Vitrolab Group

12/01/2026

How to Choose the Right Centrifuge for Your Lab

Selecting a centrifuge isn’t about maximum speed — it’s about application fit.

Before buying, consider:
• Sample type & volume – blood, cells, microtubes, or bottles
• Required force (RCF) – focus on ×g, not just RPM
• Throughput – samples per run and per day
• Rotor type – fixed-angle vs swing-out
• Temperature control – critical for sensitive samples
• Safety & compliance – especially for clinical and bio-risk labs

A well-chosen centrifuge improves efficiency, sample integrity, and long-term value.

At Vitrolab, we help laboratories choose equipment based on science, workflow, and future growth — not guesswork.

08/01/2026

How Laboratories Can Save Money and Minimize Costs in Challenging Times

Running a laboratory has never been cheap—but in today’s economic climate, cost discipline is no longer optional. Rising consumable prices, energy costs, service contracts, and staffing pressures are forcing labs to rethink how they operate.

The good news?
Cost-saving in a laboratory doesn’t mean compromising quality or compliance. It means operating smarter.

Here are practical, proven strategies laboratories can implement to reduce costs while maintaining performance and credibility.

1. Get Serious About Consumables Management

Consumables are often the largest silent expense in a lab.
Simple actions such as standardizing brands, buying high-use items in bulk, monitoring expiry dates, and tracking monthly consumption per section can result in significant savings—often without affecting workflow.

Small leakages add up fast.

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2. Move from Reactive to Preventive Maintenance

Waiting for equipment to fail is one of the most expensive habits a lab can have.

Preventive maintenance:
• Extends equipment lifespan
• Reduces downtime
• Protects calibration and data integrity

A well-maintained instrument can last 30–50% longer, saving both repair and replacement costs.

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3. Optimize Equipment Utilization

Many labs own equipment that is underutilized.

Before purchasing new instruments, consider:
• Sharing equipment across departments
• Outsourcing low-volume or specialized tests
• Extending operating hours instead of adding capital equipment
• Decommissioning rarely used instruments

Idle equipment is capital locked in steel and electronics.

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4. Reduce Energy and Utility Costs

Laboratories are energy-intensive by nature—but waste is avoidable.

Quick wins include:
• Switching off idle equipment
• Optimizing fume hood usage
• Using energy-efficient cold storage
• Reviewing HVAC and temperature setpoints

Fume hoods alone can consume up to 40% of lab energy costs.

07/01/2026

Let’s Talk Glassware Washing ..

In high-throughput laboratories, manual washing is not only time-consuming but also leads to increased glassware breakages and inconsistent cleaning results.
Vitrolab offers affordable, reliable glassware washers designed to improve efficiency, protect your glassware, and standardise cleaning processes.
Get in touch with us to explore the right solution for your lab.

sales@vitrolabafrica.com

06/01/2026

Ducted vs Ductless Fume Hoods:

A Quick Guide for Lab Professionals

Choosing the right fume hood is a critical safety and operational decision in any laboratory. The choice between ducted and ductless systems impacts safety, compliance, cost, and energy efficiency.

Ducted fume hoods exhaust contaminated air outside the building, offering the highest level of protection. They are best suited for hazardous chemicals, high VOC work, and demanding laboratory environments. While they require higher installation costs and HVAC integration, they deliver consistent performance with minimal consumables and are widely accepted by EHS and regulatory bodies.

Ductless fume hoods filter air through activated carbon or HEPA media and recirculate it back into the lab. They are easier and faster to install, more energy-efficient, and ideal for retrofitted labs or low-risk applications. Their performance depends entirely on correct filter selection and strict maintenance, making risk assessment essential.

Cost-wise, ductless systems are typically cheaper upfront and in installation, while ducted systems may offer better long-term value in high-use, high-risk labs.

Bottom line

There is no universal solution. Ducted hoods are ideal for high-hazard work, while ductless hoods offer flexibility and efficiency for defined, low-risk applications. The right choice balances safety, compliance, infrastructure, and total cost of ownership.

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

20/12/2025

As we come to the close of the year, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our customers and partners across Botswana for your continued trust and support.

Your commitment to science, quality, and progress inspires the work we do every day. It has been a year of learning, resilience, and growth, and we are thankful to have walked this journey with laboratories, institutions, and industry partners who believe in advancing scientific solutions together.

As we look ahead, our focus remains clear: delivering reliable laboratory equipment, consumables, and scientific solutions that support your work and contribute to sustainable development in Botswana and beyond.

Thank you for being part of the Vitrolab journey. We wish you a restful festive season and a successful, innovative year ahead.

12/06/2025

Vitrolab Group's innovative level monitoring solutions can help you improve safety, optimize your operations, and obtain important insights. To discuss your unique needs, get in touch with us right now.

09/06/2025

Make sure your measurements are accurate and reliable – Get in touch with us right now to explore our wide selection of scales and balances, and find the ideal weighing solution for your project.

03/06/2025