The article highlights some common issues that commercial testing laboratories cannot afford to overlook at any cost. Such issues often get overlooked because of busy work schedules or simply through oversight. The Quality Manager needs to pay special attention and should ensure regular auditing through scheduling of periodic internal audits. Such audits help not only […]
Common issues that should not be overlooked by commercial testing laboratories
Desirable attributes of a Research Scientist
A research scientist sets out to explore the unexplored and unknown frontiers of science and technology in his or her domain of research. The primary attribute is to act responsibly and report findings with honesty. It is a common trait to report only those results that conform to a set pattern based on earlier observations […]
Benefits offered by laboratory information management systems for efficient control over laboratory operations
In earlier days laboratories used to maintain manual records of stocks of chemicals, instruments, glassware, consumables, receipt, and disposal of samples, analysis results, and workloads. However, today the situation has changed. Sophistication has improved several folds and laboratories have to streamline operations to keep pace with more stringent demands of clients, and provide analysis results […]
Standard calibration weights for Analytical Balances- Traceability, Handling and Care
All of you would be familiar with standard weight boxes used for calibration of analytical balances from your school days. Such weights are supplied in wooden boxes and are placed in individual slots inside the box along with a pair of tweezers for handling purpose. The weights provided meet weighing requirements of most analytical laboratories […]
Can high pressure water stream be used for cleaning laboratory glassware?
The very thought never crossed my mind and I was taken by surprise when someone posed this question to me this morning. I replied back in the negative but then it set a chain of thoughts in my mind as to why it is not a recommended practice. We all are familiar with high-pressure air […]
Benefits of Automated injections in chromatographic analysis
The accuracy and precision of chromatographic results depend to a large extent on the repeatability of precise injection volumes into the chromatographic systems. Such volumes generally fall in µl range. Other contributing factors responsible for the consistency of results are operational parameters such as mobile phase composition and flow rate, control of the temperature of […]
Prevention of accidents in Laboratory Stores
Laboratory stores play a significant role in the efficient working of laboratories. Stores maintain stocks of chemicals, utilities, and consumables which are required by chemists. It is true that not all items pose hazards but materials that have hazard potential include: Toxic and poisonous chemicals Flammable solvents Corrosive liquids including strong acids Compressed Gases Highly […]
Damage Control in laboratory accidents involving glassware
Laboratory glassware comes in different sizes and shapes depending on usage requirements. Common glassware items that you normally come across in laboratories are beakers, flasks, tubes, and vials, measuring cylinders, condensers reagent bottles, Petri dishes, burettes, pipettes, weighing bottles, etc. All such items are delicate and require safe handling practices. Accidents can, however, occur most […]
How to take care of Sophisticated Analytical Instruments
Sophisticated analytical instruments are gaining entry into all laboratories at an unbelievable pace. The reasons are many but the prominent ones are the availability of advanced applications software requiring little or no operator intervention once the operating conditions are set. Advanced statistical treatment of data and calculations are carried out in seconds and results along […]
Coordination & Strong Communication-Pillars of success of Laboratory Operations
Harmony and cordial relations between individuals and groups play an important role in streamlined and efficient operations in an organization. The same holds true for a laboratory where different individuals play defined roles and unless there is a close coordination between them the output will be chaotic and unproductive. A laboratory comprises of several groups […]