Keeping Your Lab Team in Sync with Shared Protocols
Share protocol timers with your lab or field team so everyone follows the same steps and timing.
When several people run the same protocol—in the lab or in the field—small differences in timing and order can change results. Here’s how to keep the team aligned using shared protocol timers.
1. One source of truth
Define the protocol once in Lab Laps: steps, timers, and (if you use them) groups. Everyone works from that same structure instead of personal notes or verbal handoffs.
2. Share the project
Use Share project to create a link. Send it to colleagues; they can open it, review steps and timers, and Import to add it to their own Lab Laps. They can then run it locally with the same timing you defined.
3. Use timer sync for “same clock” runs
When multiple people run in parallel (e.g. same PCR program on different cyclers), turn on Sync timers. Everyone’s view shows the same timers and counts. That helps when you need to compare “we all extended for 45s” or “we all did 40 cycles.”
4. Add brief notes in step descriptions
Use the step description for short, decisive cues: “Remove from heat at 0”, “Add stop buffer as soon as timer ends”, “Chill on ice immediately.” Newer team members can follow without asking.
5. Re-share when the protocol changes
If you adjust steps or timers, create a new share link and send it to the team. Old links keep working until they expire (30 days), but the newest link reflects the current protocol.
Lab Laps lets you create, share, and run protocol-ready timers. Create a project and share it with your team.