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Tips for Safe Lab Equipment Transportation

moving van with boxes of lab equipment for safe transportation

Transporting lab equipment properly is more than just a process of getting your supplies from point A to point B; it’s about getting it where it needs to go safely so everything remains in optimal condition. Here’s how to make that happen!

Equipment Assessment

Before you start packing up your lab equipment, you need to assess the nature of what you’ll be transporting and create an organized plan for how to proceed. First, identify fragile components requiring special attention during transportation, including delicate glassware, sensitive electronic components, and precision instruments. Next, measure the dimensions and weigh each piece to help you select the right packaging and handling methods and materials. 

Lab Equipment Packaging and Protection

Customized packaging is key to ensuring the safety of your lab equipment during transit. Invest in high-quality materials that fit the dimensions you need. Secure it all inside containers that maintain a snug fit. Cushioning materials such as foam or bubble wrap can fill empty spaces and provide shock absorption, reducing the risk of damage from bumps and vibrations.

Transport Logistics—Choosing the Right Carriers and Planning Ahead

It’s vital that you take the time to make sure you’re choosing a reliable carrier to safely handle all of your lab equipment. Conduct a bit of research to be certain they’re experienced in handling delicate scientific instruments. Now it’s time to plan your transportation route and timeline carefully, taking into account factors like traffic, road conditions, and any potential delays that may pop up. Pay attention to the weather and environmental conditions, especially if your equipment is sensitive to temperature or humidity changes.

Regulatory Compliance

Understanding and complying with legal and regulatory requirements is a must whenever you’re moving lab equipment. It’s important to know that different countries and regions may have specific rules governing the transportation of scientific instruments, particularly if they contain hazardous materials. Make sure you’re aware of and follow all relevant regulations. Additionally, it’s essential for you to have all of the required documentation to avoid any legal complications during transit.

Unpacking and Installation

Once your lab equipment reaches its final destination, your job still isn’t over. Now it’s time to carefully unpack each item, inspecting it for any signs of damage or mishandling. If you notice any damages, immediately make a note of them and contact the carrier to report the problem. Once everything’s unpacked, it’s time to tackle installation. Especially if you aren’t completely familiar with all of the equipment, consider enlisting a professional who’ll help ensure it’s all set up correctly so that it’s ready for use without any unexpected hiccups.

Conclusion

Transporting lab equipment requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. Don’t underestimate the importance of these steps in ensuring the longevity and functionality of your scientific instruments.

In the scientific world, precision and accuracy are paramount, and that extends to the proper transportation of lab equipment. Neglecting proper handling and packaging can result in costly damage and wasted downtime. Following the steps outlined here will allow you to safeguard your lab, and maintain its integrity, so you can continue all of your vital research without interruptions.

Contact BaneBio for More Information

Contact us to learn more about transporting lab equipment and discover how BaneBio can assist you and give you expert guidance and support. Your research deserves nothing less.

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10 Tips for Selling Used Lab Equipment

used lab equipment sitting on a counter

If you have lab equipment that you aren’t using, you probably don’t want it sitting around collecting dust (and taking up space). Selling it not only helps you declutter your space but also provides valuable resources to other researchers and labs. Here are ten tips for how to sell your used lab equipment efficiently and responsibly.

Assess Equipment Condition

Before you put your lab equipment up for sale, take some time to thoroughly evaluate its functionality and appearance. Is everything in working order? Are there any noticeable signs of wear and tear? Being honest about its condition will help you get a fair price while setting the right expectations for potential buyers. And don’t forget that even if it’s not in perfect condition, somebody may still want to buy it for its parts. 

Determine the Equipment’s Age

While older equipment can still be valuable, newer models might fetch a higher price. However, sometimes something older but well-maintained can be worth more than something newer that isn’t as solidly constructed or hasn’t been cared for. Also, some items may be so outdated that they’re difficult to sell. Therefore, you should research similar models to get an idea of how age impacts pricing.

