Free Laboratory Protocol Resources
For free laboratory protocols, the most comprehensive and accessible resources are protocols.io (an open-access protocol repository), the Structural Genomics Consortium's chemical probes collection, and lab.js for behavioral research studies. 1, 2
Primary Open-Access Protocol Repositories
Protocols.io and Related Platforms
- Protocols.io serves as a major open-access repository where researchers can access, share, and adapt laboratory protocols across multiple disciplines 1
- The platform allows protocols to be shared in editable formats, enabling transparent replications and facilitating open, cumulative science 2
Specialized Research Resources
Chemical and Biological Research:
- The Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) provides a unique collection of chemical probes with associated data, control compounds, and detailed recommendations for their use, available at https://www.thesgc.org/chemical-probes 1
- Chemicalprobes.org offers expert advice on finding and using chemical probes for biomedical research and drug discovery 1
Behavioral and Online Studies:
- Lab.js is a free, open-source experiment builder available at https://lab.js.org/ that allows researchers to design studies without programming, though full customization is possible 2
- Studies can be shared in editable formats and archived for reuse 2
Database and Information Management Systems
For Laboratory Data Management:
- openBIS ELN-LIMS (Electronic Laboratory Notebook and Laboratory Information Management System) is an open-source platform suitable for academic life science laboratories, available at https://openbis-eln-lims.ethz.ch 3
- The system includes a user-friendly web interface for documenting work, describing materials and methods, and collecting data 3
- A VirtualBox image is available for rapid local testing 3
Genomic and Protein Resources
Large-Scale Data Repositories:
- The Cancer Genome Atlas provides databases of human tumor profiles based on DNA, RNA, protein expression levels and epigenetic factors at https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/organization/ccg/research/structural-genomics/tcga 1
- The Human Protein Atlas is an open-access resource mapping all human proteins in cells, tissues and organs at https://www.proteinatlas.org/ 1
- Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project builds a public resource for tissue-specific gene expression and regulation at https://www.gtexportal.org/home/ 1
Standards and Quality Resources
Standardization Tools:
- FAIRsharing is a curated resource on data and metadata standards, databases and data policies at https://fairsharing.org/ 1
- Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute provides published guidelines for evaluating manufactured reagents including precision, linearity, and performance characteristics 1
Important Caveats
Validation Requirements:
- When using protocols from open repositories, laboratories must perform full in-house validation, particularly for laboratory-developed tests 1
- Published guidelines should be followed for evaluating precision, linearity, stated performance characteristics, and clinical sensitivity and specificity 1
Quality Control Considerations:
- Protocols obtained from repositories may require adaptation to specific laboratory conditions and equipment 4
- The distinction between written protocols and actual laboratory practices is significant—protocols do not describe exactly what practitioners do in the workplace 4
- Local problems with performing protocols on specific occasions must be anticipated and addressed 4