Laboratory Equipment


Laboratory Equipment procurement can be a difficult task for a busy medical laboratory manager. Juggling the desire for the newest technology, multi-departmental equipment needs as well as risk and quality management can be overwhelming. Luckily, the Internet provides an abundant source of solutions for your Medical Laboratory Equipment needs. With a little research you can find retailers, resellers, and even custom equipment designers offering everything from Autosamplers to Titration Instruments.

Buying Equipment

Before ordering any Medical Laboratory Equipment, take some time to determine your needs and create a master list. Consult with senior laboratory personnel to determine Medical Laboratory Equipment priorities. It is likely that in a larger, multi-function lab, departments will be vying for new equipment, so getting a good picture of what new equipment will benefit your patients the most is essential.

If you are also preparing to purchase frequently replaced Medical Laboratory Equipment items, such as glass vials, get specific information together regarding brand preferences, quantity usage and current pricing level. Now, go to work!

Research

Begin by researching the specifications of any new, one-time purchase Medical Laboratory Equipment. The best start is to browse the equipment manufacturer's website for product information. Most companies will have available brochures in downloadable format for your use.

Any new Medical Laboratory Equipment will have to be capable of working in your specific lab conditions: will it physically fit in the area where it is needed? Does it have specific humidity, dust, or other environmental qualifications that will need to be accommodated? Checking the literature for these things can save you heartaches and money.

If you are not sure what manufacturer's product will suit your needs, and then hit the online retailers. Many online retailers will also have product specification brochures available for your information. If you find several similar items you can make a chart comparing the features and warranties of each.

Once you have chosen the Medical Laboratory Equipment that best suits your needs, take a quick moment to check a site like the US Food and Drug Administration, which frequently posts recall and warning notices on medical devices.

Find the Best Price from the Right Retailer

The Medical Laboratory Equipment marketplace is crowded and competitive. A quick Internet search on the term Medical Laboratory Equipment will yield nearly 4 million hits. Here are a few tips to finding the right Medical Laboratory Equipment supplier:
  • History—a company that has a long history of supplying the medical industry is more likely to carry the Medical Laboratory Equipment you need. In addition, they will have a proven record of customer service and an established problem resolution response.

  • Selection—the online retailer you choose should be able to provide you with basic Medical Laboratory Equipment, replacement parts and accessories, and emerging technologies. A diversified selection is evidence of well-established dealer/wholesaler ties and can mean better access to equipment for you.

  • Service—probably the most important measurement of a retailer's quality is the type of Customer Service it offers. Little things like 24 hour 1-800 numbers, next day delivery, availability of maintenance and repair, and an easy to navigate and use website, are a must. A dedicated representative available to supply a quote for your Medical Laboratory Equipment order is highly desirable.

  • Pricing—an established retailer will offer you a purchasing account and may negotiate quantity pricing on Medical Laboratory Equipment depending on how frequently you replace certain items. If the retailer is also a catalog retailer, you may be able to negotiate pricing for catalog items and order them via the Internet. If your Medical Laboratory Equipment purchase consists of everyday use items like slides and Pipette tips, comparing web pricing from various sources and buying from the lowest price retailer may be more important for you than 24 hour customer service
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Used Medical Laboratory Equipment

A brief word here about buying used Medical Laboratory Equipment. There are many retailers available with excellent selections of used Medical Laboratory Equipment. Apply to them any criteria you would use when choosing a traditional “new” equipment retailer. An established used Medical Laboratory Equipment retailer will offer a limited return policy and many will offer a short warranty period. If your lab needs common equipment like Autoclaves or Centrifuges, buying used can help take your Medical Laboratory Equipment budget a lot farther.

By MS Kauffman           


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