Plate Layout Best Practices
A well-designed plate layout minimizes systematic bias and maximizes statistical power:
• Edge effects: Avoid placing critical samples in edge wells (row A, row H, column 1, column 12) where evaporation is highest. Use these for blanks or controls. • Randomization: Randomize sample positions to avoid position-dependent bias. Avoid placing all controls in one corner. • Replicates: Use at least triplicates for quantitative assays. Distribute replicates across different plate regions. • Standards: Place standards in duplicate or triplicate, spanning the expected concentration range. Include blank wells.