Search Thermo Fisher Scientific
Top Considerations for Experimental Success in Therapeutic and Diagnostic Research
Avoid delays in moving your innovations to market
Every day has the potential to be critical when you work at a biotechnology company. Today may be the day you get funding on a new project, or it may be the day that you get data that propels you down a new path of development. But you are in this field because you know your work will make a difference. You may get unexpected information, but you adapt and take it in stride. You manage tight budgets and know how to get the most out of your funding. Let us help you be prepared for what comes your way today with our collection of considerations to set you up for experimental success.
1. Build a plan of action
Write down every step in your process from start to finish. If you draft an outline of your report during the planning phase, you may uncover issues that require additional thought. For example, how can you streamline your process, or process samples in batches to maximize productivity and spend more time on data interpretation, not data generation?
Balancing the time needed for preparation with ambitious development timelines can be challenging but having an experienced partner can help. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers many solutions that increase speed to results such as faster protocols and hands-free instrumentation.
2. Create a decision tree
If you get a certain expected result, what are your next steps? If you get a different result, does that change what you do next? Consider solutions that mean fewer validation steps as you transition from R&D to process development and reduce your time to market.
We can help you consider when to make the switch from RUO to clinical grade materials and can offer guidance as you navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
3. Consider your experimental controls
One of the first things every scientist learns is proper experimental design, with the right positive and negative controls. Always remember these fundamentals. No matter how many times you have repeated this process, having onboard controls maintains your data integrity.
Many of our products include detailed protocols, accessible from our website. In addition, our technical support team is always available and happy to help.
4. Check your equipment
Make sure all of your equipment is in working order – calibrated, clean, and operational. If there is regularly scheduled maintenance that you’ve been putting off, now is the time to get that done.
Do your instruments have current service contracts? Connect with our field service engineers to keep every piece of equipment in working order when you need it.
5. Regulatory guidance
Think about regulatory guidance for the clinical application you are pursuing. Regulatory standards are updated regularly and knowing what is needed for your regulatory filings often dictates how you design your development processes.
Regulatory agencies consider not only the materials that make up your product, but those you used in its manufacture and testing. Use research grade materials where appropriate, then switch to GMP and clinical grade materials during development. Stay informed on updates from your local regulatory agencies.
6. Ask for help
If you are attempting a new technique or method, talk to a colleague who is an expert at it, or request their assistance or participation. You will learn valuable new skills when you do this, and improve your worth on your team.
Every instrument and reagent we provide is supported by a team of experts who want to help you achieve your goals. We provide training, protocols, how-to guides, publications, and one-on-one support for our customers.
7. Present your data
Envision your success. What format will you present to support the points you want to make to your team? Have you done the calculations to determine how many data points you will need to see statistically significant differences between test and control groups?
Explore our intuitive software offerings to assist in experimental design and help you visualize how your data can advance your knowledge and deliver answers.
8. Every result is a learning opportunity
Reframe the idea that an unexpected outcome is a failure. If you knew what the outcome would be then it wouldn’t be called an experiment. You can learn from everything you do, and often an unexpected outcome can lead to a new line of thinking.
Consult with our technical support team for help with troubleshooting, before, during, and after you are in the lab. Take advantage of our vast experience – we are here to help.
9. Maximize efficiency
Every lab has it: the one instrument that everyone always needs, often at the exact same time. Reserve instrument time and space. Consider putting up a note if there isn’t already an official sign-up sheet. You want to make sure it is available when you need it.
Explore our software packages, LIMS and notebooks for managing the logistics in your lab.
10. Stock your essentials
Before you begin is the time to plan. Write out a list of what you need, and sequester any high-demand plates, flasks, media, supplements, or pipettes. You do not want to reach for that precious bottle of media and find out someone has used it already.
Use our easy online ordering and inventory management tools to understand your usage rates and always be prepared with the reagents and consumables you need.
Final thoughts
Seek feedback on your experimental design. Your colleagues, mentors, and even people in other groups might have ideas you haven’t considered. Put their knowledge to work for you. Take advantage of your team’s knowledge and crowdsource the best solutions. Embrace your colleagues’ perspectives. You are on the same team.
Think about how you like to work, and who you share your lab with…do you prefer to work around others or is a quiet space your best work environment? We all have our own ideal working conditions. Find yours and see your productivity soar!
Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We invite you to explore how we support therapeutic and diagnostic research and development in the biotechnology setting.
仅供科研使用，不可用于诊断目的。
Style Sheet for Global Design System
仅供科研使用，不可用于诊断目的。