The Different Types of Laboratory Equipment That Exists Today

Did you know that 70% of today’s medical decisions depend on test results from a laboratory? If you are planning on becoming a science student in the medical field, then becoming familiar with laboratory equipment is not an option.

We have put together this list of the different types of equipment that are used nowadays. Read on to become familiar with some of them and to better understand what equipment you can expect to see.

1. Measuring Equipment

An important part of laboratory equipment is measuring equipment to make sure that you don’t accidentally use too much of one chemical. Some of the common basic tools used for measuring purposes include barrettes, burets, and graduated cylinders.

The more complicated measuring equipment includes things such as an electronic balance, volumenometer, beam balance, etc. When measuring the acidity of solutions, the measuring tool used is a pH meter.

2. Spatulas and Scoopulas

When you need to work with solid chemicals, you will need to use spatulas or scoopulas for scooping. These are used to scoop the chemicals out of their original containers. Not using the same scoopula is imperative to avoid cross-contamination.

3. Glassware

Laboratory glassware includes items like bottles, beakers, funnels, test tubes, funnels, and flasks. Also, different types of vials are necessary from reputable places such as Chrom Tech. The glassware is needed for pipetting, measuring, transferring storage, and preparing reagents.

Erlenmeyer flasks are important when it comes to science safety because these flasks have a narrow neck and a bigger base. This design makes it easy to swirl and mix the contents in the flask without risking spilling. You can also use a glass stopper, or a rubber stopper as needed.

4. Ring Stands and Clamps

You use ring stands when you need to suspend flasks, beakers, or crucibles. With ring stands, you want to have clamps and rings to ensure that you clamp everything to the stand tightly.

Keep in mind that when you clamp glass, you want to tighten it only until it is snug to avoid shattering it by accident. Also, when you have to use a ring on the stand, you will usually also need other pieces such as a wire mesh or a clay triangle.

5. Bunsen Burner

This is a mechanical apparatus that you connect to a gas source. You have a knob where you can adjust how much gas flow you allow along with a rotating collar to control the airflow. In order to get the ideal flame needed, you have to adjust both the knob and the collar.

Feeling Like a Laboratory Equipment Pro?

Now that you know about the different laboratory equipment you can expect to see when working in a chemistry laboratory, you should feel more knowledgeable and confident. Always keep laboratory safety at the top of your list to ensure no one is injured.

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