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Labs on the Move: Things to Consider When Moving Your Lab

two scientists packing up lab equipment

Moving is never easy. A residential move is considered one of the most stressful life events, so how much more stressful is it to move an entire laboratory full of equipment and employees to a new location? BaneBio makes the process a lot easier, starting with these eleven things to consider when moving your lab.

1. Timeline Flexibility

Be prepared for timelines to shift due to supply chain-related delays, difficulty in identifying quality service providers, and the labor market. Although workarounds are possible, unforeseen issues do occur, which means having some level of flexibility or contingency options built into the timeline can make a difference.

2. Facility Constraints

When deciding to relocate your entire lab, the built-in constraints of the facility should be considered.

  • Are the hallways wide enough for large equipment? 
  • Are the doors to the labs standard or lab ready? 
  • Does the facility have a loading dock or dedicated shipping/receiving area which is accessible by tractor-trailers?  
  • Does the facility loading dock require appointments for pickups/deliveries?  
  • If the facility is a multi-level building, is there a dedicated service elevator? 
  • Is the building secure?  
  • Does the facility provide the lab services, equipment, and amenities your organization needs to succeed and reach its next growth stage? 
  • Does the facility provide space and financial options suitable for expansion? 

Keeping these factors in mind can help you narrow down your decisions when choosing a new location.

3. Electrical Planning

There are many different types of lab equipment used in a biotech lab, with a variety of power requirements and plug adapters. Be sure to install proper outlets for the plugs with your equipment and, most importantly, be sure there is enough power in your lab to support the equipment you will be using. Often, insufficient power and inappropriate outlets are the top reasons for delays in getting your new lab up and running. 

4. Choosing a Lab Moving Service Provider

Let’s face it: Moving sucks and moving an R&D lab really sucks. Mapping out your move and connecting with the right moving partner can make the move suck a lot less.  

First, start with identifying and engaging with at least three laboratory moving service providers.  Talk through your move and be sure to ask questions of the prospective movers to achieve a level of trust and understanding of the scope of services required. As part of the process, ask the movers for references from previous lab moves. 

It’s best to understand the capabilities of the movers and the material handling equipment which will be used for moving specific types of equipment, such as biosafety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, analytical instrumentation, and liquid handlers.  

Keep in mind that relocation pricing should not be the primary factor in your choice of laboratory moving service providers. The equipment in your lab is critical to your operation and requires movers with specialized processes to keep your equipment intact and operational after the move.   

5. Moving Preparations

Assign one person to be tasked with being the coordinator for the move. Having one point of contact between the lab and the moving company eliminates confusion, frustrations, and mistakes. The assigned coordinator should provide the moving company with a map of the new lab, including proposed locations for all equipment, supplies, and office furniture which are being moved. Any equipment, supplies, or furniture which are not to be moved or will be disposed of or sold should be marked.   

Equipment that is under the manufacturer service contract should be coordinated with the manufacturer to ensure the equipment is properly shut down and prepared for relocation. 

6. Pre-Move Packing

Use the days or week before the move to ‘pre-pack’ as much as possible. Employee desk contents and personal items, office items, kitchen items, lab consumables, and lab drawers are items to be considered for pre-packing. Partnering with a lab moving service provider that issues carts, cages, crates, and packaging for the pre-packing process can be a time saver. 

7. Use and Occupancy

The new lab is almost finished, and there is anxiety, anticipation, and excitement for the team to be in the new lab. There is, however, one critical missing piece that is required before the team can use the new lab: the Certificate of Use and Occupancy or, depending on the jurisdiction of your new facility, the Certificate of Occupancy.  

This is one item that can be an afterthought during the process of relocation but without this certificate, there is no occupancy or use of the new lab.  

The responsibility for this certificate usually falls to the general contractor, property owner, or builder of the new lab. Connect with them and make sure all is in order before you move in.

8. Moving Day

The big day has finally arrived. The moving company’s project manager and your assigned moving coordinator have worked out the details, and it’s time to act. 

