The increasing use of technology and advanced automation in testing and analytical equipment used in labs across the world has increased accuracy, efficiency and decreased the need for repeat testing protocols for verification of results.
While these are all positive issues, the advancement of the technology has also resulted in increased costs for equipment from basic testing through to advanced analytical instruments.
This, in turn, creates a problem or any lab or testing facility. To complete the testing to the accuracy that is demanded, it is important to have newer equipment and technology. At the same time, budgets aren’t unlimited, which can put smaller and independent facilities as well as research labs in a budget dilemma.
Pre-Owned Equipment
One solution that is used by large and small facilities alike is to choose used analytical instruments rather than buying new. The best used medical and analytical equipment dealers will provide certified used equipment that has been tested to ensure it is in top functioning condition.
Pre-owned equipment can be more than seventy percent of the cost of new. With these savings, even small labs can find newer model HPLC, GS/MS, ICP/AAS and mass spectrometry systems that will fully integrate with and improve the current testing capacities.
Consider Modular Units
Many of the newer pre-owned options in analytical instruments come in a modular format. This allows the lab to choose which components to include with the basic testing equipment. By choosing the modular design, any lab can configure a testing system to their specific needs, saving them money.
Sell Surplus Equipment
To add to the budget for testing equipment and instruments, consider selling existing surplus equipment. Most of the pre-owned equipment sellers will work labs to buy surplus equipment.
This additional income from the sale can further offset the price of the purchase, helping to add rather than subtract from the equipment budget.
