| Analytical Balance |
Measuring the mass of samples with high precision in analytical, formulation, and quality-control work. |
Readability, maximum capacity, repeatability, linearity, draft-shield condition, and calibration range. |
Check the weighing pan, level indicator, display, keypad, doors, stabilization time, and performance with certified test weights. |
Calibration certificate, service history, operating manual, and confirmation that the balance was transported correctly. |
High |
Perform repeatability, eccentricity, and linearity checks using suitable traceable weights. |
| Benchtop Centrifuge |
Separating liquids, cells, particles, or precipitates by centrifugal force. |
Maximum relative centrifugal force, speed range, rotor type, tube capacity, timer range, and temperature control if refrigerated. |
Inspect the rotor, buckets, lid lock, chamber, seals, imbalance detection, brake, and unusual vibration or noise. |
Rotor inspection record, maintenance history, operating manual, and evidence of safety testing. |
High |
Run the centrifuge at several speeds with a balanced load and verify stable operation and lid interlock function. |
| Laboratory Oven |
Drying samples, heating materials, and conducting controlled temperature procedures. |
Temperature range, chamber volume, temperature uniformity, stability, ventilation, and controller resolution. |
Check door seals, shelves, heating elements, fan, interior corrosion, over-temperature protection, and controller response. |
Temperature-mapping report, calibration record, service history, and electrical safety documentation. |
Medium |
Measure temperature at multiple chamber locations at the intended operating set point. |
| Incubator |
Maintaining controlled temperature for microbiology, cell culture, and biological sample work. |
Temperature range, uniformity, stability, chamber volume, humidity control, and carbon dioxide control where applicable. |
Inspect door gasket, shelves, interior surfaces, sensor, fan, water tray, alarm functions, and signs of contamination. |
Decontamination record, calibration certificate, maintenance history, and previous-use information. |
High |
Verify temperature stability and uniformity over an extended operating period before routine use. |
| Refrigerator or Freezer |
Storing reagents, samples, standards, and temperature-sensitive materials. |
Set-point range, actual operating range, temperature uniformity, capacity, alarm limits, and recovery time after door opening. |
Check compressor noise, door seals, shelves, frost accumulation, temperature display, alarm, and backup-power provisions. |
Temperature logs, calibration record, alarm test record, service history, and decontamination documentation. |
High |
Monitor the internal temperature continuously under normal loading conditions before accepting the unit. |
| pH Meter |
Determining the acidity or alkalinity of aqueous samples and process solutions. |
Measurement range, resolution, accuracy, electrode compatibility, temperature compensation, and input stability. |
Inspect the electrode, cable, connector, display, calibration controls, reference junction, and evidence of drying or crystallization. |
Calibration record, electrode age, storage instructions, operating manual, and replacement-part availability. |
High |
Calibrate with appropriate buffer solutions and verify the reading with an independent check solution. |
| UV-Visible Spectrophotometer |
Measuring absorbance or transmission for concentration and spectral analysis. |
Wavelength range, wavelength accuracy, photometric range, resolution, stray light, cuvette path length, and software compatibility. |
Check the lamp hours, sample compartment, cuvette holder, display, ventilation, baseline stability, and error messages. |
Wavelength and photometric calibration records, lamp replacement history, software details, and service records. |
High |
Run a wavelength-accuracy and photometric-accuracy verification using suitable certified reference materials. |
| Microscope |
Magnifying and examining cells, particles, surfaces, sections, and prepared specimens. |
Optical magnification, illumination type, objective compatibility, stage travel, camera interface, and image resolution. |
Inspect lenses for scratches or fungus, verify focus, stage movement, illumination intensity, alignment, and camera operation. |
Optical configuration list, maintenance history, user manual, and details of included objectives and accessories. |
Medium |
Examine a calibration slide at each intended magnification and check image clarity across the field of view. |
| Water Purification System |
Producing purified water for reagent preparation, rinsing, analytical work, or general laboratory use. |
Water quality grade, resistivity or conductivity, flow rate, storage capacity, filter configuration, and monitoring capability. |
Check tubing, leaks, pumps, cartridges, display, dispensing valve, sanitation condition, and filter replacement indicators. |
Water-quality reports, filter replacement history, sanitization records, operating manual, and consumables information. |
Medium |
Test the produced water using an appropriate conductivity or resistivity meter and inspect for leaks during operation. |
| Fume Hood |
Reducing exposure to hazardous vapors, gases, aerosols, or unpleasant odors during chemical procedures. |
Face velocity, sash opening, working width, exhaust connection, alarm system, and airflow requirements. |
Inspect sash movement, baffles, interior lining, lighting, airflow indicator, electrical outlets, corrosion, and exhaust connection. |
Recent airflow certification, installation information, inspection history, and records of hazardous contamination or cleaning. |
High |
Require a qualified airflow and containment test before use with hazardous substances. |
| Autoclave |
Steam sterilization of suitable laboratory instruments, media, glassware, and waste. |
Chamber volume, temperature and pressure range, cycle types, load capacity, cooling options, and safety interlocks. |
Inspect the chamber, door gasket, drain, pressure gauge, valves, sensors, locking mechanism, alarms, and corrosion. |
Validation records, pressure-vessel inspection, maintenance history, cycle records, and decontamination documentation. |
High |
Require qualified installation and performance qualification before processing critical materials. |
| Vacuum Pump |
Creating reduced pressure for filtration, evaporation, drying, degassing, or vacuum desiccation. |
Ultimate vacuum, pumping speed, inlet size, chemical compatibility, oil type, noise level, and duty cycle. |
Check oil condition where applicable, hoses, fittings, seals, exhaust filter, motor noise, vibration, and leak rate. |
Service history, pump-hour record, oil-change history, compatibility information, and included accessories. |
Medium |
Measure the achieved vacuum with a calibrated gauge and perform a basic leak test under load. |
| Laboratory Shaker |
Mixing cultures, solutions, and samples at a controlled speed and motion. |
Orbital or reciprocating motion, speed range, orbit diameter, platform size, load capacity, and timer function. |
Inspect platform, clamps, motor, belt, controls, timer, speed stability, and vibration at the intended load. |
Operating manual, maintenance record, platform-accessory list, and electrical safety information. |
Low |
Verify speed and motion using a suitable tachometer or validated measurement method with a representative load. |
| Pipette |
Transferring measured liquid volumes in analytical, biological, and quality-control procedures. |
Volume range, adjustment type, channel count, tip compatibility, accuracy, and precision requirements. |
Check piston movement, seals, cone condition, volume adjustment, ejector, contamination, and visible damage. |
Calibration certificate, service history, decontamination statement, and compatible tip information. |
High |
Perform gravimetric volume testing at selected points across the working range. |