It’s important for the success of the relocation project to keep all areas where the movers need to move equipment clear. Hallways and doorways should be clear of all barriers and obstacles to allow the movers to move efficiently.  

9. During the Move

While the move is happening, resist the urge to manage the proceedings and let the movers concentrate on moving the equipment. Any questions should be funneled through the moving coordinator.  

If anything needs to be relocated, it will be done when the moving company can accommodate the request. You hired the professionals to handle your move, so trust them to take care of everything.

10. After the Move

As the company settles into its new surroundings, some follow-up items may surface that need to be addressed with the moving company. Items such as missing boxes, equipment, or requests for items to be adjusted, shifted, or relocated should be consolidated and then provided to the company coordinator for follow-up with the moving company. 

11. Project Completion

The company coordinator and moving company project manager should discuss the move in detail to be sure the company is satisfied and the scope of the service has been completed.  The moving company should provide a summary of the services they provided, noting any items of relevance to the final invoice. 

Let BaneBio Take the Stress out of Your Laboratory Move

BaneBio has provided complete relocation services to laboratories in the BioHealth Capital Region for over a decade. We are your trusted laboratory moving service provider with the equipment knowledge, proper equipment handling materials, and proven customer satisfaction that will meet and exceed your expectations.  

Don’t just let any moving company move your valuable scientific equipment; trust BaneBio, the Lab Logistics experts! Contact us now for your laboratory moving needs.

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Things to Consider When Buying a Microscope

black and white microscope

If you’re looking to add a new microscope to your lab, you’ve likely discovered it’s not always easy to figure out the best model for your needs. You can begin to narrow down your choices by identifying exactly what you’ll be viewing with the new equipment. Once you’ve done that, the other pieces will fall in place.

Here are a few things to consider.

1. Longevity 

You’ll be using the microscope frequently, so make sure you choose one that’s made of durable materials, such as metallic alloys, and that all joints are fastened with metal screws. The microscope’s finish should be resistant to reagents and easily cleaned. Once purchased, make sure to add the equipment to your lab’s preventive maintenance list.

2. Lighting

You’ll see many lighting options when buying a microscope, including fluorescent, incandescent tungsten-halogen halogen bulbs, and LED illuminators. 

Tungsten-halogen bulbs can become hot during use. By comparison, fluorescent and LED lighting systems emit low heat, which makes them better choices for viewing samples that may be affected by the environment.

3. The Stage

A mechanical stage is usually a better choice than a manual one, especially when viewing at high magnifications. Mechanical stages allow easier slide adjustment in a fine differential, making the tracking of moving organisms more effective.

4. Digital Microscopes

Digital microscopes can be compound or stereo. They allow users to capture video or still images for display on a computer. These microscopes contain software for zoom, time-lapse photography, editing, and special effects.

5. Compound or Stereo?

The choice between a compound or stereo microscope depends on what you’ll be viewing. Stereo microscopes are used to view larger 3-D objects like insects, minerals, or mechanical pieces. Compound microscopes are better suited for applications involving high magnification for forensic or biology labs, such as viewing tissue samples and cells.

Compound microscopes can be monocular or binocular, and usually feature several objective lenses that can be selected to increase magnification. 

Stereo microscopes are a popular choice for the classroom and the hobbyist because they’re easier to set up and use. However, for the close-up magnification required in most laboratory settings, a compound microscope is the better choice. 

6. Chromatic Aberration Correction

The most common objective for lab microscopes is the achromatic objective. These are corrected for aberrations in the blue and red wavelengths and are also spherically corrected for green. While the most affordable option, its limited correction can lead to artifacts. Note that If the objective isn’t specified, it is achromatic.

Semi-apochromats, or fluorites, are the second objectives on this list. While more expensive than achromatic objectives, they have additional spherical corrections for blue. Fluorites are a better choice for recording and color viewing.

Apochromats are the most expensive objective, but they’re the most highly corrected of the three options. These are chromatically adjusted for blues and dark blues, red, and green. They’re spherically corrected for blue, deep blue, and green. The apochromatic is by far the superior choice for color viewing.

