A scientist’s lab equipment is his set of tools – without them, we could do nothing but hypothesize.
Though different labs will have different sets of tools, there are some pieces of lab equipment that are so useful, one rarely finds a lab without them.
Examples of such general lab tools include computers, freezers, incubators, shakers, hot plates, glassware, plasticware, analytical balances, pipettors and tips, pH meters, fume hoods, and several types of microscopes.
More specialized pieces of lab equipment might include an autoclave, a cell culture or tissue culture hood/workstation, a spectrophotometer with cuvettes (if needed; some do not use cuvettes), and a thermocycler (PCR machine).
Even further specialized lab equipment could include DNA sequencing equipment, a mass spectrometer, a flow cytometer, imaging systems, microtomes, surgical instruments, histology equipment, or electrophysiological equipment such as patch-clamp amplifiers, pipette pullers, and analysis software.
Some Examples of Common Laboratory Equipment
Many types of application-specific equipment are listed in this catalog.
Highlighted below are some examples commonly used in academic, research, industrial, or clinical laboratories.
Use our specialized product search tools to browse and compare different tools and equipment from trusted manufacturers and suppliers.
Buying Guide for Lab Equipment
To maximize the value of laboratory funding and to select the equipment that best fits the needs of the lab, researchers should have these considerations in mind when deciding on a piece of equipment.
- Capacity - How many samples will need to be accommodated at a given time? Models may come in varying sizes to account for increasing capacity needs of researchers.
- Space - Is space a limiting a factor? If so, pay attention to the dimensions of the instrument. Benchtop equipment are ideal when space is a crucial factor.
- Throughput - If the lab processes a large amount of samples in a given day, high throuhput instruments may be preferred. Some equipment may come with options for automation as well.
- Connectivity - Instruments are increasingly designed for internet and remote connectivity. If this is important, check for features that allow remote monitoring, cloud data storage, and more.
- Specifics - For specific questions, don't hesitate to ask. Our quote submission system helps researchers connect and receive information directly from the suppliers.