Conducting research and testing samples is a complicated process. Many factors can make the process difficult, but there are many other variables you and others in the lab must work to mitigate. If these variables are left to run amuck, your testing and experimentation results will be invalid. Read on to learn how you can better maintain a controlled lab environment free of these pesky variables.
Organization
Any work environment thrives on organization, but it is essential in an industry such as laboratory research. Everything needs to be in a particular place so that researchers can find it easily, and clutter should be nonexistent. Not only could these variables potentially interfere with the results of experimentation, but they could also get in the way of the researchers themselves. A clean work environment is a healthy one that is conducive to producing the best and most accurate results possible.
Invest in the Right Equipment
One of the most important things you can do within a lab to eliminate variables and achieve more accurate results is to invest in the proper equipment. Labs are like everything else in that they are not impervious to time. Over the years, equipment becomes worn-down, out-of-date, and starts affecting the results that the lab puts out.
Avoid situations like these by investing in newer and higher-quality equipment. In addition, some equipment may seem unnecessary but is required to achieve the correct results. For example, if you are working with lasers, you will need a laser diode driver to maintain a steady electrical current and reduce electrical variability.
Keep a Steady and Quality Inventory
Another tip for limiting variables and maintaining a controlled lab environment is to ensure you have a steady inventory of supplies. Without regular access to supplies, research and experimentation will quickly hit roadblocks while waiting for the proper supplies. Not only can this interfere with results, but it can create a lot of downtime in which researchers cannot make progress with their tests. In addition to the problem of the lack of equipment, you should ensure the equipment you purchase is also quality. Without a finely tuned scale, microscope, or properly marked beakers, any results your lab produces will be faulty. Avoid this by working with quality inventory suppliers and maintaining a strict inventory management system.
Maintaining a controlled lab environment is tricky, but with these tips, hopefully, it can be a little easier, and your lab can be confident with the results you’re putting out. Without these best practices in place, a lot of industry research and medical testing would be bunk; avoid this and keep your lab variable-free!