Gather Documentation

Buyers will feel more confident if you can provide them with documentation such as maintenance records, manuals, and specifications. In addition to offering insights into how well the equipment has been cared for and used, these documents can prove you own the item(s) and have the legal right to sell them. 

Clean and Refurbish

Present your equipment in the best possible condition. Be sure to clean off any dust and grime. If it’s obviously well-maintained, it will be more likely to attract potential buyers. You can also sell it for more money if you list your equipment as “refurbished.” Be aware however that this might require you to have the item tested to make sure it meets the manufacturer’s standards

Determine Fair Pricing

Setting a fair price will increase your chances of a successful sale. So, you’ll want to research the market values of similar items. Take into account the age, condition, and any unique features, as well as depreciation. Also, consider how readily available the item is. Finally, bear in mind the manufacturer’s reputation; if they’re no longer in business or have ceased supporting that equipment or its applications, that can reduce its anticipated price.

Post High-Quality Images

When you’re advertising it, a picture is worth a thousand words, so make sure your images do justice to your lab equipment. Capture clear photos from various angles to showcase its features. This will give buyers a better idea of what they’re thinking about buying.

Provide Detailed Descriptions

When creating descriptions, focus on accuracy and information. Highlight key features that might interest potential buyers. This increases the appeal of what you’re selling, and it can answer many questions upfront.

Utilize Online Platforms

Take advantage of specialized online marketplaces and social media platforms to reach a wider audience. There are websites dedicated to buying and selling used lab equipment, making it easier for you to connect with interested buyers.

Negotiate and Communicate

Be open to negotiation and maintain transparent communication with potential buyers. Respond promptly to any questions and provide additional information if needed. Building trust leads to a smooth sale process.

Practice Safe Transactions and Shipping

Prioritize secure payment methods to protect both you and the buyer. Once the payment is settled, make sure to properly prepare it for shipping. A well-packaged item is less likely to get damaged during transit.

Conclusion

Selling used lab equipment can be a win-win situation. You get to clear out your space while providing researchers and labs with the tools they need. By following these ten tips, you can have an efficient and rewarding experience for everyone involved. 

If you have used lab equipment you want to sell, BaneBio is here for you. Give us a call at 855-777-2322 or email us at [email protected].

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The Science Behind the Distillation Process

beer undergoing the distillation process at a brewery

If you’ve ever been curious about how scientists separate mixtures into their individual components, you’ll want to learn about distillation. This fascinating process is used to produce many things including alcoholic beverages, fuels, and essential oils. 

Defining Distillation 

Distillation is the process of purifying a liquid by turning it into a gas with heat and then converting it back into liquid form. In simple terms, it’s a way to isolate individual ingredients within a mixture based on their boiling points. 

Vaporization and Condensation

The distillation process involves two key steps: vaporization and condensation. During vaporization, the mixture is heated. This causes the component with the lowest boiling point to evaporate and change from a liquid to a vapor or gas state. Then the vapor is gathered and passed into a separate container. Any remaining liquid, which still contains the higher boiling point compounds, will be left behind.

The next step is condensation. At this point, the collected vapor is cooled, causing it to condense and return to a liquid state. This liquid is now rich in lower boiling point components. Repeating the process allows you to purify the mixture further while producing increasingly concentrated samples of the desired substance.

Fractional Distillation

Sometimes substances in a mixture may have similar boiling points making it challenging to separate them using a simple distillation. In cases such as these, the method of fractional distillation is used. This involves using a fractional column, which has several plates or trays. As the vapor rises through the column, it repeatedly condenses and vaporizes on the plate, allowing for more efficient separation. 

Applications

Distillation has many practical applications in numerous fields and industries. It’s vital in the production of alcoholic beverages, and by carefully controlling this process, distillers can separate alcohol from fermented mixtures, resulting in beverages with different alcohol concentrations.

Distillation is also an integral part of producing fuels, including gasoline and diesel. Crude oil, a mixture of hydrocarbons, is distilled to allow specific hydrocarbons to be extracted and used for fuel production.