Look for objectives that boast plan correction, as these offer a 90% flat display for a larger field of vision.

New or Used?

One consideration when buying your microscope is price. If your budget is more limited, you can purchase a refurbished, used microscope from BaneBio. We can even purchase your older microscope, or take it in trade for your new purchase. 

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. With over 14 years of experience, we have the expertise to help you choose the perfect microscope for your lab and your teams.

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Top 5 Cold Storage Unit Best Practices

Scientist handling cold storage unit

Your cold storage units are the unsung heroes in your lab. They’re the pieces of equipment you never think about until they stop working.

Here are five best practices for your cold storage units:

1. Make Sure The Cold Storage Unit is Evenly Stocked

An improperly stocked freezer is prone to extreme temperature shifts when the doors are opened. A good rule of thumb is to try to keep the equipment at least 30% full if possible. If this isn’t possible, add a few gel packs or sealed water bottles to keep the temperatures consistent.

Conversely, don’t overstock your cold storage. Not only will this block airflow inside the unit, it will cause your staff to keep the doors open longer searching for items. 

Avoid stocking materials that are extremely sensitive to temperature fluctuations on the top or bottom shelf of the unit. Instead, place them on the middle shelves of the unit to help them maintain a steady temperature.

2. Keep Your Cold Storage Equipment Cleaned and Sanitized

The best way to discourage bacterial contamination in your cold storage units is to make sure they are regularly cleaned and disinfected. A soft rag and a neutral cleaner is best for this task.

If possible, remove shelves and wipe them down, allowing them to dry completely before returning them to the unit. Clean both the interior and the exterior of the unit, paying attention to the coils as well.

To properly clean the condenser coils, use a vacuum, air jet, or a dry brush. Clean coils keep the heat exchanger working optimally, increasing the lifespan of the equipment while reducing its energy usage.

Never use bleach or harsh disinfectants that could potentially harm your equipment.

3. Frost Control

While no laboratory wants to place a cold storage unit out of service, it’s necessary to schedule a defrost at least once per year, or whenever the frost is more than one centimeter thick. This increases the unit’s energy efficiency and ensures an even temperature. Use this time to check all gaskets and door seals to make sure they’re still sealing properly.

4. Labels Facing Out

Position all items in cold storage with the labels facing out to ensure staff can quickly find what they’re looking for. This helps reduce the amount of time the unit’s doors are open. Discourage random repositioning of stored items. Your lab may even benefit from a spreadsheet that outlines where items are stored in the unit.

5. Replace Cold Storage Units In Time

As cold storage units age, they’ll become increasingly unreliable and consume more energy. You may find your lab is frequently repairing older units. As a rule, the average lifespan of a cold storage unit is twelve to fifteen years. If your equipment is nearing its end of life, consider purchasing a new one or replacing it with a newer used one.

BaneBio is Your Partner for New and Used Cold Storage Equipment

If it’s time to replace your lab freezer or refrigerator, BaneBio has the products you need. Whether you’re looking at a new piece or a certified used piece, browse our products and find your perfect replacement. We accept trade-ins and purchase used lab equipment as well. Reach out to us and learn more!

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Is Buying Used Laboratory Equipment the Right Choice for Your Lab?

 

Every lab has faced major breakdowns in lab equipment, leaving them to wonder if it’s easier to repair it or replace it. Many times, managers operating on a limited budget may find themselves throwing money into repair after costly repair because replacement equipment is too costly. There may be a solution, however; most lab equipment can be found used, in perfect operating order, and far cheaper than a new piece. Of course, there are concerns with buying used lab equipment: is it reliable? Is it covered under warranty? What should labs do with the equipment they’re replacing? Here are some things to consider when making the decision to purchase.

Refurbished, Reconditioned, or Remanufactured? 

When shopping for used lab equipment, you may see several descriptions such as refurbished, reconditioned, and remanufactured. While each term means the same thing as far as the reliability of used lab equipment, they mean slightly different things in the path to the equipment’s resale certification.

