The processes that go on in a scientific laboratory are some of the most delicate. This is because the slightest change in environmental conditions can lead to entirely different results, or the damage of the samples to be used for research and development.
This is why laboratory refrigerators are crucial in this setting. The purpose of laboratory refrigerators is to keep samples and specimens cooled for preservation. This necessitates differences between the refrigerators used in laboratories and those used in homes and food outlets, as laboratory ovens also need to be kept sterile to avoid contamination.
Here is everything you need to know about laboratory refrigerators:
What are laboratory refrigerators used for?
Laboratory refrigerators are commonly used in research laboratories to store specimens, chemicals, and other sensitive materials that need to be kept at an even temperature. Storing these in a cold environment helps preserve them.
The use of laboratory refrigerators is also quite common in the pharmaceutical and medical industries. Laboratory refrigerators are used to store drugs to keep them stable and prevent them from expiring. Laboratory refrigerators are also commonly used in hospitals, where their purpose is to store blood and plasma samples, and in some cases, bags of blood to be used in donations.
What are the different types of laboratory refrigerators?
There are four significant kinds of laboratory refrigerators. The first is the explosion-proof refrigerator, whose purpose is to store hazardous chemicals and flammable liquids. As a result, explosion-proof refrigerators do not contain much electrical wiring and equipment to prevent fires and to make them safe for combustible materials.
Chromatography refrigerators are primarily designed for scientific research and experiments. Hence, they are commonly used in settings wherein the temperature needs to be stable. Similarly, blood bank refrigerators are used to store different types of blood samples. Because of the sensitivity of the procedures, both chromatography and blood bank refrigerators are primarily judged based on their reliability and their ability to monitor and control temperatures.
Lab fridges are the most general kind of laboratory refrigerators, being used to cool samples and maintain consistent temperatures. They also have easy-to-clean sections and can be locked easily to ensure that no cold air leaves the unit.
What should be considered when selecting a laboratory refrigerator?
One of the foremost things to consider when selecting a laboratory refrigerator is your space needs. Depending on how much space is available, the fridge can be mounted on a wall or designed to fit under counters (if space is limited).
Another consideration is the layout of the refrigerator itself. Most are composed of multi-layered shelves that are typically made of materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or coated metal wiring. Some freezers have additional drawers or cabinets to help prevent the cross-contamination of different materials. Others even go an extra step by including an alarm system that will deter any unauthorized personnel from opening the refrigerator.
Laboratory refrigerators are responsible for many processes that we often take for granted. They must remain of the highest quality so that we do not have to deal with an accident any time soon.
