Saturday, January 31, 2009

Starting a small research lab

Having done microscopy work for 5 years, and investing much time and money studying my own fluids, I have decide to extend my research practices to include samples from other subjects.

I have already done this on a small level. I feel there is much that can be accomplished by running routine, as well as complex tests on subjects who complain of chronic symptoms. Subjects must have been previously evaluated by standard medical tests, which have failed to elucidate any obvious problems.
Some of the tests I would like to do are as follows; HLA determination, cytokine tests, blood morphology in native samples, antigen screening of intestinal fluids and urine, peptide screening and documentation, protein isolation from aforementioned fluids and development of data base of random protein samples, and toxicity tests for body fluids to name a few.
I would like to venture into hybridoma technology [some day] and do work with monoclonal antibodies.
There are many things to consider when designing a lab.
First, you must have an appropriate location, there must be equipment and supplies, modifications like vent-hoods, disposal protocols, safety protocols, lab wear, incubation station [vents] etc.
Since I am doing this on a small budget, the location will be quite small.
I plan to have a person in the lab doing work everyday, so students will need to be considered, and small compensation awarded. This will be stressful on budget, so donations to the lab is a must.

Therefore small advertising campaigns and circulation in health-concerned events to distribute business cards, and generate interest must be part of my job.
The idea, is to build a facility which is interactive with ordinary people. This is a way to help individuals with their own research and give them vital information they need to help themselves.
Another feature of the lab, will be consultation.
I would like to share the space with a health expert such as nutritional consultant. This way, there can be co-operation between different modes of information.
The key feature of the lab will be high performance microscopy, and micro graphic documentation. I plan on using this feature to collaborate with professionals in the field, who will receive a fee for reviewing micrograph's, other data.
I would also like to have a network of other labs on file known for specialties in various disciplines.

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To view youtube account my user name is mualfa123 This will enable you to see clips of my microscopic work.