  • Remanufactured equipment has been tested for reliability, often with nearly all components replaced to bring it back to nearly new condition
  • Reconditioned lab equipment means equipment that was returned to full functionality after being turned over by a previous owner due to issues, and is available for resale after any broken components are repaired or replaced.
  • Refurbished equipment is equipment that was turned over in good condition. It is fully checked by technicians, who replace or repair components that show signs of wear.

Each piece of equipment offered for resale should be inspected, guaranteed to be fully functional, calibrated to peak efficiency and accuracy, and should offer a warranty. Never purchase any equipment that is offered “as is,” even if the price seems to be right. “As is” equipment can’t be guaranteed for accuracy or reliability.

Benefits of Buying Used Laboratory Equipment for Your Lab

You have a choice when faced with broken or outdated equipment. You can continue pouring money into repairs, purchase a new replacement, or find a used lab equipment dealer near you who can offer the same piece for far less than purchasing it new. Of the three choices, purchasing used equipment is generally the safest and most cost efficient option. Here are just a few benefits of used equipment.

1. Eco-Friendly Solution

You don’t often put “eco-friendly” and “lab equipment” in the same sentence, but purchasing used is a great way to recycle. Buying this equipment used means saving the resources necessary to manufacture it, and trading in your old equipment for a replacement is a great way to keep the recycle-cycle going.

2. Get a Jump on Devaluation

As with anything, lab equipment begins to depreciate the moment it leaves the manufacturer’s floor. Purchasing used means that you’re already paying the “depreciated value” of the equipment, and will allow you to resell it much closer to the price you paid for it. New equipment will drop in value significantly within the first few years of ownership, meaning that you will take a larger financial hit should you need to resell it.

3. Saves Delivery Time

Purchasing new lab equipment frequently comes with an extended wait time. Depending on what you need, you could be looking at weeks or even months before you receive your order. Used equipment is usually available immediately, meaning your lab will not suffer significant loss of productivity while waiting for it. 

4. Budget Friendly

It’s estimated that buying used lab equipment can save buyers between 40% and 60% when compared to buying new. This is a welcome piece of news for any budget, with those savings being better spent elsewhere. Replacing frequently malfunctioning equipment with used is also a far more budget-friendly option than paying service calls, emergency repair fees, and parts and labor to nurse equipment at its end-of-life to remain serviceable. Frequent equipment breakdowns not only hurt your budget, they hurt your productivity, too, and may disrupt the accuracy of your research.

5. Trade-Ins Eliminate the Off-Loading Dilemma

You’ll find that dealers in used equipment will offer fair prices on trade-ins and even surplus equipment. That’s because these dealers know that they will be able to inspect, service, and repair the equipment for resale…after all, it’s what they do. Trading in your old equipment for new equipment may not afford the same fair pricing, depending on the supplier’s policies. Ultimately, you want a good price for your old equipment and you need it out of the lab as quickly as possible, not just collecting dust and taking up valuable storage space.

Do Your Research When Purchasing Used Lab Equipment

Buying used lab equipment is safe when the dealer is reputable, but how do you choose a trusted supplier and appropriate equipment? 

    • Customer testimonials: Don’t be afraid to ask for testimonials and even reach out to some of the previous buyers to make sure they are legitimate.
    • Google reviews: Google is a reliable source of reviews, fully exposing the good and the not-so-good experiences of real buyers with a business.
    • Word of mouth: Ask fellow facilities if they have had experience with purchasing used lab equipment, and what company they would recommend.
    • Warranties: Only do business with a company that stands behind its equipment with warranties, and make sure to check for additional warranties from the manufacturer.
    • Integration: Any new-to-you equipment must have an ability to be fully integrated into your own environment. Avoid equipment that is near-obsolete or nearing its end of life.
  • Service agreements: Make sure the company selling the equipment is willing to perform preventive maintenance and service it if it breaks down. The seller/buyer relationship should not end when you finalize the sale.

