Laboratory instruments are used to test and analyze chemical, biological, and physical substances. These instruments are used in many fields, such as pharmaceuticals and food. Depending on the activities carried out in a laboratory setting, it must be equipped with high-quality devices that contain the corresponding technical and safety characteristics. The reliability of an experiment’s results is only possible if instruments and equipment are calibrated. Here, we will talk about molecular biology instruments, such as pipettes, Biomek filter tips, Erlenmeyer flask, to name a few. The focus of this blog will be on common laboratory instruments, types, and functions.
Types Of Laboratory Instruments
Laboratory instruments are diverse in the science and research field. Regarding their use, we can define the following types:
Analytical Instruments
They are the most commonly used instruments since they provide detailed information about chemical characteristics. These instruments are projected onto the object studied to detect the alterations produced in it. Analytical instruments can be mixers, stills, separators, heater-coolers, etc.
Personal Protective Instruments
They are used to equip the lab setting to avoid risks when experimenting. These include lab coats, safety glasses, face masks, hand gloves, earplugs, and respirators. The main function is to protect laboratory personnel and instruments against physical damage, environmental or exogenous contamination, and toxic and flammable gases.
Chemical Analysis Instruments
The main purpose of these instruments is to determine and measure chemical components in solid, gas, and liquid samples. These instruments are most commonly used in clinical chemistry, bioanalysis, environmental and materials analysis, nanotechnology, and forensics. Spectroscopy systems, refractometers, and process analyzers including NIR are the instruments, among others, included in this category.
Importance Of Proper Calibration Of Lab Instruments
When we talk about calibration, it indicates the process of determining the scale or range of the correct functioning of instruments. The importance of calibrating laboratory instruments lies in the fact that as these are in continuous use, instruments are exposed to the deterioration of their functions.
Obtaining accurate measurements is impossible if you do not calibrate the lab instruments. Ultimately, the results will also be wrong, affecting the quality of the research. For this reason, it is essential to maintain and verify its proper functioning.
If the instrument is new, its calibration is done at the factory. However, it is possible that during storage or transport, they may have suffered some imbalance. So, the laboratory must perform its calibration after purchase to ensure its proper operation. The same happens when the instruments have undergone a modification or have not been used for a long time.
Most Common Laboratory Instruments
Here we briefly talk about some most common laboratory instruments used for different purposes:
Erlenmeyer Flask
It is a container with a conical shape and a cylindrical neck with a flat base. Researchers use the flask for stirring, heating, cooling solutions, and other liquid-handling processes. The flask’s slanted sides and narrow necks help the liquid handler mix the contents by swirling without the risk of spills.
Watch Glass
A watch glass is a concave-shaped glass dish often used for evaporation in chemistry. Researchers also wear it to measure solids and as a lid for flasks and beakers.
Beaker
A beaker is one of the most common instruments used in laboratories. Beakers with a cylindrical container with a flat bottom are used as a reaction container, or you can also use them to hold samples. Researchers can also use beakers to catch liquids and filtrates from titrations and filtering operations, respectively. Generally, they have graduated according to their volume: 10 ml, 25 ml, 50 ml, 100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, etc.
Pipette
A pipette is a tube with a small size used to measure, transfer, and apply exact amounts of liquid sample. Although pipettes are generally used in lab settings, they have several beneficial applications in dental procedures. There are varieties of pipettes made for different purposes.
Disposable pipettes are used to dispense liquids that do not require precise measurements. Graduated pipettes are used for specific amounts of sample to be distributed from a starting amount. Researchers use these pipettes for measuring and dispensing dental liquids with accuracy.
Filter Tips
Filter tips are among the most important molecular bioproducts that prevent cross-contamination. It is also used to “carry over” from one sample to another. Here, we want to mention Biomek pipette filter tips exclusively designed for use on Biomek liquid handlers.
Final Words
We hope this blog will help you know the different types of and most commonly used laboratory instruments. We have also discussed the proper calibration of instruments to make you aware of their importance. If you are looking for high-quality molecular biology products, don’t forget MBP INC, as we always care for the proper calibration of lab instruments. Contact us today!
