Choosing Laboratory Accessories
Begin With What Your Laboratory Is Doing
Make a list of the accessories you need at every step of your routine work before looking at laboratory supplies.
You may need racks, containers and labels for receiving samples. Preparation may involve transfer pipettes, tips and tubes. Some processes may require slides, staining racks or storage accessories.
Transform that list into clear buying specs. Instead of requesting “sample tubes”, indicate the capacity, dimensions, closure, material and product reference when applicable.
Have staff that use these items review the list. They can give feedback on practical issues such as racks that take up too much bench space or closures that are difficult to deal with while wearing gloves.
First, check your equipment is compatible.
Accessories that look the same may not perform the same when used with your instruments.
An example of this are pipette tips. Selection should be based on pipette model, desired volume range, tip fit and performance requirements. Eppendorf sees the pipette and tip as a working system and the significance of a suitable combination for reproducible liquid handling.
Refer to the appropriate equipment documentation before ordering for tubes, racks and instrument accessories. Appearance shall not be confirmed. Confirm dimensions and approved combinations.
If you are changing brands or product references, have the laboratory team assess suitability under its quality procedures before making a bulk purchase.
Materials Matched to Application
Material selection is important when laboratory consumables are exposed to chemicals or experience changes in temperature and mechanical stress.
A plastic tube that works for one process may not work for another. Eppendorf's manufacturer guidance states that chemicals can impact plastics through reaction, swelling or stress cracking. Depending on the material and conditions of use, it may be suitable.
Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s limits for your intended use. If applicable, check chemical resistance, temperature limits, centrifugation ratings, and permitted cleaning or sterilisation procedures.
Don't assume "laboratory grade" is a complete specification. Ask for product information that will confirm that the accessory can support your specific process.
Separate Sterility and Purity Requirements
Laboratory accessories are available in a range of preparation and packaging formats. The right answer depends on the method you are using.
Specify any sterility, filtration, or special purity requirements for your shopping list. Do not assume that a sterile labelled product also meets other contamination control requirements.
For example, suppliers offer pipette tips with various combinations of filter, sterility and packaging. Prior to ordering, check those distinctions against your laboratory’s approved method.
Ask for product documentation to support any specification required. Keep the approved product reference on your inventory system.
Why Select Elumia Med Store?
Elumia Med Store is an online laboratory consumables catalogue which lists microtest tubes, Pasteur pipettes, sample cups, staining jars and racks and blood collection tubes. The sizes and pack quantities listed are a starting point for preparing and comparing routine orders.
The categories can be reviewed to group purchase requirements into a single, organised list for laboratories to review their daily supplies.
Check reference, application, material, sterility, quantity per pack and availability before ordering. Add any equipment compatibility requirements to your inquiry.
Concluding Thoughts
The best way to choose laboratory accessories is to start the purchasing decisions with the method, the equipment and the people who will use them. Review material and purity requirements, check for compatibility, and choose packaging that fits daily needs.
Having clear specifications and realistic stock planning can help your laboratory cut down on ordering errors and ensure you have essential accessories on hand when you need them.
FAQs
1. What laboratory accessories are necessary for daily work?
Typical requirements include sample tubes, pipettes or pipette tips, specimen containers, racks, labels and storage accessories. The specific list will vary depending on the laboratory’s tests, equipment and approved procedures.
2. Which pipette tips are compatible?
Verify the pipette model, volume range, compatibility information with the manufacturer, and the requirements of your method. Have the lab confirm performance before changing to another tip product.
3. Must all laboratory consumables be sterile?
No. Sterility requirements are application dependent. State any additional requirements for purity or control of contamination separately. Use the approved method.
4. Before purchasing lab accessories in bulk, what should you look for?
Confirm specifications, equipment compatibility, packaging, units per carton, expiry information where applicable and delivery lead times. Check quantities against actual use and available storage space before ordering.