Additionally, distillation is used when extracting essential oils from plants. Subjecting plant materials to steam distillation allows the plates’ aromatic compounds to be isolated and collected and then used to produce fragrances, flavors, and therapeutic oils.   

Conclusion

Distillation is an intriguing process that plays a vital role in separating mixtures into their individual components. Taking advantage of the differences in boiling points gives scientists and industry professionals purer substances to use in a wide range of applications. Whether it’s used for the production of fuel, essential oils, or alcoholic beverages, distillation is essential. So, the next time you fill up your gas tank or take a sip of your favorite beer, remember the science behind the distilling process is making it all possible. 

Learn more about distilling, brewers, and wine-making here.

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The Science Behind Cannabis

female scientist holding cannabis oil

Over the course of the last few years, interest in the cannabis plant has significantly increased as society has become more aware of its potential therapeutic benefits. From pain relief to seizure management, this plant has shown considerable promise in various areas of healthcare. 

Let’s take a look and explore its anatomy, diverse cannabinoids, therapeutic potential, safety considerations, ongoing research, and potential future developments.

What Is Cannabis?

To truly understand what cannabis is, we need to first look at the plant’s anatomy. It is comprised of different species, including cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, and hybrids. 

The areas of greatest importance are the plant’s flowers and the leaves because this is 

where the potent components live. These compounds known as “cannabinoids” cause the plant’s various effects.

Cannabinoids

These can be considered to be the lifeblood of marijuana. They’re the chemicals that engage with specific receptors located within the central nervous system. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two cannabinoids that most people are familiar with. 

THC causes psychoactive effects, while CBD is non-intoxicating and is typically associated with healing properties.

Therapeutic Benefits

Research suggests that cannabis may alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, relieve muscle spasticity, help control seizures that are typical with epilepsy, and even benefit individuals who are suffering from certain mental health conditions including social anxiety and sleep disorders. However, it should be noted that individual responses may vary, and the effectiveness of cannabis may differ from one person to another.

Safety and Side Effects 

It’s vital to consume cannabis responsibly. Before using it, an individual needs to be aware of the potential side effects which can include:

  • Short-term memory impairment
  • Dry mouth
  • Increased heart rate
  • Potentially heightened anxiety in some people

Those who use cannabis heavily on a regular basis may eventually become dependent on it. Therefore, it’s crucial to use it cautiously and seek professional help if needed.

Research and Future Developments

Cannabis research is ongoing with studies and clinical trials examining its potential benefits and risks. As more countries and more states are reconsidering their cannabis policies, we may one day come to see the full integration of cannabis-based medicine into mainstream healthcare. The future holds exciting possibilities including more personalized treatment options and a deeper understanding of the ways in which cannabis can contribute to wellbeing. 

The Intriguing Cannabis Plant

The cannabis plant, with its CBD and THC cannabinoids and potential therapeutic applications, is captivating researchers, healthcare professionals, and the general public alike. It would be helpful to consider this with both caution and curiosity. If you are interested in buying cannabis equipment, including testing equipment, BaneBio provides economical and effective supplies. Contact us today!

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5 Signs You Should Consider a Lab Relocation

female scientist enjoying lab relocation

Chances are the laboratory business you launched originally has changed a lot from the company you see today. Even if your core business remains the same, you may be doing a wider scope of work for more clients using new equipment and procedures—all factors that might leave you asking “Are we still in the ideal location?”

But relocating your laboratory isn’t to be taken lightly. Moving materials, equipment, data, samples, and more to a new location requires meticulous planning, coordination, and execution. You’ll need to think about shutting down, packing, shipping, unpacking, installing, and recalibrating the equipment. Moving temperature-sensitive materials and samples is a painstaking process, and data transfer has a zero tolerance for error. If your work involves animals, this opens up an even more complex set of considerations. This level of complexity is why a lab relocation can take 4–6 months of planning before the moving even begins. 

Our best advice is this: Don’t just look at what you need now. We recommend you evaluate your current workspace in light of your projected needs as well as your current concerns—what will you need as your 5–10 year plan begins to come to fruition? 

