Setting up a practical lab requires having the best lab equipment in San Francisco. Biotechnical Services can help you source the ideal instruments for reliable tests. This article highlights ways to set up a lab facility. Let’s get started.
What is a test lab? A test lab is a controlled space where repeatable experiments and work can be done. It involves managing the entry of materials and people, making work in lab facilities testable, reliable, and repeatable. Types of lab tests Lab tests are classified into broad groups depending on the specimen and its purpose. Ideally, there are diagnostic and general body tests. Diagnostic tests help detect the presence or absence of conditions, while general tests are done for specific reasons. The most common lab tests are: Screening tests Screening tests detect the presence of a disorder or disease in people without the disease’s symptoms. The chief goal is to control the spread of the disease, reducing the risk to society. It is not a diagnostic test. Instead, it helps detect potential diseases within a given population subset. It is helpful to mitigate misinformation and confusing or unclear results. Generally, screening tests are accurate in most cases. We, however, recommend having this test as directed by your physician. While a rarity, they can cause harm, especially to people without the disorder or disease. Common tests include:
Organ function tests As the name suggests, they are tests done to assess how an organ is functioning. Common organs that physicians tests are the lungs, kidney, heart, and liver. This type of test is common in patients with severe illnesses such as cancer. As you’d expect, cancer treatment can cause severe side effects which have short or long-term effects on organs. Organ function tests are done during and after treatment to ensure the treatment does not harm crucial body organs. If it affects organs, the treatment is changed or adjusted accordingly. Some of the standard tests are:
Hormone level tests It is a test to gauge the hormone levels in your body. It helps to diagnose hormonal imbalances in your body accurately. Having too little or too much can affect your well-being. Lab technicians will use blood, saliva, or urine samples to conduct their tests. Besides, there are home hormone test kits for quick and accurate diagnosis. Common tests are:
Infectious disease test It is a test carried out to diagnose the presence of an infectious disease. Results help doctors prescribe the best medication, reducing the disease’s spread. Some most common contagious diseases are the common cold, pneumonia, and flu. Doctors will use blood or body fluids to discover antibodies, identifying which condition you’re suffering from. Common tests are:
Tumor and cancer marker tests These tests look for cancer markers in your body tissue, urine, or blood. The body produces the markers in response to cancer present in your body. There are cancer-specific and general markers. The body can produce tumor makers in several noncancerous infections. As such, this test is not used to diagnose cancer in people at a lower risk of the illness. They are done on people who are already with cancer. They help doctors gauge the cancer spread, whether medication is working, and whether there are cancer traces after medication. Common tests are:
Other tests done in lab facilities in San Francisco are sexually transmitted infection, vitamin and nutrient level, and cholesterol level tests. Tips for setting up a testing lab facility So, what should you consider when setting up a functional lab facility in San Francisco? Let’s find out. Space First, you should ensure the space needed for your lab is sufficient. It enables the free movement of lab technicians and adequate air circulation. You should consider the number of technicians working in the lab and visitors who’ll frequent your facility. Also, keep in mind the testing processes that will be needed. Most tests need at least three areas for sterilization, pre-disinfecting, and equipment packaging. As such, you should ensure free movement from one location to another without causing harm to personnel or contaminating the test samples. Equipment It is arguably the chief aspect to consider when looking for lab equipment in San Francisco. As you’d expect, tests require specialized equipment for optimal results. You should also consider collaborating with other labs, which aids in acquiring shared instruments. Ensure to cover all test bases from simple to complex test procedures. For example, for cell culture, you will need CO2 incubators, a tabletop cooling centrifuge, a laminar flow hood, and liquid nitrogen Dewar. Biochemistry tests require rotating shakers, heat blocks, DNA/RNA concentrations, and other equipment. You’ll also need general equipment, including freezers, timers, racks, stir bars, and cylinders. Ensure to provide comfortable furniture as lab technicians work for long hours. Supplies To ensure safe and accurate tests, you will need testing instruments. They include blood bank analyzers, clinical chemistry analyzers, hematology analyzers, and cryostats. You should also provide safety equipment to mitigate lab damage and bodily injuries. There should be ample storage space for supplies and an inventory management system for tracking. Safety Due to the presence of many potentially harmful chemicals and specimens in labs, there’s increased susceptibility to injuries and even death. Some common injuries are chemical irritation, lacerations, and burns. As such, you should provide safety equipment to keep your facility in San Francisco safe. Some of the equipment to provide include:
