SUMMARY Laboratory work is a key step in the research process. The success and the extent to which questions can be resolved will depend on the rigor, precision and its accuracy. This paper presents a systematic and orderly process that aims to reduce the errors associated with sample handling of large numbers of samples of insects and other arthropods and have quick access to information. It starts from the entrance of samples of the field, using ants as a target group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), through recommendations for proper storage, cleaning, sorting, identification and labeling. This will allow the results to be reliable, and to avoid confusing statistical analyses which might lead to misleading erroneous conclusions.