academic lab policies

[vestelshirley]

Listmembers,
I manage a research support instrumentation lab in our School. The Ag administration wants a lab manual with lab policies published. I’ve submitted general stuff like how to submit, sample analysis priorities, handling complaints, etc. And some specifics like a sample submission form and a list of charges. Does anyone have ideas other than this? It could be that people should contact me directly since the topic has little scientific merit.



School of Ag and Environmental Sciences
shirleyv@ncat.edu
(T) 336-334-7243

[Peter Apps]

Hi Vestel

I have seen several of these on the web - try a search on analytical services at other universities.

Peter

[lmh]

nothing wrong with this being discussed in a forum thread! Many of us face similar issues.
The main problem I've found is in coming up with something that suits all clients. Looking at web-pages of facilities I notice proteomic submission is often far more organised/categorised than chemical analysis, which often boils down to "contact us and we'll let you know".

It's worth taking a glance at how the professionals do their general lab policies (e.g. Nelac). It will be overkill for a university lab, but you can pick out good ideas.