Choosing the right equipment for a testing environment encompasses both the organization and the patients, so it’s something that must be done right. It holds whether you’re in the market looking to buy the greatest and latest in technology or just want to replace some outdated ones you currently have.
Pharmaceutical companies, research centers, laboratories, and other scientific establishments require high-quality lab equipment for performing a variety of experiments and tests. The durability, quality, and strength of the lab equipment contribute a lot to the success of these activities. They not only enhance the overall efficiency of the work done, but also help to provide accurate results. Therefore, the process of buying laboratory equipment must be completed while keeping many essential factors in mind.
This post has compiled a list of all the key things to take into consideration in choosing the right lab equipment for your testing needs.
Brand Reputation
The best way to start looking for the right lab equipment for your testing is by checking the products of reputed brands. You need equipment of exceptional quality and will provide flawless performance to ensure complete success in the laboratory. Famous lab equipment manufacturers have the finest manufacturing technologies and design to create products that you’re looking for. Opting for a reputed brand also means you won’t have to visit multiple manufacturers for sourcing various devices. The most reputable brands are usually large-scale manufacturers that can provide you with all the things that you need.
Product Features And Specifications
Consider comparing features of two or more different brands or models before purchasing particular lab equipment. It’s important to comprehensively evaluate the technical features and specifications of these products and go for one that best meets your needs. For example, if your lab space is limited, make sure to select laboratory equipment that fit into it well by opting for bench-top models. There are bench-top models of analyzers, centrifuges, Bair Huggers, and other devices offered by several brands. They perform as efficiently as large-sized devices, but save you significant space.
Manufacturing Standards
There are regulatory bodies that certify whether or not the products and the manufacturing processes used to produce them meet global standards. Check if your preferred source for lab equipment has these certifications. CE and the International Organization for Standardization are a few well-known standards. For safe transportation of lab equipment, most manufacturers also obtain certification from the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA).
Availability
Often, lab equipment is imported from overseas. The problem is that out of stock items could take a significantly long period to deliver. Some take up to 10 weeks. Of course, when you’re looking at purchasing lab equipment, you’ll want it to be delivered promptly. Look for products that are always in stock and whose manufacturers can guarantee immediate delivery. In instances where stocks aren’t available because of high demand, make sure to get a lead time quote from your potential supplier. Compare the lead time with the price and figure out if you can compromise on the product’s lead time for a better price or vice versa.
Ease Of Use
The lab equipment you’ll choose should be easy to operate. It should also guarantee user safety. It has to be user-friendly, so it’s a good idea to check if its features support the various procedures you’ll conduct in the laboratory. It’s best to opt for advanced automated equipment that requires minimal user intervention and saves you the time needed to perform testing, especially if your laboratory is staff constrained.
Servicing
Make sure to look into the product’s servicing requirements, especially concerning the warranty. This is especially important if the lab equipment you’ll choose requires routine servicing that has to be performed by a more specialized technician focused on medical equipment repair and maintenance. Warranty is void in some instances if the manufacturer’s approved technicians haven’t serviced the lab equipment at set intervals. Speaking of approved servicing technicians, some manufacturers don’t allow internal maintenance personnel of an establishment to perform servicing, so make sure that your chosen supplier can arrange one for you and help you source the accredited technicians for your equipment in your area.
In connection with servicing, the service contract is also another consideration you have to take. After the warranty period expires, consider the service contract terms and conditions available and at what cost. Is an auto-renewal clause present? Is the service contract short- or long-term? How much are the cancellation fees? Do travel and parts included in the contract cost? Is there a definite response time? It’s vital to understand what exactly you’re signing up for before entering into a contract with a third-party vendor or the original equipment manufacturer.
Budget
When purchasing lab equipment, something else to keep in mind is your budget. Be on the lookout for product suppliers who give special offers and discounts as they can help you buy pieces of lab equipment that are of high quality for significantly lower costs than the original prices. Also, conduct extensive research and find a supplier with the most competitive pricing for the items that you need.
You can also consider purchasing re-certified equipment, given that buying brand new ones can be an expensive venture. What is re-certified lab equipment? They’re either returned or used equipment subjected to a rigorous reconditioning process and a stiff performance stability analysis, making sure that they actually work as effective as new. Reconditioned devices always perform just as well, despite being offered at lower prices.
Some lab equipment suppliers also offer a reagent rental plan. It’s an agreement whereby you don’t have to pay for the price of the items upfront. With regard to how many tests you’ll perform every month, payments can be spread across installments.
Environmental Friendliness
There’s only a limited selection of green lab equipment, which, in turn, could limit your choices. However, it’s still a responsibility for scientific testing establishments to seek environment-friendly items as much as possible.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing lab equipment, one must go for the right items to ensure high-quality testing. While it can be challenging, the eight tips in this post will take you a long way into finding the ideal equipment for your needs.