. As the most critical piece of evidence to show what work actually took place during the course of a research project, the laboratory notebook can be regarded as a legal document and should be treated as such, particularly in cases where resulting discoveries hold potential for future commercial applications.
What are the elements of a well-kept laboratory notebook? For starters, choose a record book with permanently bound, pre-numbered pages. Three-ring binders or computer-generated notebooks are unacceptable. Use a blue or black permanent ink pen for all your notes. If you make a mistake, cross the error out with a single line; never erase or use correction fluid. Do not cut and paste items into your notebook; likewise, do not remove pages either.
Legal and commercial considerations aside, the overarching purpose of a laboratory notebook is to allow others to replicate your work and, thus, validate your results. With this in mind, be sure to write legibly and completely. Record lot numbers, expiration dates, and detailed source and storage information for laboratory materials, especially for unstable materials or those with limited shelf life (e.g., antibodies, enzymes, radioactively labeled compounds). When describing experimental procedures and methods, err on the side of more detail than less.