You can also improve the safety of your laboratory by following the safety tips we will share below. Regulations As you’d expect, running a lab falls under local, state, and federal regulations. It is to ensure the safety of lab personnel and the surrounding environment. These regulations also ensure you follow guidelines when carrying out tests. Before starting your facility in San Francisco, consult relevant authorities to ensure you comply with the rules. Accreditation Different lab accreditations depend on the lab type, and tests carried out. There are national and international accreditations that can be necessary for your lab. They fall under calibration, safety, product certification, and others. Most accreditation agencies are non-profit and require membership to get their certificates. Typical agencies Include the International Laboratory Accreditation Corporation (ILAC) and The American Association of Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). Tips to improve lab safety Do not allow drinks in the lab Removing drinks and food from your lab facility can help reduce distractions and improve productivity. It also helps reduce injuries and accidents. As you’d expect, food waste can cause contamination. Removing food will minimize the risk of contamination. Work with lab partners While it is not always possible to perform test duties with a partner, when an opportunity arises, you should take advantage. Besides, two people working together can help mitigate mistakes synonymous with working alone. It also enables you to access equipment you might be missing in your lab facility. There are also reduced chances of injury since you monitor each other. Use relevant signs Unauthorized zones should be labeled with apparent signs. You should also mark anything that can cause harm to lab personnel, using bright colors and bold letters and placing the signs in appropriate locations. If possible, place them where they are visible from afar. Ensure to follow OSHA guidelines when marking solutions and chemicals. Marking noisy rooms and electric equipment such as circuit breakers is a boon to the lab’s safety. Use fireproof cabinets Storing flammable solvents, chemicals, and aerosols in fireproof cabinets is prudent to mitigate fire occurrence. Leaving them exposed can cause a reaction leading to fire outbreaks. As an added safety feature, mark your fireproof cabinets. Conduct regular inspections Like other facilities, you should have a safety audit checklist that guides your inspection process. To mitigate unforeseen downtimes, ensure to conduct random inspections. It can help you identify potential risks and come up with solutions. If you are looking for quality lab equipment in San Francisco, consider consulting Biotechnical Services. Original Source: www.biotechserv.com/tips-to-setup-a-testing-lab-facility-in-san-francisco/
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Calibration weights ensure scales and other devices offer accurate results in the lab. However, they calibrate different instruments and are made of different materials.
They are given a class based on their accuracy. This article looks at various classes and considerations when choosing one. What are Calibration Weights? Calibration weights check a scale’s accuracy. They are commonly certified by industrial laboratories or bodies such as ISO, ANSI, NIST, and ASTM. Each weight often has a precise mass, ensuring the scale at hand is working precisely. And to ensure they meet international or national standards; they will come with supporting documents. The documents contain information such as cavities, surface finishing, design, tolerance, and material. Calibration weights can also check the accuracy of balances and weight cells. As you’d expect, the weights are used for different reasons, with those used in scientific labs having a higher benchmark. Classes of Calibration Weights Generally, there are three main calibration weight classes. They include NIST, ASTM, and OIML. NIST The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) class F weights are standard in industrial settings. They verify Class III, Class IIII, and non-designated scales. They are common in manufacturing and warehouse settings where large products are produced or shipped. Since they are not accurate enough, scientific laboratories don’t use them. ASTM ASTM International is a non-profit organization dealing with the production of voluntary consensus standards. The organization has developed ten weight classes: Class 000 to Class 7. The Class with the lowest number has less tolerance. Laboratories will often use Class 000 to Class 4. ASTM classes are most common in USA laboratories.
OIML The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) is an international organization dealing with the provision of standards and systems in the metrology industry. They ensure adherence to harmonic and legal procedures, with the lowest Class being the most accurate. OIML classes are E1, E2, F1, F2, M1, M2, and M3. They are popular outside the US.
While these are the most common calibration weights, some manufacturers like Troemner have unique Class weights. They are UltraClass Platinum, UltraClass Gold, and UltraClass. Obsolete classes The following classes are no longer in use.