BaneBio is a trusted source for your used lab equipment, offering a 14-day money-back guarantee on our entire line of products. All used equipment is quality tested by our highly trained service technicians for proper operation and functionality, and backed by our standard 30-day warranty. We also purchase your lab equipment, or use it as trade-in for used or new equipment. Ready to see how BaneBio’s used lab equipment can save your lab time and money? Contact us now.

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6 Biotechnology Trends to Look For in 2022

cart of drug vials

The biotechnology industry is ever-changing, evolving to improve the quality of life through research, digitization, advancements in preventive medicine, genetics, and more. Here are five industry trends for 2022 that will impact the lives of millions across the globe.

1. Decreasing Drug Approval Times

There will be important changes to drug approval times, designed to decrease the long FDA approval timelines. Clinical trials and drug testing timeframes are expected to be aided with improved technologies, designed to help speed the process up and make necessary drugs more readily available to those who need them. The Real-Time Oncology Review, a pilot program created to help streamline and speed up the approval of cancer related treatments, is one example of this new and improved process.

2. P4 Medicine Will Continue to Evolve

P4 (predictive, preventative, personalized, and participatory) medicine will use new insights into AI data, human genetics, individual medical histories, environment, and a deeper look into blood and other testing results to formulate treatment plans specific to the individual. P4 medicine is proactive, not reactive, and focuses on wellness as much as disease processes. Embracing P4 medicine will mean identifying health risks early enough for positive intervention.

3. Increased Digital and Remote Patient Assessments and Treatment Plans

Businesses have embraced digital transformation for years, with 2020 and 2021 seeing a huge boost in remote and automated technologies. Medicine has followed suit, with a surge in telemedicine. Remote office visits, assessments, diagnosis, and treatment have become the norm, and this strategic approach to medicine is showing no signs of slowing throughout 2022. Medications can be prescribed through various online platforms, making end-to-end virtual medicine well within reach for millions.

4. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Opportunities will Expand Even More

Remote Patient Monitoring connects the patient with a healthcare provider to provide real-time results of treatment plans in chronically ill patients, including those with hypertension and diabetes. This technology is becoming even more crucial for aging populations. RPM is a win-win, for the patients who receive timely interactions with health professionals, and the healthcare facilities who are reporting drastically reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

5. Advancements in Genetic Research Tech

One of the most exciting biotechnology trends in 2022 will be the advancements in genetic research technology and the role this research will have in proactively treating patients using genome features like DNA. Using the patient’s individual genetic markers will allow a highly specific risk assessment and preventative treatment plan.

6. Advancements in Telemedicine, Devices, and Remote Patient Monitoring Raises Cybersecurity Concerns

While advancements in digital medicine platforms are welcome, they bring their own set of concerns. Any technology that is capable of being accessed, whether online or in the cloud, is capable of being hacked. Cybersecurity will be taking center-stage in the midst of evolving remote technologies. In the middle of these concerns is patient privacy at every step, from the manufacturer to the consumer.

Despite challenges facing it, the biotech industry will continue to evolve throughout 2022, bringing exciting new technologies, treatment platforms, pharmaceuticals, and research developments that will impact people throughout the world.

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7 Evolving Life Sciences Industry Trends for 2022

The life sciences industry is growing by leaps and bounds. 2021 saw some fantastic strides forward, and 2022 promises to be even more exciting for our life sciences professionals, researchers, and companies. As an industry leader committed to staying on top of the latest technologies and shifts throughout the life sciences landscape, here are 7 life services trends we see evolving in 2022.

1. Rapid Advancements in Drug Research 

With the increased integration of lab equipment, scanning technologies, and other monitoring tools, doctors will be able to better understand disease processes, and how they affect individual patients. By collecting more of this pertinent fact-based data, the doctor can improve a patient’s treatments, prescribing medication and interventions based on objective data rather than relying heavily on subjective information.

2. An Increased Demand for Transparency in the Environmental Sector

The public’s increasing awareness of climate change has made them thirsty for information and innovation in the environmental sciences. This sector will need to “step up its game” to address global threats such as oceanic garbage dumping, increasing CO2 levels, and a lack of alternative power sources for fossil fuels.

