Sample Inventory SOP
Goal: know exactly which samples we have and where they are
Defrost every 1-2 years: move all samples to temporary freezer
Email facilities manager (Matt Hixton matth1@vt.edu) and ask for access to a -20 or -80 freezer
Transfer samples to temporary freezer
Ask facilities manager to move freezer onto patio to defrost and then return to lab 24 hrs later
Let freezer return to temperature and then transfer samples back
Every 6 months-1 year: go through all samples as a lab
Adding samples:
Label samples
Put samples in a box
Label box with:
Date samples added
Date samples should be destroyed if not used
Experiment/study name
Data linked to samples (e.g., SOSP 2022 Nestling Master Data File)
Species, sex, age, dates of collection
Experimenter and email
Box 1 of X if more than one box
Add samples/box to freezer inventory
Removing samples:
If you use parts of samples then create a new box and put left over samples into
Label the new box as ‘left over sample’ with all the other information
Update the freezer inventory sheet with any changes