Temperature Management Mistakes That Cost Labs Time and Money

Laboratory temperature management is a vital subject for research success. Consistent temperatures ensure sample consistency and reliability. In that case, selecting the right lab equipment suppliers can be essential for improving operational efficiency. You can consult a specialist to discuss the options best suited to your facility.

Miscalibrated Equipment

For better lab temperature control, you should first calibrate the equipment. Purchase top-range equipment from IKA for its ease of use and durability to enhance efficiency.

The drift

The drift phenomenon refers to temperature-controlled equipment slowly deviating from the set parameters over time. Even if the control says it is at a certain temperature, the actual temperature may vary. 

Affect crucial components

Miscalibrated equipment may potentially ruin the entire experiment. They can affect crucial components like the incubators and water baths, reducing the accuracy.

Regular calibration

You should regularly calibrate the tools and check that the readings match the actual temperature recorded. This step should be a part of the standard servicing routine.

Poor Monitoring and Logging Practices

Since staff cannot be available 24/7, manual logging may not be sufficient to monitor the entire system.

Weekends

Manual logging often fails to account for weekends or overnight periods when the heating or cooling may cycle differently.

Internal failure

Relying solely on the internal sensors can cause bias. A failure in the internal sensors may not be caught immediately. It can compromise subsequent testing.

Possible fines

Storing sensitive samples inappropriately can lead to fines. The fines can be substantial, especially for government and big corporate contracts.

Inconsistent Storage Conditions

Sometimes, temperature issues come from the inconsistent storage conditions at the lab’s freezers and refrigerators.

Hot and cold spots

Hot and cold spots are more common near doors, windows, and vent exits. Samples placed too close to these areas can be contaminated quickly.

Overloading

Clearly label the loading capacity for each storage unit. Instruct staff not to go over the limit. Overloading will reduce its efficiency, leading to uneven cooling.

Material sensitivity

Some materials are more susceptible to temperature changes. Frequent door opening alone can damage their properties.

Ignoring Preventive Maintenance

Preventative maintenance and regular servicing are fundamental to consistent lab temperature control.

Proper servicing

Commercial HVAC systems should be serviced at least once a year. For some industries, it may even be a legal requirement. Proper servicing identifies failure early on, so you can prevent issues from worsening.

Seals

Seal cracks on doors and windows to improve internal air circulation. It helps the system to keep the environment at the desired temperature more easily. 

Dirty filters

If a machine requires air circulation, there is usually a filter. Clean or replace this filter as needed. Dirty filters may reduce the efficiency and cause sudden cycle shutdowns.

Human Error in Handling Samples

If a worker does not follow the protocol, even the best temperature monitoring systems will not save an experiment.

Unprofessional handling

Sometimes, workers may forget about the samples or leave them at room temperature for too long. This can permanently damage their properties, making them unusable for the experiment.

The browsing time

Researchers should avoid browsing all the samples with an open door all the time. Outside air can quickly infiltrate the compartment, bringing the temperature up. 

Improper freezing or thawing

Freezing or thawing the samples for the wrong amount of time can cause deviations from the benchmark.

Lack of Environmental Control

Together with a quality system, you should control the following factors to improve performance.

Sunlight exposure

Sensitive materials and machines should not be placed near windows to avoid direct sunlight exposure. Install insulating curtains to minimize sunlight if necessary. 

Poor HVAC systems

Inadequate HVAC systems weaken environmental control. Appropriate heating and cooling units should be installed.

Relying on Outdated Temperature Policies  

The lack of modern laboratory temperature management is a big reason a research facility fails to deliver.

Modern needs

Modern machines have drastically different maintenance needs than older models. The temperature guidelines written a decade ago may not reflect the care needs for now. That’s why it’s crucial to update temperature policies regularly.

Sample volume

A large sample volume will need to be handled differently compared to a small sample size. As the research facility scales up, you should review the environmental policies accordingly to make sure it reflects the current settings.

In conclusion

Temperature management seems to be such a small aspect in R&D. Yet, it can determine the success of an experiment.

Proper temperature management is cost-effective and speeds up research rates by providing an ideal condition.