3. Increased Data Integration and Management

Cloud management is reaching deep into the life sciences, providing new and innovative ways to track and share data. This will make it easier for scientists and researchers to organize and collect data, as well as interpret findings and share within their teams both internally and externally.

4. Increased Industry Collaboration

Hand in hand with the increase in data management, increased collaboration will continue to boost the life sciences throughout 2022. Companies will begin to work together in exciting ways to push the boundaries of research and development.

5. Decreasing Product Prices Will Benefit the Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Industries

Laws are being consistently put in place to help drive down product prices within the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. This allows research and development firms to focus on product rather than pricing, and results rather than bottom line. Ultimately, the winners will be the stakeholders, who will be more in-tune with evidence-based facts over pricing and profit concerns, and the consumer, who will be able to access more drugs and life-changing interventions at affordable prices.

6. Advancements in Genetic Research Will Change the Way Patients are Treated

Throughout 2022, it’s expected that more discoveries and advancements will be made in genetic research. As this research and development continues to advance, so will the way patients are diagnosed and treated. Many disease processes have been proven to be genetically inherited and, as more are uncovered, these discoveries will mean a new world of personalized medicine, risk mitigation, and treatment modalities.

7. Decentralized Drug Trials Will Make Research Easier

Throughout 2020 and 2021, a shift in drug trials began to occur with more drug research occurring in pharmacies, labs, and even the private homes of the target patients. Hybrid testing sites incorporate tools, technologies, and monitoring to bring the research closer to the patients. Research facilities will need to rise to meet this demand, making data collection, patient education, and monitoring services available off-site.

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Preventive Maintenance For Your Lab Equipment

scientist working in research lab

We all grew up hearing the saying, “a stitch in time will save you nine.” The idea is a simple one; taking care of an issue while it’s small will save you headaches in the future. The concept is true in nearly every situation from routine car maintenance to lab equipment preventive maintenance. 

Why is preventive maintenance for lab equipment recommended? Let’s take a look.

1. Missing Your Lab Equipment Preventive Maintenance Tasks Could Void Warranties

Ignoring routine preventive maintenance for your car, such as oil changes, can ultimately lead to a failed claim against the car’s warranty. Warranties are very specific as to what actions are required to keep the warranty valid. It’s the same for all warranties, including your expensive lab equipment. Planned preventive maintenance tasks should be performed as specified within your equipment’s warranty, and the tasks will need to be tracked and logged.

Preventive maintenance for lab equipment will make it far easier to repair or replace items covered under warranty.

2. Preventive Maintenance Plans Keep Repair Costs Low

Addressing small issues as they arise will save a lot of money in the long run. Equipment already takes up the largest part of your laboratory budget, and no lab manager wants to think about replacing or repairing it. Keeping equipment well-maintained means catching a small problem and fixing it before it escalates into a costly repair or replacement.

As a side note, keeping your equipment well-maintained also means you will get top dollar on it if you trade it in or sell it.

3. Maintain Consistency, Safety, and Accuracy

Laboratory equipment that isn’t properly maintained can become unreliable, providing data that is inconsistent and inaccurate. Additionally, improperly maintained equipment can be hazardous for your teams to use, resulting in injury or accidental exposure to hazardous materials. Maintaining equipment is an important part of a complete quality control plan.

4. Preventive Maintenance Helps Your Lab Stay Compliant

Your lab equipment is covered under several regulations. Starting with ISO/IEC 17025, these regulations are highly specific regarding how to calibrate, test, and maintain laboratory equipment. Failure to follow regulations can lead to costly violations and possible suspension of your laboratory’s licence.

5. Downtime Will Ruin Your Day

Your lab equipment never chooses a good time to fail. It’s unpredictable, and a failure can ruin your test results and samples. Planned preventive maintenance will help mitigate the risk of a catastrophic failure that can adversely affect your team’s hard work.

