Creating a database can be done in three steps:

A. Choosing an item type (= defining a category)

When you press the "Create" button or the arrow button next to it you will be asked for the category of your new database.

If the type of item (e.g. primer, vector, method) exists follow the steps below. If the type does not exist, contact an team admin and ask to add the item for you.

B. Adding your new database to a database list 

The use of a database list is not mandatory, but it is recommended. You should follow the team agreement.

Before you create your database check the database list of your selected catecory.

The database list contains all databases of your team of a certain item (for example methods in the picture below).

In any case, the list must contain the following columns:

• a unique identifier
• the item/category name

Further optional columns like description are useful and depend on the category.

When considering the list, you should make sure that the database you want to create has not already been created by a colleague.

This prevents, for example, forming five identical PCR methods, each with a different name. If there are different variations, you can mention this in the respective database or refer to it.

C. Creating a new database

Finally, you can create the new database.

The name should contain at least the unique identifier and can be extended by further text (e.g. MTH00005 | Yeast transformation, see picture below). 

A standardized procedure simplifies the exchange between team members and provides a good overview!