Category: Laboratory

To say technology is evolving quickly would be an understatement. A more accurate way to look at it is to recognize that it’s growing at a remarkable pace. In the world of laboratory science, it’s shaping how we research and conduct tests, as well as how we form our workflow processes. This evolution of technology isn’t slowing down heading into 2026, either. In fact, we could argue that it’s picking up pace, thus presenting lab trends that will leave their mark on history.

Smarter instruments. Sustainable workflows. Those are the driving forces behind emerging lab trends and modern laboratory design. 2026 is set to be a pivotal year for this emergence, particularly for operations that want to streamline their processes and build their resilience. So let’s take a look at all the tools that are making these leaps possible, from clinical lab automation to data management.

Rise of AI-Driven Clinical Lab Automation

Everyone’s familiar with AI by now. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to avoid if you use any device these days. But sift through the noise and “slop” you see on social media, and you’ll find the true value in this revolutionary technology. It’s not all about making uncanny valley videos of cats doing house chores. It’s about keeping things efficient in professional settings. Think better sample processing and accelerated workflows.

AI is set to make some big lab enhancements in the coming year:

• Sample preparation and handling will feature predictive adjustments that reduce manual variability.
• Workflows will be optimized by bottleneck identification and process improvement suggestions.
• Better instrument diagnostics will allow for early error detection and disruption avoidance.

Integration of Smart Lab Systems

Smart lab ecosystems are no longer a niche innovation. They’re becoming the standard. IoT (Internet of Things) enabled equipment makes it possible for instruments to effectively communicate and share data. The result is fewer errors and centralized systems that sync data across all your devices. But that’s just the broad view of it.

Smart labs will allow workers to address maintenance issues thanks to predictive alerts. The use of equipment like freezers, incubators, and centrifuges can now be monitored continuously (and easily), even after everyone has gone home for the night.

Demand is growing, and labs will need to keep up by maximizing productivity. That’s where smart lab systems are a vital addition to every lab.

Advanced Data Management & Cloud Platforms

Data volume is growing exponentially, which makes sense. Everything is being digitized these days. It’s getting to the point where laboratories can’t solely rely on local storage for the mass amounts of data they depend on. Cloud-based systems are becoming more and more popular as a result. In 2026, we’re seeing more and more laboratories and organizations transition to cloud-reliant Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), digital recordkeeping platforms, and all-around unified storage systems.

With such robust and powerful cloud connectivity, labs will benefit from:

• Centralized and secure data access that allows for seamless collaboration
• Better scalability that grows with your research needs
• Strong cybersecurity features that protect your data

Regulatory and compliance demands are increasing, and digital data management systems are driving the solutions. Labs who ride this wave are positioning themselves to meet these strict requirements while staying agile.

Expansion of Modular & Flexible Lab Designs

If you work in a lab, you know that things can move quickly. Research priorities can shift and nothing stays the same for very long. To account for this, labs need to be flexible. Modern laboratory design is needed and, in 2026, modular labs are expected to explode in popularity.

Configurable workstations and scalable infrastructure will allow research teams to set priorities and make modifications without dealing with significant downtime. The result will be speed and cost efficiency: no more need for frequent expensive renovations.

Sustainable Lab Technologies

Sustainability used to be a novelty—something to aspire to in order to reduce carbon footprints and protect the environment. Now it’s a necessity, as it has become a primary consideration for organizations all across the scientific community. 2026 lab trends include a broad push towards adopting environmentally friendly practices and obtaining eco-centric equipment.

These trends include:

• Energy-efficient devices like low-power freezers and centrifuges
• Waste-reduction technology, including equipment that minimizes chemical usage and consumables
• Eco-friendly materials that use similarly conscious packaging

As a member of the Maryland Green Registry, this is one of the lab trends we’re most excited about. We’re about to see a surge in refurbished systems that reduce waste and extend product lifecycles.

Better Calibration & Quality Assurance Tools

Precision and compliance. These are two things that remain at the heart of laboratory operations. Precision is required for effective research and the innovations it leads to. Compliance is non-negotiable, as it ensures quality and, more importantly, safety. In the coming year, new software-driven calibration tools and automated QA technology will help labs across the world achieve maximum accuracy with minimal manual effort.