Leave it to the Pros

BaneBio recommends routine preventive maintenance on all your critical instruments and equipment to help make sure your equipment is running optimally. To find out how our qualified used laboratory equipment technicians can stop problems before they start, contact us for a free consultation today.

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Buying Used Lab Equipment? Know What Questions to Ask the Supplier

For many labs with limited funding, equipment failure can put a huge and unwelcome dent in the budget. Is the cost of fixing it more than the cost of replacing it? If it needs to be replaced, can you afford a new piece? What if you’re expanding operations and just need to update your lab with more equipment? More and more, labs are turning to suppliers to purchase used equipment, but that isn’t entirely without its own risks. Here are a few questions to ask if you’re buying used lab equipment.

How Old is This Piece of Equipment?

Knowing how old the equipment is a key piece of your purchasing decision. Older equipment may be obsolete, which means finding replacement parts and qualified technicians may be harder if the equipment breaks down.

Is This Piece of Equipment Covered Under Warranty?

Many pieces of used lab equipment are still covered under warranty. Ask about the status of the warranty to make sure it’s transferable to your lab. If not, does the supplier offer a warranty?

Is This Piece of Used Lab Equipment High Mileage?

How many hours of use has the equipment had, and how long has it been sitting in storage? If it has been in storage, is the facility a clean one with a climate controlled environment?

Are There Service Logs Available?

Service logs on used lab equipment can be helpful for determining if the equipment was properly maintained. They can also provide insight for any past issues the equipment may have had under the previous owner.

What Kind of Customer Support Can I Expect from the Supplier?

Check reviews of your supplier to make sure customer support is available if there is an issue with the equipment after you purchase it.

Has the Used Lab Equipment Been Thoroughly Cleaned and Disinfected?

Make sure to ask the supplier to provide proof that the lab equipment has been thoroughly sanitized and is safe to use.

Is This Piece of Lab Equipment in Good Working Order?

No one wants to buy someone else’s problem, so make sure the equipment is certified as being in good working order, is fully operational, and comes with a guarantee from the supplier.

Will the Equipment Need to be Professionally Installed?

Does the supplier offer professional installation services on the equipment? If it’s oversized, will the supplier ship it and move it into your lab?

Is the Equipment Compatible with my Lab?

From space and size of the equipment to the outlets and power supply, make sure the equipment will function in your lab.

Bane Bio is a Preferred Provider of Used Lab Equipment

We are a top supplier of used equipment, whether you’re looking to buy a replacement piece or sell your unused equipment. We provide a large selection of used equipment, and a 14-day money back guarantee on all products we sell. Browse our selection of used equipment, or let us take a look at purchasing your unwanted lab equipment.

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Moving and Storage for Lab Equipment

scientist looking through lab equipment

Do you need a bigger lab to account for more equipment and increased operations? Are you finding that it’s time to re-evaluate and streamline your processes? Don’t spend your valuable time worrying about the logistics of moving or storing your precious equipment! Here are a few things to keep in mind when getting ready to move.

Short Term Lab Equipment Storage

If you find yourself in a position where your new laboratory isn’t move-in ready or is too small for all of your equipment, you may want to consider a storage facility. Sure, self-storage units are everywhere, but the fact is your valuable equipment needs more security than the standard roll-up door. Lab equipment should be stored in specialized facilities to properly protect your investment.

When choosing a laboratory equipment storage facility, make sure you find one that:

  • Is climate controlled
  • Provides the packing and transportation
  • Provides a detailed inventory
  • Allows easy access to your equipment
  • Sends reminders about the equipment you have in storage

If you’re downsizing, consider selling the equipment you no longer have use for.

Moving Your Lab Equipment to a New Facility

Whether it’s across town or across the country, moving lab equipment takes more than a call to your local moving company. Your equipment is valuable and delicate. Choose a moving service to make the job easier…and safer for your equipment.

