The Changing Face of Forensic Lab Equipment

At Johnsons we specialise in laboratory moves of all kinds – working with a range of requirements from time and temperature sensitive materials to dangerous goods and bio-hazardous substances. One specialist area we commonly deal with involves the transportation of forensic lab equipment. In this blog we discuss the purpose and importance of forensic lab equipment – and what the future may hold as developments continue to change the face of the industry.

What is forensic lab equipment?

Forensic lab equipment is commonly used in police work and pathology – but in fact it has wider uses and can be incorporated into a range of research and development processes. Put simply ‘forensic’ refers to equipment and processing that enables scientists to detect, collect and then process samples which can then be evaluated further for a range of reasons. Common specialist equipment in a forensic lab includes microscopes chromographs, fume hoods and spectrometers. As the term ‘forensic studies’ covers DNA forensics, forensic chemistry, forensic geology and toxicology to name just a few this is naturally a complex and diverse subject area.

How is forensic lab equipment applied?

Specialist equipment in a forensic lab can be applied in a variety of ways – from extraction and measurement to detection and timeframe creation. Often forensic scientists are working with bio-hazardous or temperature sensitive materials. This means that other equipment is often necessary alongside forensic facilities, such as specialist storage to minimise contamination and maintain a sterile environment. Failure to properly store, handle and transport substances could considerably compromise any results, so supporting apparatus can sometimes be just as important as the lab equipment itself.

What does the future hold for forensic lab equipment?

Forensic lab equipment is constantly evolving – and advances in technology continually improve the accuracy and efficiency of traditional processes. Analytical instrumentation in particular is changing operations for the better across the board – from drug chemistry to toxicology. Lab design will also change to accommodate new technologies – which are expected to incorporate artificial intelligence, automation and robotics in years to come.

Planning an upcoming laboratory move? Enlist professional support and assistance. Get in touch today to discuss your requirements.