Factors to consider when choosing calibration weights Material Cast iron and stainless steel are often used for OIML Class M1 and M2, as well as NIST Class F and ASTM Class 6 and 7. Cast iron is recommended for weights that are 10 kg or heavier. If the weight is in metric units, it will have gold paint, while avoirdupois units will have silver paint. Weights between 5 kg and 10 kg can be stainless steel, steel, or iron. For weights between 5g and 5kg, they should be of a material with a hardness of Rockwell B80 and above. All calibration weights should be of wear and corrosion-resistant material. OIML E1, E2, and F1, as well as ASTM 000 – 4, are of a highly polished material such as stainless steel. As such, one should handle them with care. We recommend using tweezers or gloves. Shape Weight scale calibration uses classes of different styles, the most common being a leaf, cylindrical, slotted, and grip handle.
Measurement units For best results, you should use calibration weights with similar units as those of the scale. For example, consider buying a metric weight if the subject is in metric units. Magnetism Avoid buying weights with magnetic material to avoid scale damage and incorrect calibration. Test load configuration To avoid errors, use a few calibration weights. For example, if the test point is 20 kg, use one 20kg instead of two 10kg weights. Weights certification The application will require calibration weights to come with a certificate. It confirms they are accredited, hence will offer accurate results. Some typical accreditations are:
Construction Typical calibration weights are made of one cast metal piece. However, weights such as Troemner’s 1g and above UltraClass consist of two parts. The calibration weights consist of a knob and a body. If you would like to learn more about calibration weights or weight scale calibration Biotechnical Services Inc. has the know-how to help you out. Get in touch with us today. Original Source: https://www.biotechserv.com/a-brief-guide-for-standard-calibration-weights/ Are you looking for lab instrument calibration in San Diego? Biotechnical Services is a calibration service provider serving labs in San Diego. We help calibrate companies’ instruments so they can remain compliant. This article highlights some of the errors and offers solutions to address them.
What is calibration? Calibration is the comparison between a standard measurement and a measurement using an instrument. Generally, the standard accuracy should be at least ten times the accuracy of the measuring instruments. However, most standards accept a 3:1 accuracy ratio. Biotechnical Services offers calibration services, ensuring your devices fall within the recommended ratio. There are two main objectives of calibrating instruments: checking the instrument’s accuracy and determining the measurement’s traceability. Traceability is the process of tracing a measurement from its source. The method also involves repairing the faulty tool. After the process, the calibration expert will provide you with a report detailing the error of the measuring instrument. They can calibrate scales, micrometers, and other digital devices. If you are looking for professional lab equipment calibration in San Diego, Biotechnical Services is here to help. Importance of calibrating lab equipment So, why should you seek calibration services in San Diego? Here are the top reasons: Improves customer satisfaction Inconsistencies in production and tests can see your loyal customers seek products and services elsewhere. It can significantly harm your revenue and the reputation of your company. Regular calibration enables you to maintain production and service delivery consistency. For example, producing products ensures you are using the same amount of ingredients with each product. Increases revenue and ROI If you want to increase return on investment, calibration is one way to go about it. Companies often ignore calibrating their instruments, leading to unnecessary costs and waste. It harms the company’s revenue generation, leading to more losses than profits. Using more than needed electric power often leads to ballooning bills down the production line. As such, your ROI is affected adversely. Professional calibration will enable you to save costs, improve productivity, and increase profit margins. Leads to minimal downtimes One aspect that can hurt the productivity of your company is frequent downtimes. Inaccurate calibration can damage instruments and products, halting production or testing. To mitigate these scenarios, you should seek the services of professional calibration firms in San Diego. They can identify calibration errors, helping avoid unnecessary downtimes. Improves safety It is arguably the primary reason you should calibrate your instruments. Using the wrong amount of specimens or ingredients can lead to fire outbreaks or the production of harmful gases. Besides, it can produce dangerous products for the end user. For example, companies producing batteries and other hypersensitive products need regular instrument calibration. Calibrate your instruments regularly to avoid putting your lab technical team in danger and making harmful products. Improves production efficiency An efficient production system is devoid of errors. And this is achieved through meticulous equipment calibration. With inaccurate calibration, you are prone to production inefficiency, which can lead to the production of poor production. It is harmful to consumers and can lead to fines or closure. Besides, inefficient production and lab testing can lead to waste, reducing profit margins. By calibrating your instruments, you reduce wastage and losses and increase your company’s profitability. Ensures compliance Like other industries, you need to comply with regulations in the medical field. Your San Diego lab should comply