Evolving Protocols Without Losing History

What happens when a protocol improves? Do we overwrite it?

Six months later, the DNA extraction SOP improves.

Original step:

Incubate at 55°C for 10 minutes.

Improved step:

Incubate at 55°C for 20 minutes.
Add Proteinase K.

In traditional file systems, the old version disappears.

In a Git-based SOP system, it becomes part of the documented evolution.

Record the Improvement

1. Edit the SOP.

2. Stage the change:

   git add DNA_Extraction.md

3. Commit with explanation:

   git commit -m "Increase lysis time to improve DNA yield"

Why This Changes Laboratory Culture

Section titled Why This Changes Laboratory Culture

Instead of:

• Silent overwriting
• Unclear provenance
• Informal knowledge transfer

You create:

• Documented improvements
• Transparent authorship
• Traceable method evolution

Protocols become scientific artefacts with history.