Look forward to these innovations:

• Automated calibration systems that enable precise measurements and reduce downtime
• Built-in self-diagnostic features in equipment, allowing it to detect performance issues and notify the user
• Instant QA reporting that provides support for compliance-heavy environments (such as clinical and pharmaceutical labs)

BaneBio: Your Go-To Source for Emerging Lab Equipment

From AI-enabled workflows to eco-friendly equipment and modular labs, the lab trends we’ve outlined here are set to reshape the way laboratories operate. If you’ve been considering a revamp of your own operations and equipment, this is the time to do it. With so much on the horizon, this is an opportunity to assess your systems, replace outdated devices, and explore efficiency opportunities.

As a trusted provider of new and used equipment, we’re uniquely positioned to help you stay on top of these exciting 2026 lab trends. To explore products, request services, and plan your upcoming lab enhancement, contact BaneBio today!

Precision and separation are essential parts of laboratory science. Without them, we wouldn’t have a large majority of the breakthroughs that have shaped our world. It’s no wonder, then, that one of the most important processes for achieving both of them is electrophoresis. It’s used to separate charged molecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins based on electrical charge and size.

This process has become a fundamental pillar of research, helping scientists achieve accurate results. In this blog, we’ll take a look at what it is, how it works, and how it can be used.

What Is Electrophoresis

Essentially, this scientific process is a technique that separates molecules as they move through a medium (such as a capillary or gel) under an electric field’s influence. Depending on the size, shape, and charge, molecules will travel at different speeds, which allows them to be visually distinguished.

Think of a sieve. Smaller particles are able to easily pass through, while larger ones have a more difficult time doing so. In this instance, small molecules can travel with ease, creating a clear pattern of separation.

This useful process is essential in the identification, analysis, and purification of biological samples. This makes it a mainstay technique in genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry.

How It Works

Here’s how the process is carried out:

Step 1: Preparing the Gel and Buffer

A gel matrix made of agarose or polyacrylamide is prepared. This gel will act as the filter. The buffer solution is used to conduct electricity and uphold a stable pH level, which is essential in obtaining accurate results.

Step 2: Loading the Samples

Prepared samples are then mixed with a loading dye to increase their visibility for observation. They’re pipetted into small wells on one end of the gel. 

Step 3: Applying the Electric Current

Now that the setup is complete, the electric current is applied. Molecules such as DNA are negatively charged, so they will migrate towards positive electrodes. Smaller molecules will move through the gel more quickly. This step creates size-based separation.

Step 4: Visualizing the Results

Once complete, the gel is stained with a dye that binds to the molecules, making them visible. The bands are then observed under UV light, photographed, and analyzed.

Common Types

• Agarose Gel: A staple in molecular biology labs, this method is used in DNA and RNA fragment separation.

• SDS-PAGE (Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis): This method is used to separate proteins based on size, denaturing them to ensure molecular weight analysis is accurate.

• Capillary: An automated method that foregoes gels in favor of narrow capillaries. Rapid, quantitative results are made possible, making this technique useful for chemistry and pharmaceutical labs.

• Isoelectric Focusing: This technique is useful in protein separation based on isoelectric point, which refers to the pH level at which a molecule carries no net charge. This is a useful method in quality assurance and protein characterization.

Why It’s Important for Laboratory Work

There are several useful applications for this process, so let’s discuss the common ones.

• Research Applications: Genetics, molecular biology, and proteomics rely heavily on electrophoresis. It’s used to verify PCR products, confirm protein purity, and analyze gene expression
• Medical and Clinical Diagnostics: In clinical settings, this method can be instrumental in diagnosing diseases. This is done by identifying specific proteins and patterns in DNA. 
• Forensic Science and Environmental Testing: DNA fingerprinting wouldn’t be what it is today without gel electrophoresis. It’s essential in matching genetic material in criminal investigations, as well as identifying contaminants in water and environmental testing.
• Quality Control in Industry: Product purity and consistency is ensured in biotechnology and food production, making it vital in quality control processes. Without it, it would be much more difficult to detect contamination or determine the composition of food additives.  

Looking for an even deeper dive? This page provides a wealth of information!

