A well-run laboratory depends on being properly stocked. Running out of a key consumable or lacking the right safety equipment can bring work to a halt or, worse, create a hazard. Keeping essential supplies on hand is fundamental to a lab that runs safely and smoothly.
Here's a guide to the essential lab supplies every lab needs to keep in stock, whether it's a research, educational, or industrial setting.
Personal protective equipment
Safety comes first in any lab, which makes personal protective equipment essential. Gloves, safety glasses, lab coats, and other protective gear shield staff from chemicals, spills, and other hazards.
PPE is used constantly and often disposable, so maintaining good stock levels is important. Running short is never acceptable where safety is concerned, so these items should always be well supplied and readily accessible.
Glassware and labware
Glassware and labware are the workhorses of any lab. Beakers, flasks, test tubes, pipettes, and similar items are needed for countless tasks, and having a good supply keeps work moving.
Because glassware can break or become contaminated, keeping spares on hand avoids disruption. Quality labware also matters, as reliable, well-made equipment gives more consistent, trustworthy results.
Consumables and disposables
Labs get through a steady stream of consumables, from pipette tips and sample tubes to filters, swabs, and similar single-use items. These are used in high volumes and need constant replenishing.
Keeping track of consumable stock and reordering before it runs low is a key part of lab management. Nothing stalls work faster than discovering a routine consumable has run out mid-task.
Chemicals and reagents
Chemicals and reagents are central to most lab work, and having the right ones properly stocked is essential. Managing these involves not just quantity but also proper labelling, handling, and storage.
Because many chemicals have shelf lives and specific storage requirements, careful stock management matters. Keeping reagents fresh, correctly stored, and clearly labelled is vital for both safety and reliable results.
Measuring and calibration equipment
Accurate measurement underpins good lab work, so measuring instruments and the means to calibrate them are essential. Scales, thermometers, meters, and similar tools need to be accurate and well maintained.
Calibration supplies and standards help ensure equipment stays accurate over time. Reliable measurement is the foundation of trustworthy results, so this equipment deserves careful attention and upkeep.
Cleaning and safety supplies
A clean, safe lab requires appropriate cleaning and safety supplies. Cleaning agents, spill kits, waste disposal containers, and first aid supplies all play a role in keeping the environment safe and hygienic.
Spill kits and safety equipment are especially important for responding quickly to accidents. Being prepared with the right supplies helps a lab handle incidents safely and maintain a clean working environment.
Storage and organisation
Good storage and organisation supplies keep a lab running efficiently and safely. Proper storage for chemicals, clear labelling systems, and organised shelving and cabinets make everything easier to find and safer to handle.
Well-organised storage also supports safety by keeping incompatible materials separate and hazardous items secured. An orderly lab is a safer and more productive one.
Clear systems for where everything belongs also make it easier for staff to find what they need quickly and to notice when something is running low. Good organisation supports both day-to-day efficiency and the accuracy of the work being done.
Managing and tracking your inventory
Stocking the right supplies is only half the job; keeping track of them is just as important. A good inventory system helps you know what you have, what's running low, and what needs reordering before it runs out.
Monitoring stock levels and setting reorder points for essential items prevents the disruption of discovering a key supply has run out mid-task. It also helps you avoid over-ordering items that may expire before they're used.
Keeping an eye on expiry dates matters too, particularly for chemicals and reagents, so older stock is used first and nothing degrades unnoticed. Good inventory management keeps the lab running smoothly and reduces both waste and last-minute scrambles.
Assigning responsibility for stock management, and reviewing levels regularly, turns this from an occasional headache into a routine that quietly keeps everything in order and the lab well supplied.
Working with a reliable supplier
Keeping a lab well stocked is far easier with a reliable supplier who offers quality products and dependable delivery. A good supplier helps ensure you have what you need, when you need it.
Building a relationship with a trusted supplier, and staying on top of your stock levels, keeps your lab running smoothly and safely. Consistent, quality supply is the foundation of a well-functioning laboratory.