Laboratoriumartefact

Laboratoriumartefact, often translated as lab artifact, is a term used to describe a feature in experimental data or an image that arises from the laboratory setup, instruments, or procedures rather than from the phenomenon being studied. The word combines elements from laboratory and artifact, reflecting its origin in controlled experimental contexts. In practice, artifacts are deviations or distortions that can mislead interpretation if not recognized and understood.

Common sources include instrument limitations (noise, drift, calibration errors), sample preparation effects (dehydration, staining, fixation residues), measurement conditions (temperature changes, vibrations, electromagnetic interference), and data processing steps (filtering, resampling, normalization) as well as operator-related factors such as technique variability or labeling mistakes.

Examples occur across disciplines. In imaging, artifacts may appear as blur, motion, or nonuniform illumination that are not part of the sample. In microscopy, fixation or staining can produce colors or structures that do not exist in the native specimen. In analytical chemistry, baseline drift or peak tailing can distort concentration estimates. In molecular biology, artifacts include primer-dimers in PCR or sequencing errors arising from library preparation.

Mitigation relies on controls and replication, instrument calibration, multiple measurement methods, and transparent reporting. Standardized protocols, blinded analysis, and thorough artifact documentation help separate genuine signals from artifacts and improve reproducibility.

Recognition of laboratory artifacts is essential to avoid drawing incorrect conclusions and to interpret data correctly. The concept emphasizes the need for critical evaluation of methods and results in scientific reporting.