Significance of Laboratory Equipment

The role of laboratory equipment is considerably increasing, having advantages such as providing high-quality medical care and is also cost-effective.

FREMONT, CA: Taking freshly prepared samples to an instrument only to discover that it doesn't work can be very frustrating in a lab. Keeping laboratory equipment in good working order is of the utmost importance. For proper operation, maintenance is one of the most expensive operating costs in a laboratory's budget.

It is imperative to maintain laboratory equipment properly.

The manual should be read: Reading the manual is a must before using any laboratory equipment. Briefly going through the manual is a good way to find out how to use it accurately and discover the options one was not aware of.

Learning the right skills: Making sure one should not take training for granted. Training is the best way to learn how to use instruments. Training with experienced personnel is the most reliable way to avoid damaging equipment by using it improperly. 

Using the right cleaning materials: Most labs in the U.S. use paper towels for cleaning, but it's important to keep in mind that particular cleaning agents can actually leave a residue.

For example, paper towels may deposit microscopic fibers in the tubes and vessels they wipe, making future chemicals less pure. Investing in no-residue cleaning techniques like ultrasonic cleaners, glassware washers, and specially designed wiping cloths can be beneficial for chemical-specific laboratories.

Calibration of equipment on a regular basis: Chemical applications require periodic calibration of equipment. When hazardous chemicals are involved, calibrating equipment can improve safety in the lab as well as ensure the accuracy of measurements and tests. Labs should consider regular calibration part of their normal maintenance routine and have an independent calibration specialist perform it at least quarterly.

Maintaining records and testing processing equipment: A regular inspection of operational components is crucial in chemical labs that deal with volatile reactions (e.g., pressurized gas, electrical reactions, etc.) It is particularly important to label pressure vessels individually and to maintain precise records regarding everything from their maximum allowable temperatures to 

burst diagrams. Keeping in mind that corrosive and hazardous reactors require more frequent inspections.

Getting in touch with Customer Support: If all else fails, contacting the maker of the instrument is compulsory to have it repaired. Preventative maintenance is similar to this. Professionals who are familiar with the instrument should take care of major malfunctions.

Any lab requires dozens of maintenance steps. Chemicals used in a single experiment can determine how machinery and glassware should be cleaned, handled, and inspected.

Maintaining lab equipment ensures that it lasts longer, operates more efficiently, and produces more reliable results. Moreover, it is safer to work with.