Course Overview
Designed for people entering or returning to laboratory work across scientific, industrial, academic, or technical settings, the programme combines hands-on training with clear guidance on best practice. Participants will develop competence in core techniques, equipment use, safety procedures and quality processes that underpin reliable results.
By the end of the day, participants will not only know what to do, but also understand why it matters – particularly how laboratories ensure results are accurate, reliable, and trustworthy through the use of controls and testing strategies.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
- Research staff and laboratory technicians
- Students or employees new to laboratory work
- Staff transitioning into lab-based roles
- Experienced staff needing a practical refresher
- Employers onboarding new team members into laboratory environments
What will participants learn?
Participants will gain hands-on experience and develop the ability to:
Safety and Compliance
Quality in practice: presumptive tests and controls A key focus of the course is understanding how laboratories ensure results are accurate and trustworthy. Participants will learn how to use:
Participants will also explore:
Safety and Compliance
- Prepare COSHH risk assessments and understand their purpose
- Apply safe laboratory practices and procedures
- Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Operate essential laboratory equipment, including fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and centrifuges
- Select and use pipettes accurately and consistently
- Prepare reagents and solutions to support reliable results
- Calibrate key equipment such as balances, pH meters, and pipettes
- Understand the principles of quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA)
- Apply good documentation and record-keeping practices to ensure traceability
Quality in practice: presumptive tests and controls A key focus of the course is understanding how laboratories ensure results are accurate and trustworthy. Participants will learn how to use:
- Presumptive tests – to provide rapid initial screening and early indication of results
- Positive controls – to confirm that a method or test is working as expected
- Negative controls – to identify contamination, errors or false positives
Participants will also explore:
- the difference between presumptive and confirmatory testing
- how false positives and false negatives can occur
- how controls and testing strategies work together to improve reliability
- how these approaches support good laboratory practice and decision-making
Course details
- Duration: 1 day
- Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
- Cost: £500 per participant
- Format: Hands-on, practical training
Ready to Book?
Contact CSR Scientific Training to book your place or discuss group training options.