Advantages and Limitations

As with all laboratory techniques, gel electrophoresis has both advantages and drawbacks. Let’s lay them out.

Advantages

• Accuracy and reproducibility across various sample types
• Standardized procedure that’s easily integrated into laboratory workflows
• Cost-effectiveness
• Adaptable to different charges and molecular sizes

Limitations

• Not ideal for processing large numbers of samples due to its time-consuming nature
• Requires expertise in imaging, straining, and interpretation of results
• Certain techniques could damage or alter samples during the analysis phase

Its Future in Science

What does the future of this vital lab technique look like? The short version is simply “bright.” But taking a closer look, the possibilities are exciting to any researcher. Automation and microfluidic innovations are helping to increase speed and efficiency, while accuracy and data interpretation are getting big boosts thanks to digital imaging and AI-assisted analysis.

In addition, electrophoresis is being integrated with mass spectrometry and advanced bioinformatics tools, further increasing its usefulness in molecular analysis. The general result of all of this is faster and more comprehensive workflows in research.

Essentials for Improving Laboratory Techniques

Electrophoresis remains a fundamental technique across almost all lab disciplines. It may have simple principles, but sometimes simple is just what you need (especially in an area as complex as science). Its impacts on genetics, diagnostics, quality control, and forensics are undeniable.

When you understand all the ways this technique can be used, you can achieve accurate results and continue to innovate in your own research endeavors. For more information, you can always contact us at BaneBio. We’re happy to talk science and provide you with the equipment you need!

In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick made a discovery that changed the world forever—the structure of DNA, the genetic code that underpins all life. This discovery, often hailed as one of the most important in biology, was made not by just one scientist but by a team of different types of scientists, all from various scientific disciplines. Watson was a biologist, Crick a physicist. Both relied on the X-ray crystallography data provided by Rosalind Franklin, a chemist, to unlock the double-helix structure of DNA. 

This collaboration between biologists, chemists, and physicists highlights not just the incredible diversity within the scientific community, but how each specialization brings its own unique skillset to the task of solving complex problems. Scientists, in their many forms, are constantly working to unravel the mysteries of the universe, each contributing to the larger tapestry of human knowledge. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of scientists and how each plays a role in advancing our understanding of the world.

The Importance of Scientists: Diversity of Scientific Fields

“Science” is a single word that covers an absurdly large number of distinct specialties. From studying the infinitesimally small world of atoms and molecules to exploring the vast reaches of space, scientists work across a wide spectrum of professional disciplines. Their expertise helps us understand everything from how our bodies function to how the universe operates. While each discipline has its own focus, all scientists share a common goal: to answer questions, solve problems, and improve our understanding of the world. 

What Defines a Scientist?

Simply put, a scientist is someone who seeks to understand the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis. Scientists use the scientific method to form hypotheses, conduct experiments, and analyze data in order to draw conclusions that expand human knowledge. Scientific inquiry is constantly evolving, which leads to the emergence of specialized fields. As our understanding of the world deepens, scientists focus on increasingly specific areas of study. This specialization is essential for addressing the complexity of the universe and solving highly specialized problems.

The Different Types of Scientists

Biologists: Studying Living Organisms and Their Environments
Biologists seek to understand life in all its forms, studying everything from individual cells to complex ecosystems. Their work is foundational in fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. Biologists may specialize in areas such as genetics, ecology, or evolutionary biology, each contributing vital insights into the processes that sustain life.

Chemists: Exploring Substances at the Molecular and Atomic Levels
Chemists focus on the composition, properties, and reactions of substances. They examine how different chemicals interact, how new substances are formed, and how these processes can be harnessed for practical applications. Chemists are critical to fields like drug development, materials science, and environmental protection.

Physicists: Investigating the Laws of Nature, from Particles to Pulsars
Physicists delve into the fundamental forces of the universe. From understanding the behavior of subatomic particles to studying the laws of motion, gravity, and spacetime, physicists work to explain the underlying principles that govern everything from gluons to galaxies. Their work can lead directly to new technologies, such as lasers or computers.

Astronomers: Focusing on Celestial Phenomena and the Universe
Astronomers study stars, planets, and other objects in the firmament. Using telescopes and other instruments, they investigate the nature of the universe, the lifecycle of stars, and the potential for life on other planets. Their work not only expands our understanding of the cosmos but also informs space exploration and the development of technology.

