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A Few Suggestions for Preserving Laboratory Equipment

Ensuring the proper maintenance of laboratory equipment is crucial because encountering a broken instrument after preparing fresh samples can be highly frustrating. This unfortunate situation not only results in wasted specimens, reagents, and time but also leaves everyone involved, from students to lab managers and supervisors, dissatisfied. Therefore, when setting up a laboratory, it is vital to pay attention to every detail, including equipment placement, ensuring a safe lab flow, and providing appropriate safety tools for conducting experiments. This meticulous design and investment indicate a desire for the laboratory to be used long-term. Consequently, it becomes equally important to prioritize the maintenance of the lab once it is operational. Regularly maintaining and sterilizing the laboratory equipment after each use offers multiple benefits beyond just one.

Read the User Guide

To ensure proper and safe utilization of laboratory equipment, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the corresponding manual. Although accessing manuals directly in the lab may not always be feasible, especially with older equipment that may have lost its accompanying manual, it is worthwhile to search online or contact the manufacturer to obtain one. Creating a compilation of these manuals holds significance for troubleshooting purposes in case of malfunctions, as well as for training individuals on equipment operation. It is not necessary to extensively study every manual; a quick read-through serves as an effective means to understand proper usage and potentially uncover hidden features or functionalities that were previously unknown.

Make It a Habit to Perform Regular Cleaning Protocols

Many laboratories tend to overlook this fundamental step, but it is crucial. Implementing a daily cleaning routine in your laboratory equipment is a cost-effective and simple practice. Begin and conclude each day by thoroughly wiping down all equipment. Additionally, designate a specific day each week for more thorough cleaning. It is important to stay mindful of the regular maintenance checkups recommended for each piece of device. For particularly challenging items, it may be worth considering outsourcing their cleaning to experts who can provide specialized care.

Learn How to Know Work With Laboratory Device

Acquiring proper training is the most effective method to acquire proficiency in utilizing instrumentation. It is crucial to recognize that the improper usage of equipment is the simplest way to cause damage. The most dependable approach to prevent such mishaps is through training under the guidance of experienced personnel. Do not underestimate the value of training. When you allocate time for it, make an effort to engage in experimental planning and troubleshooting, particularly for machines like flow cytometers and mass spectrometers that involve multiple steps and sample adjustments.

Remember to Perform Routine Maintenance

The keeping of laboratory instruments encompasses various crucial aspects. Among them, calibration, repairs, and refurbishment stand out. Calibration plays a significant role in monitoring data accuracy and identifying potential issues, particularly in hazardous chemical situations. Instead of immediately discarding worn-out equipment, explore the possibility of repair or replacement of specific parts. If the equipment is considerably old, consider re-lubricating the moving components and conducting a thorough cleaning to restore its functionality to a like-new condition.

Acquire Training  for it

The most effective means of acquiring the necessary skills for proper utilization of instrumentation is through training. It's important to bear in mind that the improper use of equipment is the easiest route to causing damage (we all know someone who failed to properly balance their tubes in the ultracentrifuge). To prevent such mishaps, the most dependable approach is to undergo training under the guidance of experienced individuals. Additionally, it's crucial not to undervalue the significance of training. If you have set aside time for it, make it a point to engage in some experimental planning and troubleshooting, particularly for complex machines like flow cytometers and mass spectrometers, which involve numerous steps and sample adjustments.

Ensure the sterilization of tools

Unless you are using a microscope, it is improbable for an individual to detect the presence of unwanted microorganisms that may be inhabiting your equipment. It is important to follow appropriate sterilization procedures such as wet heat sterilization or autoclaving, dry heat sterilization such as flaming or baking, filtration, and other methods to uphold cleanliness in the laboratory. It is crucial to determine the most suitable technique before selecting one at random. Each sterilization method has its own merits and drawbacks, so choose accordingly.

Let others learn how to use it

Scientists from external labs conducting experiments without adequate training often cause equipment damage. In academic settings, where equipment is frequently shared across different labs without clear boundaries, this issue commonly arises with centrifuges, balances, microscopes, and other sophisticated imaging and detection systems. Consequently, it is worthwhile to invest in training not only your own lab personnel but also proactively identifying and training individuals who may need to utilize the instrumentation. This approach can help prevent unauthorized and improper use of the equipment by personnel from outside your lab, thereby avoiding potential disputes and conflicts in the future.

Make sure to clean it after you have finished using it

While it may seem obvious to maintain the cleanliness of your belongings, the practice of cleaning up after oneself is sometimes neglected in the laboratory. It is crucial to clean equipment regularly as it prevents the formation of blockages caused by potentially dangerous powders and liquids. Additionally, conducting routine lab cleanups can effectively minimize the gathering of dust, which can lead to issues if it accumulates in and around your equipment over extended periods.

Examine it regularly

Equipment issues may not always be immediately evident. It is essential to conduct regular physical inspections of your instruments throughout the year and, if applicable, perform performance tests. This is particularly important for equipment that is infrequently used, as it allows you to address any potential problems before the instrument is required for testing in the future. While maintenance contracts for crucial equipment can be costly, they generally prove to be a prudent investment.

Calibrate your device 

To maintain the optimal accuracy and precision of your instruments, it is important to regularly calibrate them and carry out preventative maintenance. For instruments such as pipettes, it is advisable to have them professionally calibrated every 3 to 6 months. However, as mentioned earlier, it is crucial to constantly monitor their accuracy by conducting tests using pure water, a balance, and a weigh dish. The amount of water pipetted should correspond to the correct weight on the balance.

FAQ
1. Why is it important to maintain a clean laboratory environment?
Maintaining a clean laboratory environment is crucial to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, ensure accurate and reliable experimental results, and create a safe working space for researchers.
2. How often should laboratory equipment be calibrated?
The frequency of equipment calibration depends on various factors, but in general, it is recommended to calibrate instruments at regular intervals, typically every 3 to 12 months. However, specific calibration requirements may vary for different types of equipment.
3. How can I prevent equipment breakdowns and prolong their lifespan?
Regular preventive maintenance is key to preventing equipment breakdowns and extending their lifespan. This includes cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting equipment, as well as following manufacturers' guidelines for maintenance and usage.
4. What are the some principles that govern laboratory management?
This curriculum can be utilized for managing your laboratory. It covers eight fundamental principles including leadership, behavior, environment, planning, structure, values, communication, and innovation.
5. Are there any guidelines for proper chemical storage in a laboratory?
Yes, proper chemical storage is essential for safety and maintaining chemical integrity. It is recommended to store chemicals in designated storage cabinets, properly labeled containers, and segregated based on compatibility. Additionally, storing chemicals away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and incompatible substances is crucial.
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