We often have an image of what a typical laboratory looks like. For many, it’s a white walled, sterile room with scientists in white lab coats conducting experiments using equipment such as beakers, microscopes and Bunsen burners.
While some laboratories may indeed fit this description, they can also be very different in terms of facilities, equipment, testing procedures and, of course, the functions of the laboratory personnel.
Differences in laboratories and locations
Different types of laboratories have their own focus and testing procedures.
Some laboratory types include:
- Research and development facilities that conduct research in various fields such as chemistry, physics, biology, and technology.
- Clinical and medical facilities that analyse human biological samples, such as blood and urine, to help with the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of illnesses.
- Biosafety facilities that carry out research on infectious agents and toxins that pose a risk to public health.
- Production facilities that are used between the research and manufacturing stages for industrial production.
- Test, analysis, and quality control facilities that check that materials and products meet international standards.
In addition, many of these laboratories are not located in ‘traditional’ locations such as universities, hospitals, or corporate facilities. As an example, SNOLAB – Canada’s deep underground research laboratory, is located two kilometers under the earth’s surface; the Pyramid Laboratory can be found on the slopes of Mount Everest at an eye-watering at 16,568 feet, and the Aquarius Science Laboratory sits on the ocean floor off the coast of Florida.
Differences in equipment
Laboratories that have different functions also require them to use very different equipment tailored to their specific needs. Even if the laboratories perform similar functions and sample testing, they may still use different types of equipment and analytical techniques.
Differences in personnel
The required skillset of laboratory personnel also varies significantly based on the type of laboratory. While all laboratories require personnel to be proficient in basic techniques, equipment operation, and safety protocols, many may also need additional specialised technical expertise.
For example, research laboratories, such as those used for pharmaceutical and biotechnology experiments, often require personnel with expertise in specific techniques like molecular biology, chemistry, or bioinformatics. Clinical/medical laboratories, such as those at hospitals and blood banks, require personnel with a strong understanding of areas like hematology, chemistry, microbiology, or immunology. Industrial/manufacturing laboratories, which work with pharmaceutical manufacturing and environmental testing, have personnel that specialise in areas like materials science, chemical analysis, or product testing; and forensic laboratories, require personnel with skills including DNA analysis, ballistics, or ensuring the integrity of evidence.
Accreditation
Accreditation can also differentiate laboratories. An accredited facility will engage complex processes of testing to the highest quality standard, demonstrating to clients that their laboratory outputs are valid and reliable.
So, World Laboratory Day reminds us of how the varied nature of laboratories and their personnel have contributed to scientific progress and innovation. Whether a ‘traditional’ laboratory staffed by personnel in white coats or one located in a remote or extreme location, we acknowledge the critically important work they carry out every day.