Geologists: Examining Earth’s Physical Structure, Processes, and History
Geologists study the composition, structure, and the processes that shape Earth’s surface. By understanding how our planet has evolved, geologists help us predict natural disasters, explore for natural resources, and understand climate change. Their research also plays a role in preserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable land use.

Specialized Types of Scientists

Marine Biologists: Diving Into the Mysteries of Ocean Life
Marine biologists study organisms living in the world’s oceans. They research everything from plankton to whales, exploring how these creatures interact with their environment and each other. Marine biology is crucial for understanding ocean ecosystems, preserving marine biodiversity, and addressing challenges such as climate change.

Forensic Scientists: Solving Crimes Through Scientific Analysis
Forensic scientists apply scientific methods to criminal investigations. By analyzing physical evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, and blood spatter, they help solve crimes and bring criminals to justice. Forensic scientists often work in law enforcement, applying their expertise in chemistry, biology, and toxicology to identify culprits.

Environmental Scientists: Working to Combat Climate Change and Pollution
Environmental scientists study how human activity impacts the planet’s ecosystems and work to develop solutions for mitigating environmental damage. Their research includes monitoring pollution levels, studying biodiversity, and finding ways to reduce human impact on the environment. 

Medical Scientists: Developing Treatments and Medical Advancements
Medical scientists focus on understanding diseases and finding ways to treat or prevent them. They conduct clinical research, develop vaccines, and test new medications. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, virologists, immunologists, and biochemists worked together to develop vaccines that helped bring the virus under control. 

Why Understanding the Different Types of Scientists Matters

Science is rarely a solitary pursuit. Many of the most significant achievements come from collaboration between scientists from different disciplines. For example, the development of the COVID-19 vaccine involved virologists who studied the virus, immunologists who developed vaccines, and biochemists who synthesized the vaccine components. Finally, data scientists analyzed vast amounts of information to ensure the vaccine’s efficacy.

This interdisciplinary approach is not just limited to health-related fields. Projects like space exploration, climate change research, and the development of clean energy technologies require the input of physicists, chemists, engineers, and environmental scientists working together. Understanding the various types of scientists and their specialized knowledge allows us to see the interconnected nature of scientific progress.

How to Become a Scientist

If you’re a high school or college student interested in becoming a scientist, the path depends on the field that interests you the most. Generally speaking, aspiring scientists begin with a strong foundation in mathematics and science, earning a bachelor’s degree in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering. Afterward, they can pursue a graduate degree (master’s or Ph.D.) in their chosen specialty. 

Along the way, they’ll engage in research, internships, and hands-on experiences to build your expertise. Many fields, such as medicine and environmental science, also offer opportunities for additional training and certification. Scientists have the opportunity to work in academia, government, industry, or private research organizations. Some may even choose to start their own research firms or work as consultants.

It Takes a Village

From the biologists who explore the complexities of life to the physicists who explore the complexities of the universe, scientists are essential to advancing our knowledge and improving our world. Whether solving global challenges or unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos, scientists’ contributions are indispensable to the progress of society. By understanding the different types of scientists and their areas of expertise, we gain a deeper appreciation for the collaborative and ever-evolving nature of scientific discovery.

When we drink water at home, most of us are aware that it may not be the world’s purest water. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s dirty, but tap water has rarely been through high-quality filters. We’re okay with that, and we accept a certain level of “stowaways” in our water. When it comes to laboratory science, however, we don’t have that luxury. Pure water is a necessity, not a preference. Even in trace amounts, contaminants can compromise entire experiments, leading to inaccurate data. That’s why water purification systems are vital to a lab’s operations.

But what exactly do these systems do? How do they work, and why are they so important? Let’s take a closer look.

Understanding Lab Water Purification Systems

There are several different types of water purification systems, each one designed to eliminate specific contaminants and meet the proper purity requirements for research.

