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Purchasing Guides
Microplate Reader Purchasing Guide
Microplate readers are widely used in research, drug discovery, bioassay validation, QC and manufacturing processes for the detection of biological, chemical or physical processes in samples contained in microtiter plates. There are a wide variety of microplate readers on the market, offering different capabilities and functionalities. A number of criteria need to be considered before purchasing a microplate reader in order to ensure that the instrument chosen is appropriate for its intended... Read More
Lab Shaker, Stirrer or Mixer Purchasing Guide
There are many different factors to consider when purchasing a lab shaker, stirrer or mixer, as well as countless makes and models to choose from. The following guide can make your decision a little easier. Various makes and models are broken down into categories, so you can make the best choice possible.
LAB SHAKERS
Orbital shakers are ideal for culturing cells by imparting gentle to vigorous agitation in a smooth, circular motion, typically in a speed range of 40 to 500 rpm. Many... Read More
UV/VIS Spectrophotometer Purchasing Guide
UV/VIS Spectrophotometer
There are many features of a high performance UV/Vis spectrophotometer to consider before making your final purchase. Those features include analysis speed, ease of use, sample compartment size, flexibility and reliability. Also important is: the detection wavelength range; its stray light measurement; and the instrument’s working absorbance range. UV/Vis spectrophotometers from different manufacturers come in a variety of detection wavelength ranges,... Read More
Lab Balance Purchasing Guide
Choosing the Correct balance for your application, or a series of balances that suit all of your application needs, is the first step in good lab weighing practices. If you choose the correct balance, calibrate it regularly, including any time the balance is moved to a new location, and keep it clean, your balance will reward you with many years of accurate operation. Choosing the right balance comes down to three main selection criteria outlined in the guide below. First, you should... Read More
Centrifuge Purchasing Guide
Before guiding yourself through the Lab Centrifuge purchasing selection criteria, you should ask yourself four questions related to the protocol or application you intend to use this centrifuge for:
1) How much Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF) do I require?
2) How many samples am I going to need to process per day?
3) What sort of tubes or microplates will the samples be contained in?
4) Do I require special rotors, such as fixed angle or swinging buckets?
All of these... Read More
CO2 Incubator Purchasing Guide
CO2 incubators are mainly used for cell culture and provide control over factors such as temperature, CO2 for maintaining proper pH levels, and humidity, all of which affect cell growth. CO2 incubators are typically heated to 37°C and maintain 95% relative humidity and a CO2 level of 5 percent. This guide will introduce the three main types of C02 Incubators available. Read about each one and then proceed to the appropriate sub categories where you will find an unbiased list of all the... Read More
Biological Safety Cabinets Purchasing Guide
Biological Safety Cabinets provide effective containment for lab workers working with human pathogens. There are three separate classes of BSC’s available: Class I, II and III; some with additional sub-class levels. These classes are designated by the National Sanitation Foundation.
Class I
Class I Biological Safety Cabinets have an un-recirculated airflow away from the lab worker that, after going through a HEPA filter, is vented into the atmosphere. They provide the lab... Read More
Lab Freezer Purchasing Guide
Purchasing the right Laboratory Freezer is often considered a simple and straightforward decision. However, when the longevity of your samples and expensive materials depends on the right kind of freezer, it is worth a closer look. Use this guide to learn about the four main types of Lab Freezers, then view an unbiased list of various models from all the manufacturers to find out which best suits your needs.
General Purpose Lab Freezers (-20° to -30°C)
General... Read More
Fume Hood Purchasing Guide
Purchasing the correct Fume Hood for your laboratory is a very important, long-term decision and your choice in lab ventilation systems will affect future lab planning, flexibility and safety. There are three main questions you should ask before proceeding through this guide: What level of protection will the lab worker require? What is the face velocity needed for the experiment? What materials are going to be used under the hood? You should also take into consideration the space you have... Read More
Water Purification Purchasing Guide
Primary Lab Use, ASTM Type III
Type III Lab Water Purification Systems include glassware washing, heating baths, filling autoclaves, feeding steam generators and environmental cabinets, hydroponics, or as a pre treatment to Type I Lab Water Systems. If you choose “Primary Lab Use, ASTM Type III” then you require a Type III Lab Water Purification System. Measured by ASTM standards specifications, Type II Lab Water will have a Resistivity @ 25°C (megohms-cm) of 4.00... Read More