Finding a lab equipment moving service involves finding a company that:

  • Handles the packing and unpacking of the equipment
  • Includes all shipping costs so your budget isn’t presented with “surprise” charges
  • Handles all regulatory concerns 
  • Provides an inventory
  • Uses climate controlled trucks and specially designed crates
  • Remains in contact with you throughout the move

Decommissioning a Laboratory

When you’re moving or closing up shop permanently, you need to find a professional decommissioning service to make sure your lab stays compliant throughout every step.

This service should include a site-specific audit and decommissioning plan that covers:

  • Complete inventory, removal, and disposal of all biological, chemical, or physical hazards
  • Deep cleaning of all surfaces, including storage areas, fume hoods, and counters
  • Proper decontamination, removal, disposal, and remediation of hazards
  • Documentation of all steps taken during the decommissioning process
  • Removal, storage, or selling of used lab equipment
  • A “clean bill of health” documentation for all services rendered during the decommissioning process 
  • Universal waste disposal of items such as light bulbs and batteries
  • EHS verification that the decommissioned laboratory space is ready for re-occupancy 

Moving Lab Equipment? Time to Clean House

Moving and storing lab equipment is the perfect time to get rid of outdated or broken items and take a detailed inventory. Just like packing and moving a house, you don’t want to take anything that has outlived its usefulness or pack anything more than you need to get back up and running in your new facility.

Extra items can be refurbished and resold, and unused supplies can be donated to another facility.

Don’t Make the Move Without Us

BaneBio’s Lab Logistics Teams provide professional and efficient services to make your move easier. Because we move labs just like yours every day, we have the expertise, packing supplies, storage facilities, and moving equipment to move you safely, whether it’s around the corner or across the country. Our attention to detail and knowledge of EHS regulations make us a logical choice for moving and storing your lab equipment. Let us plan the logistics of your move; contact us today.

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Depot Repair: Small Laboratory Equipment Repair Made Easy

back of female scientist working in lab

If your large equipment fails, field repair services are the perfect solution to keep your lab running smoothly. If your smaller equipment fails, however, depot repair may be your best option.

What is Depot Repair?

Depot repair involves packaging and shipping laboratory equipment to a qualified biomedical equipment technician for repair, calibration, or preventive maintenance. Once the services are complete, the equipment is returned to your lab for immediate use.

When smaller equipment needs maintenance or repairs, outsourcing services provides the fastest, most economical solutions your lab needs to stay productive.

Why is Depot Repair the Best Choice for Your Small Lab Equipment?

Choosing a qualified laboratory equipment depot repair provider ensures professional services from a team of highly qualified and skilled biomedical technicians. 

What does depot repair mean for your lab?

Streamlined Lab Equipment Repairs and Maintenance

Rather than waiting for field repair technicians to come to you, depot repairs can begin as soon as your equipment is received. Once the services are completed, the equipment is shipped back to your facility for immediate use. There is no middle-man involved; the best laboratory equipment repair facilities will perform these services in-house.

Your repaired equipment will be returned with detailed documentation for your records of the services performed. Many depot repair facilities offer equipment rentals or temporary replacement of equipment that requires extensive repairs.

Depot Repair Saves Money on Laboratory Equipment Servicing

From storing broken equipment to lost productivity and the costs of bringing an on-site technician to your facility for repairs, lab equipment repair can take a bite out of a lab’s budget. 

Depot repair saves money by eliminating an on-site repair fee. It also allows equipment to be sent out immediately rather than being stored somewhere awaiting repairs.

Increase Your Lab Equipment’s Longevity and Performance

Depot repair services cover more than just fixing broken or failing equipment. Creating a schedule to send your smaller lab equipment out for routine preventive maintenance is a great way to stay on top of manufacturer’s recommendations and ensure your equipment is working optimally.

BaneBio: Depot Repair Services Maryland Labs Rely On

BaneBio offers depot repair for smaller lab instruments that can be properly packaged and shipped. Our in-house equipment service facility will professionally repair your equipment and return it to you quickly, cutting down on lost productivity in your lab. 

Microfuge or other equipment on the fritz? Contact BaneBio for a no obligation assessment and recommendation.