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Printable Western blot experiment and troubleshooting worksheets

Use one record before and during the run, then use the troubleshooting record when a result fails. The fields are saved only in this browser unless you export them.

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Worksheet 1

Western blot experiment record

Record both planned and actual conditions, especially antibody lots, transfer evidence and unsaturated imaging details.

Project / experiment IDDateOperatorTarget protein / modificationExpected apparent molecular weightSample source, treatment and collection timePositive biological controlNegative / knockout controlLoading or total-protein normalization planLysis buffer, inhibitors and clarificationProtein concentration method and resultAmount and final volume per laneSample buffer, reducer and heating conditionGel system, percentage, voltage and run timeMembrane, pore size, transfer system and settingsTransfer stain and observationBlocker, concentration, buffer and durationPrimary antibody catalog, lot, dilution, buffer and incubationSecondary antibody, dilution and incubationWash buffer, volume, times and agitationSubstrate / channels and imager settingsExposure series and unsaturated image selectedRaw-file and uncropped-image locationObservations and deviations from plan

Worksheet 2

Western blot troubleshooting record

Keep the observed pattern, available evidence, competing hypotheses and the single next variable on one page.

Case / experiment IDDateObserved whole-blot patternUncropped image and exposure recordMarker and expected-band positionPositive, negative and normalization controlsTransfer stain evidenceGlobal, target-, lane- or position-specific?Earliest workflow block with evidence of failureLeading hypothesisCompeting hypothesisEvidence that would distinguish the twoOne causal variable to change nextConditions that must remain fixedCondition before changeCondition after changeResult after re-runSupported conclusion and remaining uncertainty