We've gathered a list of top systems and methods from your colleagues:
Check your mindset and stay focused: As with anything in life, mistakes tend to happen when you're tired, stressed, or distracted (…or all of the above). Stop worrying about speeding things up. Slow down and think more carefully about each step. and stay focused. Talking and working make some tasks faster, but not this one. Some researchers put up "No Talking" signs while doing this task. However, if you need some background noise at work, relaxing music (especially instrumental) is encouraged!
Match the pipette tips to the corresponding wells: New pipette boxes are best suited for deep well plates. Match wells to boxes as you go. Keep a spare box for emergencies so you don't have to clutter your system when you need more equipment. Use a pipette tip to track the number of wells.
Write it out: Create an Excel sheet and a 96 deep well plate graph for the master mix. Each well has the name of the primer and sample. Set up all master mixes in a logical manner and color code each primer set (if using more than one). Bring this watch into the lab and check the watch as you go. You can also write the reagent amount on a sticky note and have it next to you as a sample key when loading. Pick a system to handle them (e.g. alphabetically or numerically, depending on how they're coded) and never stray too far from yours. While mixing, keep everything on the rack and move it to the farthest corner when you're done.
Tape is your new best friend: Tape the entire plate, except for the area you're loading. Work on the plate this way, moving the tape each time you complete a section. You can label tapes (eg A – H, 1 – 12) to help you stay on track.
For example, when loading the Gene A mastermix into columns 1 and 2 of a deep well plate, first pick up the tape and lightly cover columns 3 and 4. You can even do one column at a time to stay organized. It helps maintain orientation in tough intermediate wells. Remember to hold the plate evenly when removing the tape to avoid spills.
Stick with it: If you realize your system isn't working, don't change it halfway through. Change it before or after, but don't do it halfway (it will cause too much confusion!).
Exercise: Be consistent with your chosen process. It will take a while to commit these steps to muscle memory, but over time you should start to see significant improvements in your work (and significantly less workplace frustration!)
Choose the right equipment:
From material to quality, round hole or tapered bottom, there are many options when ordering 96 deep well plates.
Some considerations include:
Materials: What samples did you use? Does your deep well require foliar coating or siliconization?
Size: How much capacity do you need for your 96 PCR deep well plate?
Temperature: How much temperature does your deep well need to withstand?
How much centrifugal force can your 96 deep well plate withstand?
Here's what most scientists use for general applications:
These simple 96 deep well plates
How these deep well plates help labs and lab managers:
An easier way to collect and prepare samples (because these things happen every day in your lab)
Take back valuable lab space, and the sturdy stacking ability makes them easier to store than ever
Avoid spillage by improving mixing of small liquid samples
Design with less retention on the wall, so you waste less samples
Pay 33% less than other leading brands
Features include:
a round bottom
Freeze or refrigerate (up to -80 C)
Stability - they do not react with solvents in the plate
No heavy metals, improved safety
Designed according to international standard size (SBS), suitable for automated workstations
Reduce liquid retention of samples on walls
Choosing the right plate can help you avoid:
missing data points
Sample rerun
Workflow slows down
Missing project deadlines