with International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). Without complying with their regulations, your lab will face closure. One way to ensure you don’t face fines and closure is to calibrate your instruments. It shows the agencies that you use suitable specimens to conduct tests or produce products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are other regulators you should comply with. Common instrument calibration errors Zero calibration error It is among the most common calibration errors of measuring devices. This error occurs when a technician mishandles a lab instrument when the lab equipment shows a non-zero output during no load. A tool with zero calibration error will produce a curve parallel to the standard measurement. It can be above or below the standard measurement. It, therefore, has an equal effect on all calibration points, reporting similar percentage changes across the range. You can mitigate this error through regular calibration. Span calibration error Span calibration error falls under the system error, which zero calibration error is part of. The error produces a slope that differs from the actual measurement. Unlike zero calibration error, it is unequal among the calibration points. When you combine zero and span calibration errors, you get an error that widens as you continue using the instrument. Linearity calibration error Another popular lab equipment error in San Diego is linearity error. This error causes the equipment’s response to assume an irregular line. As such, it does not relate to span or zero calibration errors, which assume a straight line. Luckily, several lab equipments provide a solution to address the error. However, this should be done with utmost care. As you’d expect, the response to linearity calibration error differs between equipment. As such, you should consult the manufacturer. If the instrument at hand does not have linearity adjustment, you can contact companies providing lab equipment calibration in San Diego. Hysteresis calibration error This error occurs when lab equipment responds differently when you increase and decrease input. One way to identify the error is to perform an up-down calibration test. You should monitor the changes at each calibration point. The common cause for hysteresis error is friction on moving parts of an instrument, with the most prone being levers, diaphragms, tubes, and gear sets. Friction is a counterforce to the relative movement of the instrument’s moving parts. As such, the instrument output will lag behind every changing input. As you’d guess, you cannot address hysteresis error by simply making calibration adjustments. Instead, you should replace worn-out components. Random errors These errors are because of device precision limitations. The cause of random errors include changes in environmental conditions and electrical noise. Sources of calibration errors So what causes the above errors? Let’s find out. Environmental factors Several environmental affect lab equipment calibration in San Diego. They include humidity, temperature, and pressure. To avoid such factors affecting calibration efficiency, your instruments should be calibrated in conditions resembling the operating environment. For example, if your equipment is calibrated in fluctuating temperature conditions, it will throw errors if calibrated in different situations. Inconsistent methods of measurement It would help if you used your lab equipment with their ideal measurement methods. Using the wrong techniques can often cause calibration errors. The introduction of foreign variables can cause the instrument to misbehave. For example, the incorrect load application can cause problems with calibration. Overloads If you are using digital instruments, exposing them to an overload can bring many calibration errors. Contrary to popular belief, an overload can cause the instrument’s transient not to trip. Besides, a voltage jolt can overwhelm an equipment’s protection features. Equipment drift Consistent instrument use can cause current shunts, voltage references, and input dividers to shift. However, equipment drift is a minor alarm cause since you can address it with regular calibration. How to minimize calibration errors Now that you know the causes of lab equipment calibration errors let’s consider how to minimize them. Calibrate in ambient conditions Ambient conditions are the ideal humidity and temperature levels in a testing environment. It also refers to the accurate altitude since air pressure can affect an instrument’s calibration. Ensure the surrounding electromagnetic interference, processes, and other factors are compatible with the tool. Use forced standard machine A forced standard machine is a standard instrument for verifying testing machines. Ideally, their uncertainty should not be more than 1/3 of the nominal calibrated instrument’s uncertainty. Its accuracy is regularly checked using a higher standard device, ensuring calibration is traceable to sources such as NCL and NIM. Use technical personnel If you want to do away with calibration errors, you should consult a professional lab equipment calibrator in San Diego. Biotechnical Services is a certified lab equipment calibration company in San Diego. We perform calibration according to industry regulations. We can offer ideal calibration services in the pharmaceutical or aerospace industry. Calibration frequency When should you calibrate your instruments? Here are the top scenarios.
As you can see, lab equipment calibration is vital to the success of your lab. Biotechnical Services can help calibrate your equipment. We offer lab equipment calibration in San Diego at an affordable price. Original blog posted here — https://www.biotechserv.com/possible-instrument-calibration-errors-ways-to-minimize/ |
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