• Reverse Osmosis (RO): With this system, water is forced through a semipermeable membrane, which filters out impurities like ions, particles, and large molecules. RO is ideal for providing water that meets most general laboratory standards.
• Deionization (DI): Often used in combination with other purification processes, this uses ion-exchange resin to remove dissolved ions from the water. This produces very pure water that is required for sensitive applications.
• Ultrapure Water Systems: These systems are designed to remove ultra small contaminants from the water. These contaminants include organic compounds, bacteria, and endotoxins. Water of this purity level is vital for processes like molecular biology or mass spectrometry.

How These Systems Work

That’s what they do, but how do they actually work? RO systems rely on pressure to push water through the membranes, which trap the impurities. DI systems, however, use resins to replace ions with hydrogen and hydroxide. The combination of these two forms pure water. As for ultrapure systems, they can incorporate either of these techniques, but also implement additional filters—such as IV sterilization—to maximize water purity.

Key Benefits of Using Water Purification Systems in Labs

Water purification systems can provide several benefits to your experiments, safety, and expenses.

Precision in Experiments

Water purity has a direct correlation with the accuracy and reproducibility of experimental results. Since contaminants can interfere with reactions, skew measurements, and introduce unwelcome variables, maximum purity is essential. Otherwise, the integrity of your data and its consistency could be compromised.

Safety and Compliance

Laboratories are subject to some of the strictest regulatory standards in the world. These standards often dictate the acceptable levels of contaminants in experiments. These regulations are in place to protect the well-being of lab personnel and the general public, as hazardous materials are often used in lab environments. Contaminated water can pose serious risks when interacting with these materials.

Cost Efficiency

A high-quality lab water purification system may carry a hefty up-front price tag, but the overall savings that result from it are worth the investment. Contaminated water can damage sensitive equipment, which could result in costly repairs over time. In addition to that, high chances of invalid experiments have the potential to waste resources and time. Pure water will help you avoid these issues and maximize efficiency.

Choosing the Right Water Purification System

There are several factors that will determine your choice in purification systems.

• Quality of Water Required: This is likely the most important factor for most people. Ultrapure water is essential for sensitive applications, while RO or DI will work for more general applications.
• Volume Needs: How much purified water does your lab use on a daily basis? Be sure to factor this in and choose a purification system that can handle the proper output.
• Specific Lab Applications: It’s important to tailor the system to your lab’s needs. For example, certain labs require more filtration stages or customized features depending on the goals of the research.

Customization Options

If you want to further customize your lab water purification system—research needs are diverse, after all—there are plenty of options to do so. Modular designs, advanced monitoring systems, and integration with existing infrastructure are within the realm of possibility. This level of customization ensures your system will meet purity requirements and align with your workflows.

Conclusion

The pursuit of scientific excellence is what drives much innovation. The proper equipment—including water purification systems—is vital to its success. From maximizing safety to improving the accuracy of results, purified water plays a foundational role in good scientific practice. For further assistance or advice on these vital systems, get in touch with us at BaneBio. We’ll be happy to help!

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!

Like it or not, a laboratory can be a dangerous place. After all, it’s filled with chemicals as well as equipment that’s often heavy, fragile, sharp, or all three! That doesn’t mean all laboratories are dangerous, though. In fact, yours can be pretty safe, as long as you maintain a heavy focus on safety at all times.

The first step to being safe is anticipating what can go wrong, so why don’t we talk about some common hazards that you may have to deal with in your lab?

Emergency: Fire

You should always be wary of the potential for a fire, but pay extra close attention to a few select places. If you store flammable chemicals in your lab, this is a highly likely spot for a fire. The same goes for electronics, especially those that are meant to provide heat for any purpose.

While anticipating flames is important, you should also be prepared for a scenario in which it actually happens. Is there a sprinkler system that will kick in? Do you know where the fire extinguisher is? Do you know how to access and use it? Be sure to provide proper training for this equipment to all lab employees so that everyone is prepared if the situation were to occur. 

Emergency: Flood

Depending on the situation, water can be a great help or an immense hazard. In a lab, it can become the latter in several ways. Is the lab in an area where rain is common? Is it on the first floor of the building? Are there a lot of overhead pipes that could potentially burst?

If your answer to any of those questions is “yes,” be sure to have a contingency plan in place. Floor drains are highly advisable, as is equipment that you can use to manually remove water, like an industrial shop vac. It’s also crucial to keep water away from any electrical equipment that could harm you should it get wet, so be mindful of this if you find yourself in an unfortunate flooding situation.