Let’s review five important factors that influence whether you should consider a laboratory relocation.

Size Matters

Is your laboratory large enough for your team to work safely? Do you have enough storage space for supplies and equipment? Do you have enough room to take on additional business based on your growth projections? Ensuring that your laboratory is large enough for your current and future needs is one of the most important factors when considering a lab relocation.

Safety First

A crowded lab with an inconvenient configuration is not a safe lab. Having enough room between work stations for your team to function efficiently provides safer conditions and a more comfortable layout.

Hindered Access to Resources

Is your lab able to receive materials and ship product efficiently? Moving your lab so it is better positioned to more affordably handle the raw materials you need and ship your products to your end users is one of the most important things you can do to increase your bottom line.

The Convenience Factor

Do your employees travel a lot? How close is your lab to a major airport? Is your current location inconvenient for clients?  Moving your lab to a more accessible location could make a big difference in your ability to attract customers and an appreciated benefit to your team.

Dollars and Sense

Are you paying for building amenities you don’t need? Are there building features that you don’t have now that would help your business operate more efficiently? Compare your expenses for rent, lease, property taxes and insurance with other available properties, and decide if investing in a less expensive option with different features would benefit your bottom line. Could it be time to buy instead of rent? Speak to your business manager or accountant about the possible benefits of a lab relocation into a building that you own vs. one you rent.

The location of your lab is critical to your company’s growth, stability, safety, and overall operations. Ensuring that your lab is located in a convenient, safe place where your team feels comfortable will help morale and productivity, and ultimately affect your lab’s profitability and long term success. 

If all signs point to a necessary relocation, strongly consider finding a partner like BaneBio to assist you. BaneBio has years of experience and a proven track record in helping businesses like yours plan, coordinate and execute a successful laboratory relocation. We’re poised and ready to assist you, so reach out today and start the conversation.

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Biotech Industry News You Can Use

scientist placing petri dish on microscope

2021 estimates by one of the world’s leading research firms places the value of the global biotechnology market at 1,023.92 billion.

The same company says that upcoming growth—anticipated at 13.9% between now and 2030— will be driven primarily by a variety of emerging trends that will help the biotech industry speed up their discovery processes, recruit patients for clinical trials more effectively, automate a wide range of internal processes, target prevention strategies and treatment, and much more—all with far-reaching implications for medicine and agriculture.

New trends are emerging daily, but the most influential ones include:

  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping biotech companies to analyze microbiomes, screen phenotypes and develop rapid diagnostics. AI-based algorithms are screening cancer cells from medical scans, and cropping disease samples from plant material—accelerating the detection of biomarkers and other distinctive traits.
  2. Big Data and other analytic solutions are allowing biotech companies to process an unprecedented amount of data—information that is helping agriculture-based companies develop hardier crops and livestock breeds, and medical start-ups to recruit patients for clinical trials more efficiently.
  3. Gene Editing has evolved significantly with the development of engineered nucleases—specifically, CRISPR, a type of “molecular scissors” that allows genes to be added, replaced, or silenced. This opens up new options for the treatment of human genetic disorders, and facilitates the development of better transgenic animals and plants.
  4. Precision Medicine is an approach that is allowing medical providers to make evidence-based decisions on treatments and prevention strategies for individuals diagnosed with a wide spectrum of illnesses—including cancer. 
  5. Gene Sequencing is another innovative trend that presents a rapid and inexpensive method to detect the presence of microbes. Ranging from the identification of beneficial soil microbes to the detection of pathogens in clinical samples, gene sequencing is contributing to the identification of and personalized treatments for illness and disorders.
  6. Biomanufacturing utilizes biological systems to create specialty chemicals, biomaterials, food and beverages, and medical products and therapies. To make the process affordable and scalable, biotech companies are studying various fermentation, cell culture, and recombinant production technologies.
  7. Synthetic Biology offers increased standardization and reproducibility to the product development process, contributing to a higher yield of biochemicals for pharma and agricultural applications.
  8. Bioprinting accelerates both prototyping and the development of biopolymers, enabling the creation of bone, skin and vascular grafts from the patient’s own cells for personalized medicine.
  9. Microfluids allow pharma R&D teams to develop integrated clinical testing solutions in a single, micro-sized platform. Biotech companies are leveraging these microfluids to allow for rapid, inexpensive testing of infectious diseases at the point-of-care (PoC).  
  10. Tissue Engineering, a development that is closely connected to the evolutions in the fields of bioprinting and microfluidics, is being used increasingly in the biotech industry. Tissue engineering allows for the creation of autologous tissue grafts (cells obtained from the same individual), facilitates organ transplantation, and is expected to continue making significant contributions to regenerative medicine.

