Essential Equipment for Microbiology Laboratory

Equipment

The efficiency and reproducibility of any microbiology laboratory depend upon its infrastructure. This includes the choice of equipment for lab techniques used in isolation and combination, as well as experimental methods and reagents. Getting the right and recommended equipment is also crucial as it will make it easier to carry out the experiments and assays accurately within a short period. Below is a short list of some essential equipment for all microbiology laboratories.

1. Colony Counters

A colony counter counts colonies on agar plates or Petri dishes and increases the plating efficiency. This is usually done using automated systems with a computer linked to an eyepiece camera connected to a counting frame with an attached light source.

As a result, this allows for relatively accurate counts at high speeds, even if they are not counted by a human hand. Using the computer makes it easy to store the results and generate tables and graphs of the data.

Some manual counters allow for easy transfer between labs in case of relocation. For accuracy purposes, be sure to recalibrate your equipment regularly.

2. Incubators

Incubators are used to control the growth of microbes, both in culture broth and on agar plates. They can be adjusted in temperature but usually run at about 37 degrees Celsius for culture growth.

This is done to make the process more predictable so that reactions occur steadily. They are also used for maintaining anaerobic conditions in an atmosphere containing a reduced oxygen level by using specialized gas packs or rotary vane oxygen concentrators.

3. Refrigerators

Refrigerators are used to store specimens collected during microbiological investigations. They are available as benchtop models or as a conservatory with dedicated space in a larger facility.

They should be maintained at temperatures that can be varied according to the necessity. When looking for a refrigerator, visit a reputable store dealing with quality microbiology lab supplies.

4. Disposable Pipettes

Disposable pipettes are recommended for all routine microbiology procedures where non-disposable pipettes are used or if there is too much moisture. These pipettes are made from materials that ensure durability and sterilization, making them reusable repeatedly.

5. Vacuum Drying Oven

Vacuum Drying Ovens are used for the preservation of bacterial cultures and media. They can be run at low temperatures, and the equipment required to run them is compact and straightforward. It is also possible to adjust the drying temperature using a vacuum controller, allowing quick and precise control over the drying process.

6. Air Samplers

Air samplers are used to collect particulates. They can be designed manually or with a small computer that allows for their use in many types of respirometry and mass spectrometry applications.

They usually come as low-cost, easy-to-use modules. These Models can be linked together for more precise measurements and better control of the measurement environment.

7. Loop and Needle Sterilizer

Loop and needle sterilizers are used to sterilize items such as needles and other small instruments, bottles, test tubes, and cap lids. These are available in benchtop or larger models with low working temperatures, allowing for quick and simple work.

This is essential in ensuring the safety of the research by ensuring that items used in the research will not harbor any harmful or dangerous organisms. When working with biological materials, it is recommended that all equipment is adequately sterilized to prevent contamination.

8. Peristaltic Pumps

Peristaltic pumps are used to pump fluids from one place to another. These are available in different designs and sizes and are used for various lab techniques.

The pump is attached to a flexible tube that can be connected to containers or connected directly to a pipette. They can also operate at much higher pressures than piston pumps, allowing them to run at high speeds while pumping large volumes of liquid quickly.

Conclusion

There are several important factors to consider when choosing the proper equipment for a microbiology laboratory. You have to consider its durability, ease of use, and cost. Most of these items require proper maintenance during their lifespan and should be replaced or refreshed regularly. The price range depends on the product’s quality, so it is essential to do some research before making purchases.

 

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