Emergency: Extreme Weather

Nature will always be a force to be reckoned with, even in the perceived safety of the indoors. It can be a catalyst for the aforementioned flooding, but water damage isn’t the only thing bad weather can bring.

It’s always wise to anticipate strong winds from hurricanes or tornadoes. If you’re in the planning stage for your lab, consider finding a space away from outside walls and windows of a building. Should your lab still be at the mercy of destructive winds, remember your employees’ safety is top priority. Ensure they are in the safest place possible should bad weather hit while they’re in the lab. Memorize all the shelter in place procedures and know the “danger zones” to avoid.

Emergency: Hazardous Material Spill

Of all the potential emergencies a lab can face, hazardous materials present the widest range and most common forms of danger. Depending on what chemicals are being used, you could be facing anything from chemical burns to explosions.

Most chemical spills are easily dealt with by laboratory staff, but only if the lab itself provides them with the necessary equipment. Eye wash stations are a must, as well as proper protective gear and disposal containers. In the event of a more subtle emergency such as a gas leak, it’s imperative that monitoring devices are in place. Just as you wouldn’t set up a lab without a sprinkler system, you need to have things in place to detect harmful substances.

What about the incidents that are too big for your staff to handle? Having a rock solid response plan is crucial. Know the evacuation procedure, how to clean yourself off, and who to call to handle the cleanup. All of these procedures should be memorized by everyone before even a single bunsen burner is turned on.

Setting up a lab is hard work, but it’s all worth it to make sure things are done properly and employees are kept safe. While cutting corners may seem productive in the immediate future, you’ll be regretting it if you’re faced with a lab fire or hazardous material spill. BaneBio is an industry expert in setting up your lab for success. With extensive experience in lab logistics, we’ll make sure you start on the right foot with safety in mind.

It’s the biotech entrepreneur’s dream. A science-based startup business’ Graceland, if you will. It’s lab design time, and BaneBio is here to walk you through the process of setting up your new lab design. 

The Business of Labs

The best opportunities begin with business plans, and a lab is no exception. Your business plan should include the following:

• An executive summary
• Company description
• Market analysis
• Organization structure
• Management structure
• Outline of services
• Products offered
• Funding request

This high-level overview of your company spells out why you know your lab will be successful, the services it will provide, the structure in place, and where dollars are allocated to make it profitable. If you’re looking for investors or a loan, this plan will come in handy to pique their interest. 

The Space

There are several ways to get rolling on your lab, from leasing spaces that once housed labs to building your business to spec. Although it is more costly to start from scratch, trying to fit into a former science space may not be ideal if they were not operationally set up similarly to the services and research you’ll offer. 

The Start-Up

Building a lab from the ground up is an investment. It’s one of the reasons why BaneBio is home of the scientific supermarket and is meticulous about prime used lab equipment. When selecting each piece that will make up your laboratory, following your budget is critical. Pay attention to where each dollar is going, from the flooring to the number of workspaces required. It’s not about cutting costs: it’s about making the best decisions when securing inventory and building your infrastructure. 

The Move

Moving large equipment and some lab-specific items may require specialty movers. Two guys and their truck may not be licensed to transport your items. You also want to ensure that your inventory is relocated by professionals who understand the precision required. When moving frozen storage, ensure all freezers are working and meet temperature requirements before stocking them. 

The Equipment

Now comes the fun part! BaneBio’s team is well-versed in helping labs of all sizes select just the right pieces. The type of labwork your company performs means you’ll need specific items. You can always add more tech and lab items later. What you need now is an expert like BaneBio to get you up and to run the right way. 

The Employees

You need more than a simple “Help Wanted” ad to build your team. Acquiring the right talent is critical, from compliance and labor laws to certifications and specialty areas. Remember, part of the lure to attract team members comes down to benefits, compensation, company culture, communication tools, and having the right leaders in place to encourage communication and job satisfaction. 

Let BaneBio Take the Stress out of Your New Laboratory 

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

Don’t just let any company offer their purchasing suggestions or move your valuable scientific equipment: trust BaneBio, the Lab Logistics experts. Contact us today!

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.