If you’ve decided that starting a medical laboratory is the best business move, you’ve surely already looked into all the permits that you might require to operate according to law. However, you also need to properly equip your workspace in order to be able to run the lab efficiently. Here are some essential pieces of equipment that you will need for a medical lab.
Microscopes
The first thing that comes to mind when talking about laboratories is probably a microscope. For your lab technicians to be able to see and examine samples, you will need at least a few of these. Microscopes come in different models that have different purposes so it’s vital that you understand what you will be dealing with on a daily basis and get the types that will allow you to get everything done.
Autoclaves
Another piece of equipment that is as essential as the microscope is an autoclave. These machines have a number of functions but you will mostly use them to sterilize other equipment. Eliminating infectious materials from your tools, instruments, and glassware is essential for avoiding contamination and ensuring everyone’s safety. Moreover, even the things you will put into the trash need to go through an autoclave first.
Hotplates
To be able to do everything a medical lab is supposed to do, you will also need hotplates. They are crucial devices in a lab as they are used for heating up samples. By using hotplates, you will not have to deal with sparks and open flames in the lab and you will lower the risk of accidents by a big margin, especially if you work with gases and chemicals that could explode if they come into contact with a spark. Furthermore, look into getting hotplates with a digital display so that you can monitor and control the temperature easily.
Refrigerators
You cannot run a medical laboratory without having plenty of medical refrigerators. They are necessary in order to mitigate the risk of contamination and keep samples cool. Moreover, you also need a top-notch pharmacy vaccine refrigerator as they can spoil if not stored at a proper temperature. Additionally, you also need separate compartments in your fridges if you want to avoid cross-contamination with samples so look into the guidelines and regulations that you’re required to follow.
Incubators
Something else you will need is laboratory incubators. These devices regulate the CO2, humidity, and temperature in the lab and create a safe, contaminant-free work environment where your technicians can handle cell and tissue cultures. For example, in a microbiological incubator, you will be able to grow and store bacteria cultures.
Glassware and receptacles
For all of these tests and experiments to happen, you will need glassware. All sorts of receptacles will be used to house cultures, tissues, and liquid samples, so look into equipping your technicians with everything from test tubes and Petri dishes to beakers and flasks. Glass is not only easy to sterilize but you can also easily write on it and apply labels that will ensure everything stays organized.
Water sources
You don’t want to overlook the importance of adding a water source to your lab. With that in mind, make sure you add a sink and faucet to the lab as you will surely need water to wash, dilute, and freeze. In addition, you also need a water purifier attached to the sink to get rid of any water impurities.
Personal protective equipment
As you probably know, the laboratory can be a dangerous place. You and your technicians will be dealing with various substances and the risks come in all sorts and shapes. Therefore, you need to equip every simple employee with personal protective equipment (PPE). From face masks and gloves to safety glasses and emergency eye-wash stations, you have to cover all your bases to prevent workers from contracting infections.
Storage and surfaces
Lastly, as there is a lot of equipment that you need for the lab, you also need plenty of storage and surfaces where you will be able to put these pieces. Cabinets are essential for storing all your PPE, glassware, and the devices you are not using. On the other hand, surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain are necessary for day-to-day operations.
When opening a medical lab, there are many pieces of equipment that you cannot overlook. The above-listed items should be enough to get you started and you can build your equipment as you grow.