Working safely, cleanly, and efficiently is essential, especially in a lab setting. Routine procedures need to be regulated and simple to lead to quicker, more reliable results. The first step to a great lab involves planning and organizing your lab space to improve productivity and workflow. Here are some laboratory optimization tips:
Lab equipment facilitates and enables work in your laboratory. The quantity and quality of work possible depend on the equipment available, making top-of-the-line equipment critical. Investing in quality equipment geared toward efficiency and performance will ensure laboratory optimization. It is sensible to use portable instruments providing excellent performance. Small, stackable tools allow more workspace, which is especially crucial in cell cultures where workbenches limit the working area. Instruments in this lab area need to be small for under-bench storage.
Many labs feature open layouts that encourage equipment sharing. However, not everyone in the laboratory needs their own equipment. Instead, labs with shared instruments and collaboration between technicians are more efficient. Communication is vital to ensure that everyone has access to equipment when they need it. This collaboration and sharing encourages a good team culture and saves money for other investments, like high-quality, smart equipment.
You can increase the number of diagnostic investigations and research with separate workspaces for specific tasks. Defined workspaces improve efficiency within the lab. Materials and supplies should be within easy reach or close by so the process steps can be easily and quickly carried out. These special work areas ensure that a single process is completed in a specific place and prevents other employees doing different activities from interfering with the work.
Laboratory workbenches should be tidy and well-organized to minimize the risk of spilling or mixing up samples and other common errors. Therefore, the bench should only hold the supplies and materials required for the workspace’s intended task. In addition, these supplies and materials should be well-organized to allow easy, clean execution of high-quality, accurate results. Finally, keeping benches tidy in cell culture is crucial for proper air circulation and sterility.
Once they are effectively sorted, lab materials should be correctly labeled and clearly marked with essential details. Labels should include all pertinent information, especially when shared, to make contents evident without needing to ask about them. Adequate labeling will prevent misunderstandings, ensure efficient workflow, and boost productivity.
Electronic software and new technologies are useful in a laboratory setting. For example, you can save time and energy by investing in software that automatically tracks lab inventory, making it unnecessary to count individual components since the software records them electronically. In addition, electronic lab notebooks let you automatically record data and document experiments. Most even contain experiment descriptions and materials utilized.
Use these expert tips for laboratory optimization today. If you need further assistance with laboratory challenges, Hankins Consulting is here to help. With over 75 years of combined experience, our team has the expertise to guide you to lab solutions that leave your lab more efficient, productive, and profitable. Contact us now for more information.
