"Depending on the capital expenses budget, labs can circumvent the issue of instrument downtime by purchasing in duplicate. But generally, in labs working with a single instrument, downtime can backup workflows by 24 to 48 hr." —ؘFormer R&D Operations Manager, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Regular care and maintenance arevital for monitoring instrument performance and can provide an early indication that equipment is no longer working optimally. For example, an unstable current or a reductionin transfer efficiency in gel electrophoresis, or a change in optical intensity usinga gel imager, may signal that the instrument is in decline. These indicators are especially important when a lab does not have backup equipment that they can use instead.
"It’s the early signs of wear and tear, often from regular use, that get us to start thinking about if we need to purchase a new instrument, even if down the line." —Science and Engineering Associate, Stanford University School of Medicine
To prevent or reduce the impact of instrument downtime on lab productivity, it is important to look ahead. Any change from baseline instrument performance indicates it maybe time to plan for a replacement.
"Reliability and service are the most important. Every instrument will breakdown eventually, so having quick, reliable service options available is essential." —Science and Engineering Associate, Stanford University School of Medicine
Given that instrument error is inevitable, having a reliable supplier and a comprehensive coverage plan are vital for maximizing the operational lifetime of your replacement instrument. Optimal plans should offer responsive, knowledgeable technical support and, depending on site location, have service experts quickly dispatched to you.
"Selecting a reliable, well-known supplier gives you confidence in the quality and validation of the new instrument. Expect to achieve data comparable to that of your old instrument, and if there is any error, you can be sure that the supplier will accept liability and resolve the issue." —Former R&D Operations Manager, GSK
Workflows in a pharma lab can easily change direction on a daily or weekly basis — with new instruments being incorporated as projects progress, as well as the regular enrollment of new bench scientists, access to training is important. Having a user-friendly software designed to support these changes is another key consideration.
Bench space is a valuable resource in a research lab, and often dictates purchasing decisions, as the new instrument must fit the space available. For labs on strict purchasing budgets, cost and usage are typically considered simultaneously. If an instrument is not used regularly, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the service.
Solutions for Streamlining Lab Purchasing Decisions with Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
Genomics
| Description | Product Name | Solutions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real-Time PCR | CFX Opus Real-Time PCR Systems |
Reliable, sensitive detection of singleplex and multiplex real-time PCR reactions.
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| Digital PCR | QX200™ Droplet Digital™ PCR System |
Absolute quantification of target DNA or RNA molecules without using standard curves.
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Proteomics
Cell Biology
Bio-Rad provides high-quality instrument servicing and customer technical expertise to help labs maintain the efficiency and optimal performance of their workflows and minimize downtime. Flexible maintenance and repair plans can be customized with services to meet the specific needs, budget, and regulatory requirements of your lab. Bio-Rad also provides timely, effective, and bespoke training on its genomics, proteomics, flow cytometry, and cell culture systems to streamline the transition from old to new.
Visit bio-rad.com to discover validated, reliable instruments designed to optimize your lab productivity.
BIO-RAD and BIO-PLEX are a trademark of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owner. © Bio-Rad laboratories, Inc.
