PRACTICAL GUIDES
Make better-informed laboratory decisions
Twenty guides to help teams plan, select, operate, and maintain laboratory systems more effectively.
01
Selection & Procurement
5 guides
- 01Defining instrument requirements before requesting a quotationTurn application, performance, capacity, site, and support needs into a quotation brief that suppliers can answer consistently. Published September 12, 2024
- 02Choosing instruments by application, method, and capacityUse application, method, performance, throughput, and operating context to narrow the field of suitable instruments. Published October 18, 2024
- 03Writing a clear laboratory procurement briefCreate a procurement brief that connects purpose, scope, specifications, acceptance, training, and support. Published November 21, 2024
- 04Comparing equipment proposals beyond priceCompare technical fit, operating cost, site readiness, support, risk, and performance evidence transparently. Published December 12, 2024
- 23Preparing Scenarios for a Laboratory Instrument DemonstrationPrepare questions, approved usage examples, participants, and observation notes so an instrument demonstration addresses your laboratory's requirements. Published October 5, 2026
02
Measurement & Methods
7 guides
- 05How sample preparation affects test resultsControl test-portion selection, homogenization, contamination, analyte loss, and records so results remain representative. Published January 16, 2025
- 06Choosing equipment for water analysisStart with monitoring purpose, parameters, methods, matrix, reporting limits, data quality, and sample load. Published February 20, 2025
- 07Calibration, verification, and routine checksSeparate the purposes of calibration, verification, and intermediate checks to build an evidence-based, risk-led programme. Published March 13, 2025
- 08Choosing a laboratory balance for its environmentAlign load, readability, uncertainty, bench, airflow, temperature, vibration, static, and user practice. Published April 17, 2025
- 29Choosing a pH Electrode for Your Laboratory SampleChoose a pH electrode around sample characteristics, working range, junction, connector compatibility and laboratory maintenance needs. Published October 19, 2026
- 30Volumetric Pipettes and Micropipettes: When to Use EachCompare volumetric pipettes and micropipettes through working volume, liquid properties, volume setting and laboratory control needs. Published October 21, 2026
- 31RPM and RCF in a Centrifuge: Why the Numbers DifferUnderstand centrifuge RPM and RCF, how rotor radius changes the relationship, and what to record when comparing settings. Published October 23, 2026
03
Materials & Labware
4 guides
- 09Understanding chemical and reagent gradesChoose grade by method, impurity limits, intended use, certificate, traceability, and risk to the result. Published May 22, 2025
- 10Selecting and handling standard solutionsControl value, uncertainty, matrix, traceability, dilution, storage, and records for standard solutions. Published June 19, 2025
- 11Choosing glass or plastic labwareConsider function, volumetric accuracy, chemical compatibility, adsorption, temperature, cleaning, safety, and waste. Published July 17, 2025
- 12Planning consumable stock without unnecessary wasteUse consumption data, lead time, safety stock, shelf life, storage conditions, and reorder points. Published August 21, 2025
04
Planning & Safety
4 guides
- 13Eight stages from requirements to laboratory handoverManage the project through consultation, requirements, layout, construction, procurement, installation, training, and support. Published September 18, 2025
- 14Designing laboratory layout around workflowMap people, samples, materials, waste, data, equipment, and hazards before fixing rooms and furniture. Published October 16, 2025
- 15Planning electrical, water, gas, ventilation, and other utilitiesCoordinate load, quality, capacity, connection points, resilience, maintenance, safety, and future utility needs. Published November 20, 2025
- 16Fume hoods and laminar airflow cabinets: different functionsDistinguish personnel, product, and environmental protection before choosing an airflow control device. Published December 18, 2025
05
Operations & Support
11 guides
- 17Principles of compatible chemical storageGroup by hazard and compatibility, with labels, secondary containment, conditions, inventory, and inspection. Published January 22, 2026
- 18Site-readiness checklist before equipment installationCheck access, space, structure, utilities, environment, safety, data, people, and documents before delivery. Published March 19, 2026
- 19Planning user training and handoverDefine competence, participants, content, practice, assessment, documents, assets, responsibilities, and follow-up. Published May 21, 2026
- 20Building a maintenance and after-sales support planConnect asset criticality, user care, preventive maintenance, calibration, spares, service, data, and escalation. Published July 16, 2026
- 21Building a Laboratory Instrument Asset RegisterConnect instrument identity, location, responsibility, status and supporting records so the right asset information can be found when needed. Published October 1, 2026
- 22Recording Laboratory Instrument Handovers between UsersUse a concise record to pass instrument identity, status, accessories, approved configuration references and exceptions to the next user. Published October 2, 2026
- 24Organising Laboratory Instrument Manual and Document VersionsConnect manuals to the correct unit, distinguish active references from archives, and assign update ownership so document versions remain traceable. Published October 7, 2026
- 25Setting Booking Rules for a Shared Laboratory InstrumentDistinguish requests from confirmed slots, record users and duration, and manage shared-instrument schedule changes under laboratory procedures. Published October 9, 2026
- 26Writing an Instrument Fault Description for Technical SupportOrganise unit identity, event sequence, and observations so a laboratory instrument support request is easier to understand. Published October 12, 2026
- 27Separating User and Administrator Access in Instrument SoftwareDefine instrument software user and administrator tasks from actual work requirements and confirmed product capabilities. Published October 14, 2026
- 28Creating a Traceable Index of Test Result FilesConnect work identity, raw data, reports, and storage locations through a clear index of test result files. Published October 16, 2026
NEXT STEP
Start with the requirement, not a product list
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