Laboratory Equipment Procurement Checklist

Specify

• Analytical requirement: analytes, ranges, detection limits, precision, throughput
• Methods or standards the instrument must support
• Mandatory configuration and accessories
• Software requirements, including data integrity and network needs
• Facility constraints and installation location
• Documentation required for qualification and validation

Compare quotations properly

• Normalise scope: are installation, training and qualification included?
• Consumables and startup kits — included, or extra?
• Warranty duration and coverage, and what it excludes
• Service contract options, response times and parts availability
• Software licences, seats and future upgrade costs
• Lead time, and penalties or remedies for delay
• Total cost over five years rather than the purchase figure alone

Site readiness before delivery

• Utilities, ventilation, gases, water and drainage confirmed
• Bench or floor space, loading and access route verified
• Environmental conditions within manufacturer requirements
• Network connectivity and computer provision agreed
• Delivery, uncrating and rigging responsibilities assigned

Acceptance and records

• Written acceptance criteria agreed before purchase
• Installation and operational verification performed and documented
• Performance qualification against your methods where required
• Calibration status and traceability recorded
• Training delivered and competency documented
• Asset, warranty, service and manual records filed in your system

A note on pricing

We do not publish instrument or software prices. Real transaction prices depend on configuration, condition, accessories, service coverage, installation, region and negotiation, and published list figures are rarely what a laboratory pays. Where you need a figure to plan with, request quotations against a written specification.