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Tag Archives: medical lab equipment

Is used medical laboratory equipment an efficient way to save funds?

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Once upon a time labs found themselves in a race to invest in the latest new equipment, often facilitating full refits to ensure enhanced profitability and productivity. But since the economic downturn of 2008 and its impact on many organisations seen as carrying out ‘non-essential’ research, now many facilities are turning to used medical laboratory equipment where appropriate as a way to conserve vital funds and continue their important research. Here we investigate the pros and cons of purchasing used medical laboratory equipment and offer tips to help you to maximise the benefits of second-hand shopping.

Used equipment offers a cost-effective and savvy way to restock and replace old machines

Adopting an ‘out with the old and in with the nearly new’ is a great way to increase the productivity of your lab and save money at the same time. Often it has been used very little or fully reconditioned and repurposed for second-hand use. This means that small yet significant items such as centrifuges, incubators and sterilisers that are perfectly functional can be purchased at a fraction of the price of what they can be bought for brand new. 

Consider how crucial this piece of equipment is, and how frequently it will be used

It’s true that used medical laboratory equipment won’t always be a perfect fit or a savvy choice in every instance. If you need something that’s going to last for years to come, or will incorporate the latest technology, you’re unlikely to find something that suits your requirements on the second-hand market. Consider how the equipment will be used and why it is needed before deciding to investigate used options.

Ask for independent guidance

If this isn’t your area of expertise it’s well worth consulting colleagues to find someone who does understand the merits of used lab equipment and knows what to look for. They will guide and advise you using their individual expertise and can circumvent any crucial errors that could end up costing money rather than saving vital funds.

Moving medical laboratory equipment – dos and don’ts

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Moving medical laboratory equipment is often necessary – whether you’re running a pathology lab in a hospital or carrying out cutting-edge research in a specialist facility. There are certain do’s and don’ts to observe when planning a laboratory equipment move – here we share four key tips to help you ensure that your relocation runs as smoothly as possible.

DO ensure that everyone is informed and involved

Your staff are going to need to be on board for this – and their support will be essential as you organise a move, whether you’re swapping out an old model for a new one or overseeing a complete refit. Consult everybody first and keep them informed of your plans well in advance. Find a way for everyone to be involved – whether they’re helping to maintain the status quo or actively assisting in the move.

DO work with staff members’ individual strengths

Identify who might be able to help with what and assign tasks accordingly. If you’re in a hospital environment, will the move impact on patients? If so, one or more members of lab staff should be involved in minimising and mitigating that impact. If outsourcing is required to fill in the gaps in service during the move who will manage this and properly brief partner labs? Work as much within your immediate team before then enlisting additional support from professionals with specific experience moving medical laboratory equipment.  

DON’T try to do it yourself

Medical equipment is sensitive, specialist and overall incredibly expensive. Asking staff to move it or trying to arrange a team yourself could end in disaster – which often impacts on and delays service delivery since replacements can be hard to find. Breakages, spills and errors with timing and delivery can often affect in-house moves – so guard against disruption by arranging specialist assistance.

DON’T forget about decommissioning/relocation/recalibrate

When planning in timescales and provision for your upcoming move, don’t forget to consider how long it will take to decommission, relocate and recalibrate the equipment. Specialist OEMS will likely be required for this stage too – and they will need to be booked in advance. Consult experts on each piece of equipment to ensure that accurate provision and timescales are in place.  

Simple Steps To Sample And Cold Chain Material Relocations When Moving Laboratory Equipment

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Specialist care and attention is required when moving laboratory equipment of any kind – so when some items need to be transported in controlled conditions this adds an extra dimension that can be challenging for overloaded lab managers. But with the right support and professional intervention relocating temperature-sensitive items and dangerous goods needn’t be stressful. In today’s blog we share simple tips to enable you to concentrate on moving laboratory equipment without added stress or hassle.

What are sample and cold chain materials?

Many laboratories deal with biological, medical and chemical samples that must be stored and transported under specific conditions in order to retain certain properties, ensure general safety or preserve outcomes of previous research. These are also often classified under various other regulations and conditions – including the Dangerous Goods Act.

Why specialist logistical support for temperature-controlled materials is important

Taking on the task of arranging transportation for samples and cold chain materials yourself can be difficult – adding a considerable amount to a workload that’s often already overstretched during relocation. When you work with specialist lab equipment movers, you retain complete peace of mind. Experienced project managers will put together a timeline and itinerary, detailing the equipment and tasks necessary to keep your cargo safe. They’ll also handle inventory, packaging, labelling and monitoring items during transit – so you’re free to focus on day-to-day tasks without disruption.

Simple steps to moving laboratory equipment with temperature specification

At Johnsons we always stress that the very first step to successful relocation is planning. Involving a team of lab equipment movers as early as possible is key. Compile detailed lists including all items that will need to be transported under special conditions – then pass this to the relocation experts responsible for overseeing the move. Finally, be sure to make provisions for reception on the other side, ensuring that each item will have safe storage upon arrival.

Need specialist support relocating laboratory equipment, or experts in medical equipment transport services to manage your move? Planning an imminent refurbishment? Get in touch today to learn more about our comprehensive lab equipment services.

Avoiding Decontamination When Packing

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When you consider the potential consequences of contamination, accidental spillage or breakage both from an internal and external perspective, the importance of sensitive and professional lab equipment move management becomes clear. The first and perhaps most important step is careful provision and management during the packaging stages, ensuring that goods of a hazardous, delicate or significant nature are safely and securely transported without the risk of decontamination.

Why is decontamination avoidance important?

Decontamination is an important aspect for consideration when transporting lab equipment. From a professional perspective, contamination must be avoided to ensure that important research and key activities and projects are not compromised, disrupted or destroyed. On a wider scale, bio-hazardous substances and dangerous goods must be safely and securely handled to avoid accidents, spillages or contamination with potentially disastrous consequences. For these reasons packing lab equipment with the specific qualities and requirements of each item in mind is crucial.

Packaging lab equipment safely, securely and sensibly

Specialist items simply cannot be safely handled and transported without the correct packaging in place. At Johnsons we invest in the proper equipment and packaging solutions required to safely transport a wide range of specialist items – from medical supplies, foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals to scientific lab equipment. Selecting and sourcing approved packaging is an important and at time complex task. UN-approved packaging must have the ability to perform fully and optimally in several ways at all times throughout the process. In addition to supplying suitable packaging for removals we also conduct a full service from taking inventory and labelling to lifting and transportation to ensure that any dangerous, hazardous or sensitive materials are safely relocated in full compliance under any applicable regulations.

Working with specialists is key when packaging lab equipment and relocating

Trained professionals will be able to instantly assess your situation and requirements, and make appropriate provisions accordingly. They’ll also be up to date on the latest regulations and requirements of packaging lab equipment. This massively minimises any risk posed to your operations or the public and the possibility of financial loss caused by miscommunication or poor planning. At Johnsons we have dedicated Dangerous Goods Safety Advisors to provide specialist assistance on hazardous or PPE matters.

Relocating science laboratory equipment or medical lab equipment in the near future? Our laboratory equipment service is fully comprehensive, with audits, management and relocations carried out by qualified professionals. Get in touch today to learn more about our approach and accreditations.