In every laboratory around the world, there is a dire need for refrigeration. Nearly every reagent needed in chemistry analysis requires refrigeration, and some must be kept at a precise temperature to remain stable. Laboratory refrigerators are needed for this purpose, as a regular household refrigerator may not have the stable temperatures needed by the products used by the laboratory.
Most laboratory products needing refrigeration are very sensitive to certain low or high temperatures. Some of these materials can only be safely stored at a very close and precise range of temperatures, so keeping them safely stored around the clock is vital for the cost-effectiveness of the laboratory. Having a precision refrigerator is necessary for this to occur.
Simple household refrigerators are being used for simple cold storage, usually, as in the case of a medical laboratory, post-tested patients’ blood products, urine, and cerebral-spinal fluid, and for the storage of microbiological procured specimens. The refrigeration range of these common laboratory refrigerators is normally from 1C -8C, depending on the laboratory’s protocol. These refrigeration units are reliable as also storing very stable reagents, as all they need is to be under room temperature.
A precision laboratory refrigerator is needed for the storage and preservation of many laboratory products. These cooling units must have a circular-paper temperature monitoring system so any deviation can be taken into account if a material fails in its performance. A digital monitoring device, such as a microchip with an alarm system, is also a great way to assure quality of service.
Laboratory refrigeration units can come with anti-frost fans to keep moisture down inside the cooling chamber. This also allows for a drier climate for dried reagents, or materials that are susceptible to moisture contamination. Moisture detectors are necessary for these laboratory refrigerators, which can be digital or paper 7-day circular printout.
Glass-front laboratory refrigerators are very useful for storing microbiological materials such as media plates, so procurement is easier, and of inventory of supplies can be done without opening the doors. These glass doors are double to triple glazed and have a vacuum sandwiched for excellent insulation. These units are usually fan circulated for even cooling and moisture control. Media laboratory refrigerators can have excellent climate control to maintain the quality of the microbiological media.
Laboratory refrigerators come in many sizes and shapes for different laboratory needs. Bench-top styles are great for storing reagents right next to the analyzer that uses them, reducing trips to resupply the instrument. Upright refrigeration units can be used for storing many reagents and freeze-dried products, and can come with powder-coated stainless-steel racks for easy cleanup from spills. Racks can also be designed for the rotation of supplies, which is good for cost-effective inventory monitoring.
Digital monitoring with an alarm system is a standard with today’s laboratory refrigerators. Computer-controlled cooling and interface can be achieved for the laboratory information management system, so there will be no need for hand checking the temperatures daily. A mobile alarm signal can also be programmed in the high-end refrigeration units, so the laboratory supervisor on the go can be notified of an erroneous reading. Laboratory refrigerators have entered the computer age, and can be specifically designed for whatever your need is in the laboratory.