Different Types of Clinical Laboratory Equipment and their Uses

Quality clinical laboratory equipment is necessary to diagnose a patient’s condition accurately so that clinicians can recommend proper interventions. 

Clinical laboratories and research facilities require the use of different types of laboratory equipment to carry out routine diagnostic procedures. High quality clinical lab equipment performs diagnostic functions with great accuracy and precision and provides quick results.  The following are the most commonly used laboratory instruments:

* Blood Gas Analyzers - Blood gas analyzers are used to measure combinations of pH, blood gas, electrolytes, and metabolites parameters from whole blood samples.  Bayer 865, Medica EasyStat, Bayer 248, Radiometer ABL 520 and Siemens RAPIDPoint 500, are the some of its popular models.

* Centrifuges – A lab centrifuge separates fluids, gas and other liquids based on their density. It works by spinning the blood sample at a very high speed in the centrifuge and allowing the centripetal force to separate the heavier particles to the outer section of the centrifuge. Top models of this device include Beckman Coulter Airfuge , Becton Dickinson Clay Adams Readacrit , Benchmark Scientific BeadBug™ Microtube Homogenizer, 115V, Benchmark Scientific MyFuge™ Mini Centrifuge, Purple Lid, with 2 Rotors, 100-240V. 

* Clinical Chemistry Analyzers – These instruments test whole blood, serum, plasma, and urine samples. Their major clinical application includes monitoring of diseases such as diabetes, testing for metabolic functions or cardiac markers, and drugs-of-abuse testing. Some of the popular models include - Alfa Wassermann ACE , Awareness Technology External Incubator for Stat Fax 3300 Chemistry Analyzer , Olympus / Beckman Coulter AU680 Chemistry Analyzer, Roche Cobas Mira and  Elan ATAC 8000.  

* Coagulation Analyzers - A coagulation analyzer measures blood platelet levels, coagulation pathway speed, and thrombolin and thromboplastin levels in a blood sample. Quality models available in the market today include Siemens Sysmex CA-540 , Beckman Coulter ACL Top 700 Coagulation Analyzer,  Helena Cascade M-4 Coagulation Analyzer and IL ACL 3000. 

* Electrolyte Analyzers – Electrolyte analyzers are used to measure the sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate levels in the human body to detect metabolic imbalances and to measure renal and cardiac function. They use blood plasma, serum, or urine samples for this purpose. Popular models include: Medica EasyLyte Na/K/CL Analyzer, Medica EasyLyte Expand Analyzer, Medica EasyLyte Na/K/Ca/pH Analyzer and  Medica EasyElectrolytes Na/K/Li Analyzer. 

* Hematology Analyzers - These are specialized, automated systems that count leucocytes, red cells and platelets in blood. They are also capable of determining hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Widely used models include: Beckman Coulter AcT 5diff , Beckman Coulter AcT Diff 2 , Drucker Diagnostics QBC Autoread Plus Hematology System  and Drucker Diagnostics QBC STAR Tubes (100 test kit) .

* Histology and Cytology Equipment - Histology and cytology laboratory equipment are tools that help to prepare and examine tissues. Top models in the market include: Siemens Bayer Miles Hema Tek 2000 Histology Equipment/Slide Stainer, Boekel Scientific Slide Storage Cabinet, IEC Minotome and Boekel Scientific Round Tissue Bath, 115V. 

* Immunoassay Analyzers – An immunoassay analyzer is used for performing biochemical tests in order to detect or measure specific proteins or other substances through their properties as antigens or antibodies. Popular models are: Beckman Coulter Access II, Bio Merieux Mini VIDAS , J&J Vitros ECI, Roche Elecsys 2010 Immunoassay Analyzer and  Siemens ADVIA Centaur. 

* Point-of-Care Analyzers – These small portable analyzers are used to conduct point of care testing. Point-of-care testing (POCT) or bedside testing is a medical diagnostic testing at the time and place of patient care. Quality models available include: Alere HemoPoint® H2 Meter, HemoPoint Carrying Case, Plastic (Empty) , Diazyme Smart 700/340 Analyzer and  Stanbio Printer Thermal Paper 5 Rolls / Box. 

* Urinalysis Analyzers - Urinalysis analyzers evaluate urine samples to detect and quantify a number of analytes including bilirubin, protein, glucose and red blood cells. Siemens Clinitek Advantus and Siemens Clinitek Status+ are among the popular models.

Purchase of laboratory equipment from an established lab equipment supplier would ensure competitive pricing and also superior post-sales support for installation and maintenance.