These 10 biotech trends are just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to these innovations, there are dozens—if not hundreds—more technologies currently being researched, developed and launched with the power to transform the industry. As biotech business entrepreneurs and executives, remember: knowledge is power. Keeping a careful eye on these trends and innovations so you can leverage them in your business can help you gain an important advantage in this competitive arena.

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What’s Ahead for the Cannabis Industry? Five Trends to Track in 2023

scientist holding cannabis oil

With medical marijuana legal in 39 states, and recreational cannabis legal in 21 states, the cannabis industry has skyrocketed in the past several years. Understanding the state of the emerging cannabis industry means staying abreast of trends we started to see in 2022. From mergers and acquisitions to advances in technology to major legal reform, these trends are showing no signs of slowing down as we prepare to wrap up Q1 of 2023. 

Let’s take a look at the five most influential trends driving the cannabis industry in 2023.

Increased Legalization

While federal legalization continues to be a barrier to the growth of cannabis-related businesses across the country, increased legalization at the state level is moving the fledgling industry forward. Almost two-thirds of the country support federal legalization, a figure that is expected to continue to rise as public stigma fades and the benefits of decriminalization become even more clear.

Consolidation

As is typical of any industry experiencing rapid growth, the biggest companies in the emerging marketplace—Green Thumb, Curaleaf and Aurora, just to name a few—are poised to become even bigger in 2023. These emerging industry giants are absorbing smaller local operators, hoping to capture new jurisdictions now before the market is saturated.

Health and Wellness Messaging

Cannabis has been the subject of research for many years. As results are published, there is mounting evidence that compounds found in cannabis may possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties in addition to alleviating symptoms of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, depression, glaucoma and Parkinson’s disease. Communicating these benefits to the general public is positioning cannabis as an alternative to traditional medicine.

Advanced Innovation

From gummies to edibles and more, cannabis-infused products are making significant inroads with customers who have never tried cannabis before. These innovative products are especially appealing to those who find smoking intimidating. On the business side, cannabis cultivators and distributors have experienced unparalleled growth in productivity and profit. New technologies are making it possible for more products to be delivered to stores at a significantly lower cost.

Evolving Buyer Preferences

Although cannabis flower has been losing ground since 2019 to iterations of the product, it still led sales in 2022 and early 2023—a trend that is expected to continue through the year. According to a November 2022 report by Headset, Cannabis sales projections for US markets in 2025 | Headset (a leading cannabis data and market intelligence company) the U.S. cannabis product sales break down by market share as follows:  

  • Flower: 40.8%
  • Vapor Pens: 23.5%
  • Pre-roll: 12.2%
  • Concentrates: 8.0%
  • Beverage: 1.1%
  • Tincture and Sublingual: 1.0%
  • Capsules: 0.9%
  • Topical: 0.7

As we prepare to wrap up Q1 of 2023, some are predicting a reset for the fast-growing cannabis industry. The most successful businesses will likely continue to grow if they have the resources and tools developed to navigate a rapidly growing industry, and are ready to shift their approach quickly when needed.

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Five Things to Consider When Buying Lab Equipment

lab worker using microscope

Whether you’re outfitting a brand-new laboratory or simply in the market to make some much-needed equipment purchases for your lab, there are many different factors to consider when buying lab equipment. Before you pull out your wallet or charge that microscope to your credit card, you might want to consider a few key details before purchasing lab equipment.

