Setting up a laboratory from scratch demands more than just physical space and staff it requires the right supplies, carefully selected for safety, efficiency and functionality. Here are ten essential items every new lab should include:
- Workbench and Storage Systems
A durable and organized work surface is the backbone of any lab. Proper benches, shelves and cabinets ensure tools and samples are easily accessible and safely stored. - Basic Glassware
Beakers, flasks, test tubes and graduated cylinders are standard items used in almost every experiment. They should be heat-resistant, chemically stable and available in various sizes. - Precision Measuring Tools
Pipettes, burettes and digital scales are crucial for accurate, consistent measurements. Small errors in measurement can lead to failed experiments or invalid data. - Safety Equipment
Lab coats, gloves, goggles, face shields, and fire extinguishers protect both personnel and experiments. Safety supplies must always be visible, accessible and up to date. - Heating and Cooling Devices
Tools like Bunsen burners, water baths, hot plates, and refrigerators help maintain proper conditions for reactions, samples, or storage depending on lab requirements. - Reagents and Chemicals
Every lab needs a basic inventory of solvents, acids, buffers and other reagents tailored to its field. They should be stored according to hazard regulations and monitored for expiration. - Sterilization and Cleaning Tools
Autoclaves, UV sterilizers, and disinfectants are essential in maintaining contamination-free environments especially in biological or clinical labs. - Labeling and Documentation Supplies
Waterproof markers, labeling machines and sample tags help prevent mix-ups and ensure clear traceability across all procedures. - Durable Laboratory Instruments
Items like centrifuges, microscopes, and pH meters serve as the functional “core” of a lab, enabling routine analysis and experimentation. - Data Recording and Management Tools
Lab notebooks, digital data entry systems and reliable backup solutions support accuracy, reproducibility and compliance with documentation standards.
Reliable suppliers like Corena can make the setup process significantly smoother by providing access to high-quality, regulation-compliant products across all these categories. Choosing the right partner early on helps ensure consistency, safety and long-term operational efficiency.
What Are the First Supplies You Should Buy When Setting Up a Lab from Scratch?
When setting up a laboratory from scratch, choosing the right supplies at the beginning is critical to ensuring a smooth launch, safe operations, and reliable experimental results. While every lab will eventually require specialized equipment depending on its focus, there are core items that form the operational foundation of virtually every lab environment.
Basic furniture should be your first investment. A sturdy workbench, storage cabinets and shelving units are essential for organization, workflow efficiency, and safety. Without proper structure, even the most advanced tools can become impractical to use.
Next, general-purpose glassware such as beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, test tubes and graduated cylinders should be acquired early. These items are indispensable for mixing, measuring, heating and transferring liquids in a variety of laboratory applications.
Measurement tools are another must. Pipettes (manual or electronic), burettes and precision scales are critical for accurate data collection and chemical dosing. Investing in high-quality, calibrated instruments from the beginning helps reduce errors and ensures reproducibility.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) must also be prioritized. Lab coats, gloves, goggles and face shields protect staff and reduce the risk of accidents. Alongside PPE, safety items like fire extinguishers, first aid kits and emergency eye wash stations should be installed immediately.
If your lab handles chemical or biological substances, sterilization and cleaning tools such as autoclaves, disinfectants and waste disposal containers are necessary to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination.
Data documentation tools including lab notebooks, labels, and digital record-keeping systems are essential from day one. Without clear documentation, experiments can’t be validated and compliance becomes a challenge.
Starting with these core supplies ensures your lab is functional, compliant and ready for growth from day one.
If you’re looking for a trusted partner to supply your lab with reliable, high-quality products from the start, Corena offers comprehensive solutions tailored to the needs of modern laboratory environments.
