Were you aware that over 319,000 people work in the diagnostic and medical laboratory industry?
While rewarding, running a lab is often challenging work. This is especially true if you don’t have the proper lab equipment.
In any science lab, the right tools and equipment will ensure correct results, workplace safety, and general efficiency. Not only this, but proper lab equipment can also make a significant difference in the quality of your lab work.
Do you want to save time and money? If so, keep reading to learn how to make sure your laboratory has the proper lab equipment.
HPLC Vials
There’s no denying that HPLC vials are a crucial part of any lab with a focus on chromatography. Lab technicians rely on these vials to hold samples for high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. HPLC is a modern science technique for separating, finding, and counting the various components in a given sample.
Without high-quality HPLC vials, you can never be sure that your analytical results are correct.
Are you wondering how to choose the best HPLC vials? You’ll need to note the vial’s material, size, and capacity.
These types of vials are most commonly made from glass because the transparency makes it easy to spot sample impurities. Plus, glass is inert so you don’t have to worry about it interacting with your sample and affecting the results.
If you want higher durability, then you could always go with plastic vials. As for the size and capacity, you’ll need to invest in what’s best for your lab and your usual sample sizes. Be sure to see the vials.
Test Tubes
Test tubes are a sample of almost every lab because they serve many different uses. From mixing to heating and beyond, you can always rely on high-quality test tubes. Like with HPLC vials, you can choose between different materials and sizes.
Some of the most common materials include glass, plastic, and even polypropylene.
Glass test tubes are the most common because they’re both chemically inert and can resist high temperatures. If high temperatures aren’t a factor and you want something that won’t break as easily, plastic test tubes could be the perfect choice.
The size and shape of the test tubes depend on what tasks you have in mind. Common shapes include ones that are either round or conical.
Other Essential Tools to Run a Lab
Aside from HPLC vials and test tubes, there are several other essential lab tools that you won’t want to go without. Some of these tools include pipettes, centrifuges, microscopes, balances, and pH meters.
Many lab experts love pipettes because they help with the accurate measurement of liquids. This is especially true when dealing with smaller volumes.
If you need to separate components by their density, centrifuges are key. You should also seek out high-quality microscopes so you can get the full details of any object under a slide.
Don’t forget about balances if you want to measure the mass with accuracy. You may want to add pH meters to your list so that you can also measure acidity and alkalinity.
Be sure to spend time thinking about the layout and organization of your lab. A well-organized lab can help improve efficiency and safety. You should have a designated space for each piece of equipment and keep everything clean and tidy.
How to Find High-Quality Equipment to Run a Laboratory
Aside from the type of equipment, you should also spend time considering the quality, reliability, and safety of the tools you buy. This may mean spending more money at first, but the investment will pay for itself in the long run. This is especially true when considering how much more accurate your results will end up being.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about the equipment breaking after only a few weeks. To meet your high standards, it’s worth making a plan before buying anything. That way, you can list all the equipment you need and the budget you can put toward each piece.
While it is important to invest in high-quality equipment, you also shouldn’t have to break your budget. One way to save money is to get used or refurbished equipment from a reputable supplier. Just make sure you look into the return policy and always double-check the equipment.
No matter what, the best way to get the proper lab equipment is by dealing with the right supplier. A reputable supplier can provide you with high-quality equipment that meets your unique needs. If you’re unsure about one or more pieces, they can help you find something perfect for your lab.
The best supplies can also give long-term support if needed. You’ll want to find a supplier that offers maintenance and repair services.
Over time, you should keep up with advances in lab technology and equipment. Since new equipment and techniques are always coming out, you’ll have an opportunity to improve your lab efficiency even more.
Be Diligent About Inspections and Training
Speaking of maintenance, regular lab inspections are another way of ensuring that you have the right tools on hand. By assessing your needs and the state of your current equipment, you can handle issues before they become major problems.
Don’t forget that every lab technician must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining the equipment. You should schedule regular inspections rather than waiting for something to break, for instance.
Aside from investing in equipment, you should also invest in staff training. That way, they can learn how to use the lab equipment in a safe and productive way. The last thing you’d want is for someone to ruin the equipment or hurt themselves trying to use it.
Are You Ready to Get Lab Equipment?
Now that you’ve learned about what lab equipment you should get, you can ensure that your laboratory runs better than ever.