Laboratory records
Building a traceable laboratory material record
Connect supplier records, containers, lot identifiers, and laboratory decisions in one material record.
Create a consistent identifier
Assign a laboratory reference that connects the container, procurement record, and document folder. Capture the material name as supplied, supplier identifier, lot number, listed presentation, receipt date, and recipient. Preserve the original label information rather than silently normalizing ambiguous names. Any discrepancy should remain visible until resolved.
Preserve source documents and versions
Keep the original COA, SDS, shipping information, and relevant supplier correspondence. Record the source and date for each file. If a supplier replaces a document, retain the earlier copy and document what changed. Distinguish information supplied by the seller from observations or tests performed by your laboratory.
Document the assessment, not just the files
A folder of PDFs does not explain why a material was accepted for a study. Record the laboratory’s assessment, unresolved questions, and reference to the relevant internal procedure. Link any subsequent observations to the same material identifier. Follow institutional requirements for access, retention, and review; this article does not prescribe a universal laboratory record system.
Sources & further reading
Sources provide context; they do not endorse Drop or verify its materials.
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