Laboratory instruments are tools used to measure, analyze, control, and process samples in scientific and industrial labs.

🧪 1. Analytical Instruments

🔹 Spectrophotometer

• Types: UV-Vis, IR, AAS, Fluorescence
• Use: Measures absorbance/transmittance of light in a solution.
• Applications: Drug analysis, DNA/protein quantification, chemical purity.

🔹 HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)

• Use: Separates, identifies, and quantifies components in a mixture.
• Common in: Pharma, food, forensic, environmental labs.
• Note: Refurbished HPLC systems are popular for cost-effective solutions.

🔹 GC (Gas Chromatography)

• Use: Analyzing volatile and gaseous substances.
• Paired with detectors like FID, TCD, or MS (Mass Spectrometry).

🔹 pH Meter

• Use: Measures acidity/alkalinity.
• Accuracy: ±0.01 pH or better.

🔹 Conductivity Meter

• Use: Measures ionic content in water.
• Applications: Water quality, industrial solutions.

🧫 2. Microbiology & Cell Culture Instruments

🔹 Autoclave

• Use: Sterilizes equipment using high-pressure steam.
• Types: Vertical, Horizontal, Tabletop.

🔹 Laminar Air Flow / Biosafety Cabinet

• Use: Provides sterile work area for culture work.
• Biosafety types: Class I, II, III based on protection levels.

🔹 Incubator

• Use: Grows and maintains microbial/cell cultures at specific temperatures.

🔹 Colony Counter

• Use: Counts bacterial colonies on petri dishes.

🌡️ 3. Thermal & Heating Instruments

🔹 Hot Plate

• Use: Heats solutions in beakers/flasks.

🔹 Magnetic Stirrer (with/without heating)

• Use: Uniform mixing using magnetic bar.

🔹 Muffle Furnace

• Use: High-temperature treatment (ash content analysis, etc.)

🔹 Water Bath / Oil Bath

• Use: Maintains stable temperatures for incubation or chemical reactions.

🔄 4. Separation & Mixing Instruments

🔹 Centrifuge

• Use: Separates liquids based on density.
• Types: Micro, Refrigerated, High-speed.

🔹 Vortex Mixer

• Use: Rapid mixing of small tubes or vials.

🔹 Shaker

• Use: Uniform motion for mixing samples in flasks/test tubes.

🧊 5. Cooling & Storage

🔹 Refrigerator / Deep Freezer

• Use: Stores reagents, samples at 4°C to –80°C.

🔹 Cooling Centrifuge

• Use: Keeps biological samples stable during centrifugation.

🔍 6. Microscopy & Imaging

🔹 Compound Microscope

• Use: For viewing small biological samples (cells, tissues).

🔹 Stereo Microscope

• Use: For 3D view of larger samples (insects, electronics).

🔹 Digital Microscope

• Use: With camera and screen for documentation.

📦 7. Weighing & Measuring

🔹 Analytical Balance

• Precision: Up to 0.1 mg.
• Use: Quantitative chemical weighing.

🔹 Top Pan Balance

• Precision: Up to 0.01 g or 0.1 g.
• Use: General weighing.

⚠️ 8. Safety & Support Instruments

🔹 Fume Hood

• Use: Ventilates chemical fumes.

🔹 Gas Leak Detector

• Use: Detects leakage of gases like hydrogen, nitrogen, etc.

🔹 UPS / Power Backup

• Use: Maintains instrument stability during outages.