Rack Maintenance Instructions

Checking Tubes

Each set of 4 tubes are the same organism and the date they were created is on each tube
- Note: Tube caps are on loose so before you check them tighten the caps and when you are done be sure to loosen them again
Take the tubes to the microscope and be sure to check all depths (up and down)
Give the tube a rating - xxxx = very happy and x = alive but not doing well
Watch for contamination and if you find any indicate it on the tube

Be sure you update the notebook and the wiki

Making Labels

The files with the labels are on the PC at the front desks
The bottom date is the date the tube was created
The top date is the date of the original tube (where the tube was created from)
- The bottom date of the tube you are making a new tube from will be the top date on the new tube and today's date will be the bottom date on the new tube
When using the printer in Mark's office the top left hand corner of the label sheet goes facedown in the bottom left of the printer drawer - when in doubt print a test sheet

Making New Tubes

Put labels on new tubes (the label says which media you will be using)
Take half the liquid from the tube and put it into the new tube and then bring both tubes to 'full' with fresh media
- Tube should be about half full with liquid
- Don't forget to loosen cap before you put back in incubator
- Toss out the worst tube from the rack and replace it with the new tube you just made

Making a Tube from a Flask

Fill the tube with about half from the flask and then half with fresh media
- Just like making a new tube from a tube
- Indicate on the tube the date of the flask and if it was a large or small flask
- Always double check which media you will need