What is a laboratory SOP?

A written, step-by-step procedure for a lab task or piece of equipment, so every person performs it the same safe and repeatable way.

What should a lab SOP include?

The purpose, scope, responsible people, required equipment and PPE, numbered steps, hazards on the steps where they occur, and the records to keep.

No. Use it as a starting draft and review it against your equipment manual and your institution’s safety and biosafety requirements.

Example SOP

Purpose: Sterilize laboratory waste, media and glassware safely and verify that each cycle worked.
Scope: Applies to all lab members trained to use the shared autoclave.
Responsibilities: Trained autoclave user · Lab manager
Equipment & PPE: Autoclave-safe bags, trays and containers · Autoclave indicator tape · Heat-resistant gloves, lab coat and eye protection · Autoclave log

1
Check the autoclave and log
Confirm the autoclave is in service, the drain strainer is clear and the last log entry shows no fault.
2
Prepare the load
Place items in autoclave-safe trays, loosen caps on bottles and leave bags slightly open so steam can enter.
Caution: Never autoclave sealed containers, flammable liquids, corrosives or bleach.
3
Mark the load
Apply indicator tape to each item or bag and label it with your name and the date.
4
Load and select the cycle
Place the tray in the chamber without overloading it, close the door and select the cycle for the material type.
5
Run the cycle
Start the cycle and stay nearby until it begins; do not open the door while it is running.
6
Wait for safe pressure and temperature
When the cycle ends, wait until the chamber pressure reads zero and the temperature has dropped.
Caution: Superheated liquids can boil over when moved; let them cool before handling.
7
Unload with protective equipment
Wearing heat-resistant gloves, a lab coat and eye protection, open the door slowly, standing to the side, and remove the load.
8
Verify and record
Check that the indicator tape changed color and record the cycle, load and result in the autoclave log.

Follow your institution’s biosafety rules for waste that needs validation testing.
Report any failed cycle or fault to the lab manager and tag the autoclave out of service.

Turn this SOP into a training video

Each step becomes a short clip showing the action, with the step text alongside, for new staff to watch before their first shift.

What is a laboratory SOP?: A written, step-by-step procedure for a lab task or piece of equipment, so every person performs it the same safe and repeatable way.
What should a lab SOP include?: The purpose, scope, responsible people, required equipment and PPE, numbered steps, hazards on the steps where they occur, and the records to keep.
Does this replace my institution’s safety rules?: No. Use it as a starting draft and review it against your equipment manual and your institution’s safety and biosafety requirements.