Budget

First, you’ll need to know how much you can afford to spend on equipment for your lab. It might not matter how badly you need something. Too pricey is too pricey. Luckily, it may be possible to apply for grants or other sources of funding so that you’ll be able to make those most needed and potentially life-saving purchases for your lab.

Brand/Quality

Naturally, you’ll want to do some research to ensure that any equipment you decide to buy is of the finest quality and includes the latest technology. You wouldn’t want to purchase something that’s already outdated or on the verge of being obsolete. That would just mean you’d have to replace it again in the not-too-distant future.

Doing a bit of research early on in your buying experience will save you time and money in the long run. You can always ask friends or colleagues for their opinion on equipment brands, as well as check out product reviews online. 

Features

In order to make certain that your laboratory’s equipment has the ultimate level of functionality, you’ll want to pay attention to the equipment’s features. Be sure to scrutinize specs, benefits, and uses.

In the end, you want to make sure that you’re buying high-quality equipment that will be long-lasting and capable of performing the tasks you need to have done. A piece of equipment can’t help you very much if it isn’t able to do the job, you’re purchasing it to do.

Warranty

No matter what type of lab equipment you decide to buy, get the warranty! If it’s not clear whether one is available, check with either your equipment’s seller or manufacturer to confirm it’s covered by a warranty. If on the off chance your new lab equipment malfunctions or fails to operate at its best capacity, having the warranty will save you a lot of hassle in either getting a replacement or a refund. 

New or Pre-Owned Equipment

Do you want to buy new or pre-owned lab equipment? Both of these choices will offer their own pros and cons. Buying new is always exciting, as it’s shiny, clean, and has never known wear and tear. It’s important in some cases, but don’t underestimate the durability and reliability of pre-owned equipment. If it’s been inspected, quality tested, and backed by warranty, you can rest assured it works as intended. Pre-owned products are always much lower in price than new ones, so your wallet will thank you!

Lab equipment is a big investment, and taking some time to research and weigh your options is an important step in the buying process. BaneBio is always ready to help you make the choice that’s best for your lab. Get in touch, so you can get to work!

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Predicting BioTech Trends for 2023

centrifuge with blue overlay

As we start the new year, scientists and laboratory industry experts will want to be prepared for what’s coming next with regard to Biopharma and Biotech. From continued COVID-19 work to extensive allergen research, here’s what 2023 has in store for labs across the country:

Continued COVID-19 Clinical Trials

The COVID-19 pandemic is still being felt throughout the industry, and this has led (and will continue to lead) to clinical trials of new medications being decentralized. This is a strategy that’s helping to recruit participants for clinical trials of drugs and treatment plans. We predict this will likely become an element of our new normal.

Expanded Use of AI

We foresee AI being utilized even more frequently as part of the drug development process. Today, drug developers are using AI and its algorithms in order to increase the speed at which they can find new medications. This helps to bring them to market quickly.

Heavier Focus on Natural Ingredients

Pharmaceutical companies, biopharma, and biotech will focus more of their attention on the environment. This makes sense, as many existing drugs were discovered by studying the environment. After all, Aspirin comes from the bark of a tree.

Today’s drug companies must look to the future by looking at the past. They need to take into account how the environment impacts their drugs’ development, and also the environmental impact that their medications, research, and development will have. It’s an ongoing, never-ending cycle, and as such, we feel we can safely predict it will continue far beyond 2023.

Continued Use of mRNA in Developing Vaccines

The pandemic led to the development of mRNA vaccines, and we feel that this development process will continue to be used by drug manufacturing companies as part of the current Biopharma and biotech trends. This will hopefully allow for drug developers and those who are involved in the drug production process to work together collaboratively. This will ensure that new vaccines and medications are ready for patients to use more quickly.

Solutions for Managing Allergies

There will likely be new options available with regard to treating and managing food allergies. Multi-disciplinary approaches, the use of AI, and other technological developments will make it possible for new drugs to be developed. It could even become possible for patients to no longer avoid foods that typically trigger an allergic response.

