Laboratory equipment is bought for clinical laboratories, hospital and clinic labs, university and school teaching labs, research groups and industrial quality control. The right choice depends less on the headline specification than on the samples you handle, the volume of work and how results will be used. This guide explains what to decide, what common specifications mean and how to order from Medlive.
1. Define the workload first
Before comparing instruments, agree the following with the people who will run them:
- Applications: the tests, procedures or teaching exercises the equipment must support.
- Throughput: how many samples per run and per day, now and in the next few years.
- Sample and vessel types: tube sizes, plates, slides, flasks or beakers. Many instruments need specific rotors, holders or adaptors.
- Bench space and services: available bench depth, ventilation, power supply and, where relevant, water supply.
- Quality requirements: whether your laboratory’s quality system requires calibration certificates, maintenance records or particular documentation.
2. Lab instruments: what the specifications mean
Our lab instruments category includes general-purpose equipment. Examples in the range include a bench top centrifuge, a magnetic stirrer, a 20L shaking water bath incubator and an electronic laboratory balance with 600g capacity and 0.01g precision.
- Centrifuges: compare maximum speed and relative centrifugal force (RCF, shown as × g), the rotor type and tube capacity, timer and safety features such as lid locks and imbalance detection. Your procedures are usually written in RCF rather than rpm, so make sure the centrifuge can reach the required RCF with the rotor you will use.
- Balances: capacity is the maximum load; readability (for example 0.01g) is the smallest increment the display shows. Choose a balance whose readability suits the smallest quantity you weigh, and plan for regular checks with calibration weights.
- Stirrers, water baths and incubators: compare temperature range and stability, speed or shaking range, capacity, the chamber material and how easy the unit is to clean.
3. Microscopes
In microscopes, the first decision is the type of work: routine biological microscopy, teaching or more specialised techniques. Then compare:
- Head type: monocular, binocular or trinocular (with a camera port). Monocular microscopes, for example the Monocular Biological Microscope XSP-300D, are often used for teaching and basic work; binocular heads are more comfortable for long sessions.
- Objectives: the magnifications included and whether an oil immersion objective is supplied for high-magnification work.
- Illumination: LED illumination runs cooler and uses less power than halogen; check whether battery operation is offered if power is unreliable.
- Stage and focus: a mechanical stage and fine focus control make systematic slide examination easier.
4. Lab refrigeration
Lab refrigeration is chosen by the temperature range your samples or reagents require, as stated by the reagent manufacturer or your laboratory’s procedures. An example in the range is a medical-grade laboratory deep freezer rated to -25°C. When comparing units, check:
- Temperature range, stability and how the temperature is displayed.
- Alarms for temperature deviation and door-open conditions.
- Usable internal volume, shelving and whether the unit is upright or chest type.
- Locks for controlled access, and whether temperature records can be kept for your quality system.
- Power requirements and how the unit performs in your ambient temperature.
Household fridges and freezers are not designed for laboratory or medical storage and should not be used as substitutes where your procedures specify laboratory-grade refrigeration.
5. Lab consumables
Lab consumables include tubes, slides, pipette tips, containers and similar items. Check compatibility with your instruments (tube dimensions for the centrifuge rotor, tip fit for your pipettes), whether items need to be sterile, the material and the pack quantity. Compare the price per unit, not per box, and set up regular orders for high-use items so work is not interrupted.
6. Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying a centrifuge without the rotor or adaptors for your tubes.
- Choosing a balance with more capacity than you need and too little readability.
- Forgetting running costs: consumables, bulbs, calibration and servicing.
- Not checking bench space, ventilation and power before delivery.
- Comparing models without the same specification basis. Use our product comparison tool.
7. How to order from Medlive
Browse the full Laboratory Equipment department. In South Africa, products with verified prices show ZAR prices including VAT and can be added to the cart. Customers in our other markets see “Price on request (USD)” and can submit a Request a Quotation. Include your application and any required documentation in the request so the quotation matches your needs.
For laboratory fit-outs or regular consumable supply, use Bulk Orders. Universities, hospitals and government laboratories can submit requirements through Tender Enquiry. Freight is confirmed for each order, and payment is by EFT once the final total has been confirmed in writing. Buyers outside South Africa can read ordering medical supplies outside South Africa.
