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Minimizing the Influence of Plastic Consumables on the Laboratory Workflows

18 Jul 2016

Chemical substances leaching out of plastic consumables (leachables) are still frequently underestimated in the majority of life science applications. This document provides an overview of the classes of leachables which are known to be critical, and how they can influence various experimental systems. Practical recommendations on how to estimate and significantly reduce the risk of leachables affecting experiments are also summarized.

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Sample PreparationSample preparation can improve the quality and speed of separation techniques. Products to assist sample preparation include filtration equipment, evaporators, membranes and sieves.Pipettes and DispensersPipettes and dispensers are essential lab equipment used to dispense measured volumes of liquid accurately. Explore a range of manual and electronic pipettes, including single and multichannel, serological and volumetric pipettes, as well as a range of pipette tips. Bottle-top dispensers are also available for simple and fast solvent dispensing. Find the best pipettes & dispensers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Labware and Lab SuppliesLabware and lab supplies include various forms of glassware, plasticware, reagents and personal protective equipment (PPE) and are used across all scientific laboratories, enabling daily tasks to be performed. Explore a range of flasks and beakers, petri dishes, carboys and storage bottles. Labware such as condensers, desiccators and burettes are also available for more specific tasks. Find the best labware and lab supplies in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Sample ManagementSample management systems include sample storage devices such as freezers and plate storers, sample environment enclosures and sample organization, retrieval and sorter systems. Useful system features include high-throughput, automation, robotic arms, automated liquid handling and associated database systems. Accessories in sample management include barcode scanners, heat sealers and tubes.Environmental Monitoring and TestingEnvironmental monitoring and testing uses handheld portable analyzers, kits, spectrometers or chromatography systems for air, water, soil, food and other sample testing. Useful features of analyzers such as BOD and COD include portability, easy calibration, automation and sensitivity.  Environmental test kits for pH, water, moisture, etc, should be accurate, sensitive, reliable, fast and easy to use.Automation Supplies / AccessoriesAutomated accessories and consumables make lab processes fast, efficient and reliable. Useful automation accessories include microplate sealers, label printers and reagent reservoirs.Particle CharacterizationParticle characterization instruments are used to determine particle size distribution, shape, surface area, zeta potential, density and porosity of particles and materials. Multiple tecchniques are available for determining particle size, shape and count including dynamic light scattering (DLS), laser diffraction, electrozone (Coulter technique), imaging particle analysis and single particle optical sensing. Determine the density of your material with a gas pycnometer or examine its surface area and porosity with gas adsorption analyzers and mercury porosimeters. Find the best particle characterization instruments in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Water PurificationThere are a number of water purification methods available to remove contamination from laboratory water. These systems include demineralization, reverse osmosis, filtration and ultrafiltration. A combination of methods is sometimes necessary to achieve purified water suitable for use in experiments.RegulatoryPharmaceutical regulations impact on all areas of drug development, manufacture and control and supply. Services are provided from the early stages of drug development and clinical trials through to dossier submission, approval and marketing. Regulatory also includes submission of analytical studies from the pharmaceutical product and safety. Laboratory ManagementLaboratory management involves overseeing the operations of a lab, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, optimizing workflows, and maintaining equipment. Efficient lab management is key to ensuring accurate results and minimizing downtime. Technologies like laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and automated lab equipment are helping labs streamline operations. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best laboratory management tools, compare products, read reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Lab EssentialsLab essentials include laboratory consumables that are vital to the operation of all laboratories.Contamination PreventionContamination prevention aims to control and minimize the risk of contamination during experiments. Biological safety cabinets and sterilization equipment are examples of technologies used to prevent contamination.Persistent Organic Pollutants
Minimizing the Influence of Plastic Consumables on the Laboratory Workflows