Tailored To-You Medicines

Perhaps most excitingly, certain drugs may be tailor-made for the individual patient. It might sound like something right out of a science fiction story, but we’re predicting that within the next year, the personalized medicine market will grow, and it will emphasize patients with unusual or so-called “orphan diseases” that only a very limited number of people suffer from.

With so much change and growth already happening, and with so much anticipated development clearly on the horizon, it’s vital to look to the company of the future.

BaneBio is the leading industry expert, and we’re consistently on the cutting edge of industry trends. Furthermore, we’re always up to date with regard to the standards within the industry. We specialize in providing laboratory equipment, supplies, and services to the scientific community in Maryland and worldwide.

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Improving the Quality Control Standards in Your Laboratory

lab worker organizing equipment

What is laboratory quality control? That’s a loaded question if we’ve ever heard one. With so much science happening in one area, it’s important to adhere to strong standards. This ensures that you can keep doing the tests and research that drives your passion without worrying about hitting snags of any kind.

So what kinds of protocols do labs need to follow? It’s about more than just keeping the workspace clean and maintaining attention to detail. Let’s go over some of the quality control standards you should be vigilant about maintaining. 

Organization

There are likely several people in and out of your lab from day to day, meaning there are several studies and experiments happening at the same time. Keeping these organized and running efficiently largely depends on having the right people in the right positions. Be sure to maintain a hierarchical chart and update it when necessary. Lab managers, safety officers, and quality control supervisors are all vital positions whose jobs should be done diligently.

Inventory

There’s a lot of equipment within the walls of a lab. Because of this, it’s important to document and categorize each item in the space. Be sure to train the proper individuals when any new piece of equipment is introduced to the lab, and always make the manuals accessible to everyone. In addition, keep logs of any equipment malfunctions so you know what items need some TLC from maintenance professionals.

Personnel

Your people are the most important lab resource. Without them, everything else is useless. That’s why it’s so important to make sure they’re always working to the best of their abilities. We’re not suggesting you run things like a boot camp, but routine training and staff/management meetings are a great way to keep open dialogue across the board. Making sure everyone is adhering to the lab’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is paramount, so performance and proficiency tests need to happen as well.

Process Control and Improvement

Process is important for any successful business, but more so for a lab. The focus here is the handling of samples, equipment, and other specimens. We’ve already touched on making sure personnel receive proper training on equipment, but it’s important to have pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes in place. Be sure to appoint the best person for the job to coordinate workflow.

Occurrence Management

We’re all human, meaning accidents happen. Even the best labs have faced their fair share. In preparation for an unexpected event, it’s advisable to have plans in place to mitigate the incident and take steps to prevent it from happening in the future. If necessary, consider retraining programs on equipment servicing. If you want to make sure you’re covering all your bases, a qualified entity such as Bane Bio is more than happy to step in.

Facilities and Safety

Labs contain hazardous materials. Like any establishment that works with potential dangers such as this, having strict safety policies is a must. Making all safety equipments such as, first aid kits and extinguishers easily accessible should be a priority as well as mandatory safety trainings for everyone who works in the lab. As mentioned above, you should have an emergency response plan in place… just in case!

Client Communication

If you’re offering lab services to external clients, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication. This allows ideas and feedback to travel between both parties quickly, which helps the overall process stay on track!

Document Everything

Take everything we’ve talked about thus far and document it thoroughly. Lab rules, hours of operation, current projects, safety protocols—all of it should be documented to include every detail. SOPs should be in writing for all procedures including specimen collection, storage, transport, and disposal.

This is just a brief overview of the things you should be keeping in mind to maintain the safety and efficiency of your lab. We could go on all day about methods for improving laboratory quality control—it’s a passion of ours! We hope you use this as a starting point for developing your rock-solid quality control protocols.

For any laboratory equipment or service needs such as logistics, repairs, or service plans, keep BaneBio top-of-mind. We’re the home of the scientific supermarket, and we’re here to help!