Efficient, organized, and detailed data maintenance are the cornerstones of a successful laboratory. Furthermore, institutional and federal requirements mandate proper maintenance, documentation, and dissemination of experimental data in a way that is rigorous and reproducible. The complexity of data generated in the modern laboratory setting presents a significant challenge to these principles of proper record keeping and data integrity. This chapter will focus on the elements of the scientific method, data maintenance, and paper and electronic record keeping that can be used to facilitate successful laboratory operations for the surgeon-scientist conducting basic research. In addition, there is recent increased emphasis on measures to ensure experimental rigor and reproducibility supported by the scientific community and National Institutes of Health. This chapter will introduce the surgeon-scientist to the critical aspects of these requirements to ensure compliance with grant submission guidelines and common author instructions for manuscript submission.