The Cook, Kuhlman and Strahl labs each have slightly different protocols for ordering lab supplies. (For example, the Cook Lab has a practice of keeping on hand backups of important supplies. When starting in the lab, thoroughly familiarize yourself with where these backups are kept.) But a fundamental for all three labs, and, indeed, for any lab, is that when you notice a particular reagent or consumable is running low, you must immediately request an order for more. The level of lab citizenship in the Cook, Kuhlman, and Strahl labs is very high, so this is our common practice. Waiting to order more until supplies have run out would greatly impede our work.
After an order has been requested (in the manner described below), the lab manager will generally place the order within three business days. But be aware that there is wide variability in the time it takes for a particular item to arrive, depending, for example, on where it is coming from and whether it is in stock. So, please plan ahead. Anticipate your needs. The lab manager can place same-day orders on an emergency basis, but this should be a very infrequent need.
When the primary supply of something is running low, find the ordering form on a clipboard in the lab. Fill out a row on the form, which is shown below. Complete all boxes to the left of the red line. The boxes to the right of the red line are for the lab manager to record ordering information (and where you can find a record of when your order was placed with the relevant company and when it is expected in the lab). Please write legibly so that ordering can proceed efficiently; use, if possible, a fine-point pen. In the fourth column, make sure you put the catalog number of the item you are ordering. This is never the lot number. There is a helpful five-page, price-checked ordering list of our most commonly ordered lab supplies near the ordering form clipboard in the Cook Lab. And there are always extra blank ordering forms at the back of all the clipboards.
After your order is received in the lab, record the date in the “Received” column on the order sheet. This is an essential, final step in the ordering process.
Example of Lab Order Sheet
