Laboratory Equipments

Have you Ever Been to a Laboratory?
The answer to this question without any doubt would be a definitive yes. Just consider a few examples, You visit a pathological laboratory and the attending doctor takes your blood sample for tests, students in a chemistry laboratory performing salt identification tests, an instructor in a biology laboratory explaining the dissection process of a frog, or a shinning piece of Gold jewellery is tested in a metal laboratory to prove if “ all that glitters is gold” or not.

What is the Common Thread that Runs Through these Illustrations
First that there is a place called laboratory where these experiments were performed. Secondly, which is also the theme for our discussion that the experiments are performed using a series of vital tools that are known as laboratory equipment, instruments, apparatus etc.

Key Role of Lab Equipment
Laboratory equipment forms the basic ingredient of any laboratory set up, a technician or a research scholar works in a laboratory using the various types of equipment. Thus without any hesitation it could be said that the laboratory equipment is a foundation for any lab-based analysis.

Starting from extraction of samples, then purification, separation, processing, movement, storage, creating ambient conditions, protection of the lab along with its personnel, from contamination in all these sphere there is use of a broad range of laboratory equipment, instruments devices, apparatus etc.

From a humble test tube to a say a complex analytical instrument like Nuclear magnetic resonance system laboratory equipment encompasses everything in its fold.

Of late there is a new found interest for laboratory equipment with newer demands. It has accelerated the development of methods for things like sample preparation, automation, bio-processing. These coupled with the demand for integration,throughput and standardization are making a paradigm shift to the concept of laboratory equipment. Irrespective of the nature of task in hand and the equipment used there are certain basic parameters to which the laboratory equipment must adhere to.

Selecting the Appropriate Laboratory Equipment
A few of the criterion for choosing the right laboratory equipment is encapsulated here.
Safety : Safety is the foremost feature that a prospective buyer sees in a laboratory equipment. It would be always interesting to know the type of risk or dangers associated with the equipment.

Energy Requirement : Laboratory equipment like autoclaves, computers glass washers, refrigerators, require significant portion of the energy. So it would be worthwhile if a clear cut data regarding the energy requirement of each of them is procured before hand. Another important factor especially in developing world is the question of availability of constant power. Some points to be given consideration here includes:

• » It is better to opt for a voltage stabilizer in case there is voltage fluctuations hampering the performance of equipment.
• » In the event of complete blackouts there must be a provision for UPS(uninterrupted power supply)
• » In case the equipment is powered by battery, then what type of battery is used.

Durability and Robustness : Questions to be asked here include

• » Can the equipment stand the rigours of local conditions for example high or low temperatures, dust, humidity or drought.
• » How it would fare if the instrument needs regular movement.

Price : While considering pricing two things to be considered are the initial pricing and the operating costs. Then the cost of the accessories as well as maintenance also needs to be given a consideration. A just buyer should not only buy any equipment because it is the cheapest. Price and quality assessment should go hand in hand. Some pertinent questions in this regard are :

• » Is there any option for service contract? If yes what would be the cost.
• » Is sufficient provision is made towards cost of spare parts.
• » What would be the estimated maintenance cost? (add roughly 10% of the capital value).
  
• » Resources in hand.
• » Environmental and user requirements.

Spare Parts : As an informed and prudent buyer you must ask the local supplier to get from the manufacturer a complete list of essential spare parts along with the expected life(years) of the parts. The local supplier of the equipment must be qualified to service the equipment. Also instead of relying fully on the supplier if some spare parts are procured before hand it can go a long way in terms of savings of valuable resources in future.

Specifications : By specifications it is meant the details of the materials used and the design used in the piece of equipment. A perfect equipment would be the one where your specification matches with that of the manufacturer's. It is better to prepare your own equipment specification data sheet and submit it when inviting quotation or ordering. The specifications should be prepared keeping in mind the following points:

• » Local needs and conditions
• » Resources in hand
• » Environmental and user requirements.