5S and 5W2H Tools Applied to Research Laboratories: Experience from Instituto Carlos Chagas - FIOCRUZ/PR for Cell Culture Practices

Abstract

Good cell culture practices are a set of technical and management tools recommended for application in research and service laboratories to guarantee the traceability and reproducibility of in vitro experiments. However, most research laboratories do not have a structured quality assurance system and have difficulties organizing their workflows or even priorities in implementing acceptable laboratory practices. In this study, we applied management and quality assurance tools to define the steps necessary to implement acceptable laboratory practices in the multiuser laboratory of cell culture and establish a cell bank at the Carlos Chagas Institute FIOCRUZ-PR. Our team applied the 5W2H and 5S tools for initial diagnosis and established an action plan to implement and manage the laboratory over two years. Thereby, we defined the scope of laboratory activities, including the demand for establishing a cell bank, the supply of cell lines to internal users, user training, and quality control tests. We also mapped the main activities, establishing their flows and all the necessary documentation to ensure traceability and reproducibility. Additionally, the laboratory was organized in compliance with the 5S principles. In conclusion, using management tools, such as the 5W2H and 5S methods, is a simple and affordable method to organize and manage a cell culture laboratory and can be applied to other research laboratories.