Abcam scientists’ top tips for resuming research post-COVID-19

As different countries and states begin to ease the shelter-in-place restrictions from COVID-19 many labs are once again opening their doors, and researchers are coming back to the bench. 

To help with this transition, we asked our returning scientists for their top tips to get experiments up and running as smoothly as possible. Hopefully, there’s something that might help with your project.

1. Add a bit of extra time to the first experiments back on site to account for equipment set-up.
2. Re-commission any equipment that was de-commissioned during the lock-down eg NanoDrops and pH meters.
3. Calibrate any instruments that have been left on standby and perhaps do a dummy-run, in case you need to call out an engineer. 
4. Do a stock-take, to make sure you know what needs ordering and start ordering as quickly as possible.
5. Wipe-down all the benches and give the lab a clean before starting, there may be a lot of dust.
6. Start the day with a good playlist!