5 Tips for Laboratory Equipment Maintenance

The condition and quality of your laboratory equipment impacts upon its performance and 

the results generated - scientific results may be compromised by a lack of proper 

maintenance. Here are 5 tips for laboratory equipment maintenance you should be aware of: 

1. Repairing 

Naturally, in some instances, laboratory equipment needs to be replaced entirely. However, 

other times, simple repairs may be adequate. Conduct small repairs, such as installing 

replacement parts, as and when they are needed. This can elongate the functional life of 

larger pieces of laboratory equipment significantly. 

When it comes to larger pieces of equipment, some parts will accrue wear more rapidly than 

others. Pay close attention to which parts of your equipment are showing signs of wear and 

embark upon a program of preventative maintenance. The Laboratory Equipment Buyer’s 

Guide, your complete resource for lab equipment and technologies, can help you source 

new equipment. 

2. Refurbishing 

Refurbishing refers to the process of dismantling pieces of laboratory equipment and 

cleaning each component part thoroughly. Metal elements are also polished and any pipette 

pistons can be lubricated. Refurbishing at regular intervals will extend the life of your 

laboratory equipment and increase its efficiency and functionality. 

3. Calibration services 

Calibration services should be sought regularly. These preventative, detailed services 

increase the accuracy of your equipment and prevent data corruption. 

4. Regular cleaning 

Regular cleaning is too often overlooked. If your laboratory equipment is not as clean as it 

can be, it is unlikely to yield consistent results. Cleaning your equipment thoroughly, at 

regular intervals, is among the best ways of keeping it in good working order and elongating 

its functional life. On a daily basis, wipe clean exposed surfaces, and schedule a deep clean 

once each week. 

Most pieces of equipment need to be cleaned in a certain way. Haematology machines, for 

example, typically require a 6 monthly check by an engineer, a weekly analyser surface 

clean and an HC control check monthly. Ensure you follow the correct cleaning procedure as 

documented in the standard procedures for your piece of equipment. 

5. Outsource or in-house 

Laboratory equipment maintenance and repair should be undertaken by a qualified 

professional. While in-house maintenance teams may prove costly, reputable third party 

equipment maintenance and repair can be a cost effective alternative. Since the reputation 

of any laboratory is only as strong as the accuracy of its lab equipment, regular cleaning, 

maintenance, calibration and refurbishing is essential. 

The article Laboratory Equipment – Maintenance or Management? discusses different 

approaches to the protection of lab assets in more detail.