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Essential Lab Supplies for Every Scientist
Whether you're just starting out or have been doing research for years, having the right supplies on hand is crucial for conducting successful experiments and procedures. Here are some of the essential items every scientist should have in their lab:
Basic Lab Equipment
- Beakers - These glass containers are a lab staple for mixing and heating chemicals. Have a variety of sizes from 50mL to 1000mL.
- Erlenmeyer flasks - Ideal for titrations, filtrations, and chemical reactions. Get both narrow and wide-mouth varieties.
- Graduated cylinders - For accurately measuring liquid volumes. Get a range of sizes such as 10mL, 25mL, 100mL, and 250mL.
- Volumetric pipettes - Allows precise measurement of liquids. Have 1mL, 5mL, 10mL, and 25mL pipettes.
- Burettes - Used for controlled dispensing and titrating. 50mL is a standard size.
Lab Safety Equipment
- Goggles - Protect your eyes from splashes, spills, and debris.
- Gloves - Disposable nitrile gloves guard against accidental chemical contact.
- Lab coat - Helps prevent contamination of clothing.
- First aid kit - For minor lab mishaps. Should contain bandages, antiseptic, etc.
- Fire extinguisher - Crucial for putting out any accidental fires before they spread.
General Lab Consumables
- Reagents and chemicals - Have a stock of commonly used substances like acids, bases, buffers, stains, etc.
- Disposable pipette tips - For use with pipettes to transfer liquids.
- Petri dishes - For cell culture, microbiology, and other experiments.
- Test tubes and racks - Useful for holding samples during experiments.
- Filter paper - For filtrations, chromatography, and other separations.
Specialized Equipment
Depending on your specific field and research interests, you may need:
- Microscopes - For microbiology, cell biology, pathology, and more.
- Centrifuges - To separate samples by density and sedimentation rate.
- Thermocyclers - For polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA analysis.
- Gel electrophoresis - For separating and analyzing DNA, RNA, and proteins.
- Liquid handlers - Automates liquid transfers for experiments like PCR setup.
By having these essential lab supplies on hand, you'll be prepared to carry out a wide range of molecular biology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and other research projects successfully.
Top Tips for Organizing Your Lab Space
A well-organized lab space allows you to work efficiently and locate supplies quickly. Here are some useful tips for optimizing your lab layout and storage:
Categorize Supplies and Equipment
- Group together items that are used for similar purposes:
- Lab glassware
- PCR supplies
- Cell culture tools
- Arrange equipment stations by type:
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Microscopy
Optimize Benchtop Space
- Only keep essential items on benchtops within easy reach.
- Store rarely used supplies in cabinets or drawers.
- Keep benches clear except when actively working.
Use Wall Space
- Install shelves high up on walls for infrequently accessed items.
- Hang safety gear like lab coats near the entrance.
- Mount dispensers for gloves, pipette tips, etc. on walls.
Label Everything
- Label drawers, shelves, boxes with contents.
- Color code labels for quick visual reference.
- Use a label maker for neat, durable labels.
Maintain Uncluttered Aisles
- Keep walkways free from obstruction.
- Designate permanent "homes" for movable equipment like carts.
- Have a hallway wide enough for two people to pass.
An organized lab improves safety, efficiency, and productivity. Set aside time regularly to tidy, restock supplies, and remove unnecessary items. A clean workspace also contributes to accurate, reproducible experiments.
Choosing the Right Lab Apparel and Protective Gear
Selecting proper lab attire and safety equipment helps minimize exposure to hazards in the lab. Consider the following when picking apparel and gear:
Lab Coats
- Material: Cotton is flame-resistant. Disposable coats prevent contamination.
- Length: Knee-length is recommended for optimal coverage.
- Closures: Snaps allow quick removal. Avoid loose ties.
- Fit: Not too baggy but with room to move freely.
Eye Protection
- Safety goggles form a seal around the eyes, protecting from splashes.
- Face shields guard the entire face from projectile hazards.
- Prescription glasses don't provide enough protection on their own.
Hand Protection
- Disposable nitrile gloves for routine lab work.
- Chemical-resistant gloves for corrosive or toxic substances.
- Cut-resistant gloves for handling sharp instruments.
- Thermal-resistant gloves for extreme heat/cold.
Footwear
- Closed-toe shoes made of thick material.
- No high heels, sandals, or perforated shoes.
- Slip-resistant soles for spills.
- Steel toes may be warranted for some labs.
Other Attire Guidelines
- Tie back long hair to keep it out of hazards.
- Remove loose jewelry and accessories.
- Wear flame-resistant clothing like cotton or wool.
- Avoid shorts and skirts; wear long pants.
The right protective wear for the lab environment and experiments being done is vital. Make sure to receive proper training on how to inspect, maintain, and replace gear as needed. Using personal protective equipment helps minimize injury risks when working with hazardous materials.
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How to Select Quality Lab Equipment on a Budget
Equipping a lab can get expensive, but you can build a functional lab without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for getting quality equipment while sticking to your budget:
Buy Used or Refurbished
Used and refurbished equipment can cost a fraction of brand new models. Sources include:
- University surplus auctions - Schools often sell old equipment from lab upgrades.
- Government liquidation sales - Federal and state agencies unload old equipment regularly.
- eBay/Craigslist - Vet sellers thoroughly and test before buying.
- Lab equipment retailers - Many carry used and refurbished machines with warranties.
Prioritize Must-Have Features
Focus on core functionality, not bells and whistles. For example:
- A chemical-resistant thermoplastic benchtop instead of stainless steel.
