Choosing a lab sample tray involves determining your needs and what conditions you will be operating in. In any laboratory setting, improperly stored samples can lead to contamination, mislabeling, or compromised data. That’s why the right lab sample collection tray, specifically designed for visibility, separation, and safety, is an essential tool in research, medical testing, and education. You can choose a tray with the appropriate size, shape, and materials to meet your needs. Understanding your options can help make the selection process easier.
Multiple types of lab sample trays are available to meet different needs. They all provide a convenient and safe method for holding, organizing, and storing laboratory samples while preventing contamination.
School and university science labs may use sample trays for educational purposes. Students can use them during testing, lessons, and special projects. At the college level, lab sample trays can ensure that research adheres to proper protocols.
Compartmented sample trays are vital to keeping medical samples separated and organized. Doctors and technicians use plastic medical sample trays to hold blood, tissue, and urine sample containers, as well as pipettes, tubing, and instruments.
Researchers use lab sample trays both in the field and in laboratories. They are vital to keeping field samples organized and labeled to preserve the integrity and accuracy of collection practices. They also help keep samples secure during transport. Within the lab, sample collection trays can hold bottles, vials, petri dishes, and direct samples in their individual compartments.
A good sample tray provides segmented compartments to keep samples separate, organized, and visible. They should open easily without a high risk of contamination.
Design features to look for:
Sample trays should be made from durable materials that can withstand various conditions found in the lab, including chemical exposure, temperature extremes, liquids, caustic agents, and abrasion.
Like other types of trays used in labs, sample trays come in different materials, each with unique properties. Which one you should use depends on your application and its requirements. No matter which material you choose, it should address your needs in a cost-effective manner.
Glass is inert, resisting most chemicals and high heat. However, glass can break more easily than metal and plastic and is a very heavy material. That can make it cumbersome to carry around samples. For those reasons, it is more common to find this material in other types of lab trays.
Both stainless steel and aluminum are used for lab sample trays. They are significantly lighter than glass and very durable. Stainless steel is a food- and medical-grade material that helps reduce the risk of contamination. It is easy to clean and disinfect, and its smooth surfaces do not trap foreign materials. However, it can be a cost-prohibitive choice for high-volume labs.
When it comes to sample trays, plastic offers a lightweight and cost-effective solution. High-impact polystyrene is a popular plastic used in food and medical settings. Ready-Made can manufacture custom lab sample trays to meet your specific needs.
Lab sample trays serve many purposes, from collecting field samples to providing a testing surface to keeping samples organized and contamination-free. Ready-Made Plastic Trays offers stock and custom thermoformed plastic lab trays from responsibly sourced materials. Request a free sample today.