Writing a lab journal has many benefits, which I described in my previous post. But how to do it? If you adhere to these eight rules on how to write a lab book, you are definitely on the safe side. Read how to write a lab book entry and what should be included.
The bare minimum: title and date
It is easy to understand why you should put down a date for your lab book entry. Also, writing a meaningful title for your entry helps you to find stuff later on when browsing through your lab book.
Write down the scope of your experiment
Write down the scope of your experiment right at the beginning of your lab book entry. What were you trying to prove? What were your aiming to find? Why did you do this experiment? It sounds trivial to you now, but it will come in handy later on. Someday you may ask yourself: Why did I do this again?
Note down the materials used
Write a mini material and methods section in your lab book entry. This is also a good place to note down settings of key instruments and software. I strongly advise on even documenting the catalog numbers and lot numbers of key reagents. This information is valuable in case of future trouble shooting activity.
Document raw data and results
If possible, put the raw data in your lab book. Sometimes this is not possible, for example because the amount of raw data is too big or because it is digital. In this case, note down where to find the raw data. Of course, you should also document the results of the data analysis you did.
Write a conclusion and possibly a sentence on further experiments
This is the most important part of the lab book. Anyone can produce some data. But drawing a meaningful conclusion from your results is the most valuable part of your work. Reflect on how the results correlate to what you set out to do. If you encountered problems note down possible causes. Write down likely consequences of your findings. For example, suggest a sensible follow up experiment. If you concluded that you need to redo the experiment, write down what to change next time.
Use good documenting practice in your lab book
Use a permanent ink pen and avoid using lead pencil. If you prefer typing up your lab book entry, it is ok to stick the printout into your lab book carefully. In this case, you can also consider using an electronic lab book.
It happens that you make a mistake in your lab book entry and want to correct it. In this case, strike through the error with a single line. The wrong entry must still be readable. Write the correction next to it or above it. Finally complete everything with your initials and date as in the picture above. Never use ink eraser or correction fluid.
If you leave a large part of a page or a whole page empty, strike it through and add your initials and date. This way you show that no data was removed from the lab book.
What kind of lab book should I use?
If you keep a paper lab book, it should have bound pages. It must not have any loose bits of paper. Also, using binders is not a good idea as pages are removed easily from a binder.
Sign with initials and date
If your work is potentially patent relevant, you should put your signature and the date at the bottom of every page after writing you journal entry. A colleague who was not involved in conducting this experiment, should sign and date, too.