- A digital scale accurate to 0.1g rather than 0.001g precision.
- A compact dry bath incubator without CO2 control.
Buy Older Models
Look for equipment from a generation or two back. The technology is often still sound but at a lower price point. Example:
- Affordable used centrifuges from the 1990s-early 2000s.
Share Equipment
Split costs of major equipment with other labs and share access. Arrange reservations via online calendar.
Join a Co-op
Some communities have co-ops that members can access for occasional equipment needs without each lab purchasing their own.
Lease Instead of Buying
Leasing costly equipment like DNA sequencers can minimize upfront costs.
With some savvy shopping, you can find high-quality lab gear to equip your lab's essential needs while sticking to your budget constraints.
Must-Have Lab Consumables for Common Experiments
Certain consumable supplies are essential for successfully performing common lab experiments. Here are some must-have consumables to stock up on:
Chemistry Experiments
- Test tubes - For holding chemical reaction mixtures.
- Stir rods - Help mix and dissolve solids in liquids.
- Filter paper - To separate precipitates or crystals from liquid.
- Litmus paper - For testing acidity/basicity.
- Kimwipes - For cleaning glassware and tools.
Cell Culture
- Culture plates - Such as 6-well or 96-well plates.
- Serological pipettes - For media changes and transfers.
- Cryovials - For freezing down cell stocks.
- Pipette tips - For precise liquid handling.
Microbiology
- Petri dishes - For streak plating cultures.
- Spreaders - For evenly distributing cells on agar.
- Antibiotic discs - For antibiotic susceptibility testing.
- Microcentrifuge tubes - For preparaing samples.
Molecular Biology
- PCR tubes or plates - For polymerase chain reaction.
- Electrophoresis gels - For separating DNA fragments.
- Micropipette tips - For precise reagent measurements.
- Tube racks - Keep samples organized.
Buying these affordable consumables in bulk quantities can save money while keeping your lab well-stocked for day-to-day experiments.
Lab Safety 101 - Protocols and Best Practices
Working in a lab poses potential health and safety hazards. Follow these protocols to help minimize risks:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE forms a barrier against hazards. Always wear in the lab:
- Lab coat
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Closed-toe shoes
Select PPE appropriate for the experiments being conducted.
Labeling
Proper labeling prevents confusion and accidental exposure. Follow these guidelines:
- Label every container with contents, date, and any hazards.
- Use clear, readable text.
- Update labels if solutions are diluted or combined.
Storage
Safe storage limits spills and breaks. Best practices include:
- No food/drink stored with lab materials.
- Flammables kept in flammable-safe cabinets.
- Corrosives stored in acid or base baths if needed.
Equipment Usage
Improper equipment use causes many lab injuries. Always:
- Read safety manuals before use.
- Turn off Bunsen burners when not in use.
- Inspect equipment regularly for damage.
Waste Disposal
Follow these procedures for safe waste disposal:
- Segregate waste by hazard class.
- Use designated hazardous waste containers.
- Arrange pickups for full containers.
Enforcing lab safety protects researchers and results. Provide ongoing training and demonstrate protocols through leadership.
New Innovations in Lab Tools and Technology
Exciting new lab equipment and technologies are making research faster, more accurate, and easier than ever before. Here are some notable recent innovations:
Automated Liquid Handlers
Automated liquid handling systems like the Opentrons OT-2 robot precisely pipette liquids for experiments like PCR setup without human error or repetition.
Digital PCR Machines
Digital PCR devices like the Bio-Rad QX200 enable absolute quantitation of nucleic acids with high precision for applications like liquid biopsy analysis.
CRISPR Tools
The CRISPR/Cas9 system has revolutionized genetic engineering. Innovations like the Takara Bio CRISPaint system make this technology accessible even for non-experts.
Lab Inventory Management Software
Software like Quartzy improves inventory tracking and management, allowing labs to order supplies efficiently while reducing waste.
High-Throughput DNA Sequencers
Next generation sequencers like the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 allow fast, affordable whole genome sequencing to become routine practice.
AI-Enhanced Microscopes
Microscopes integrated with artificial intelligence like those from PathoViz accelerate image analysis and diagnosis from microbiology samples.
Organ-on-a-Chip
"Organs-on-chips" are microfluidic cell culture devices that recreate mini-organs and human physiology in vitro for pharmaceutical testing.
These and other emerging technologies are driving progress across biomedical research, drug discovery, materials science, and more fields.
Tips for Saving on Lab Supplies with an Amazon Prime Subscription
- Take advantage of free two-day shipping on eligible items for faster delivery without paying shipping fees.
- Use Prime to order commodities like pipette tips, tubes, gloves, etc. in bulk for discounted pricing.
- Set up monthly subscriptions for recurring essentials to save an additional 5-15%.
- Check Amazon first when shopping for equipment and supplies. Price match if you find an item cheaper elsewhere.
- Utilize Prime Early Access deals and Lightning Deals for short-term discounts.
- Use Prime benefits yourself if purchasing for a lab, instead of sharing login credentials.
- Take advantage of Prime’s free return policy on most items if something doesn't meet your needs.
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Find The Best Lab Supplies And Consumables For Your Experiments.
When conducting experiments in a laboratory, it is essential to have the right lab supplies and consumables to ensure accuracy, safety, and efficiency. Here are some resources to help you find the best lab supplies and consumables for your experiments:
By using these resources, you can find the best lab supplies and consumables for your experiments, ensuring that you have the necessary tools to perform a wide range of experiments accurately and safely.
