The microbiology laboratory and its equipment

2026-09-29 — Equipo JP Selecta

A microbiology laboratory is a space prepared to study, culture, observe and identify microorganisms or their samples under controlled conditions. Its activity may be oriented towards clinical diagnosis, research, the pharmaceutical industry, food quality control or teaching. Although each facility responds to a specific method, they all share one objective: to protect people, preserve the integrity of samples and obtain reproducible results.

That is why, when defining what a microbiology laboratory is, listing instruments is not enough. The layout of the areas, the selection of microbiology laboratory equipment and the cleaning, recording and waste management procedures must form a system consistent with the microorganisms handled and the risk assessment.

How does a microbiology laboratory work?

Work usually follows a one-way flow to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

• A sample is received, identified and prepared.
• It may then be inoculated or diluted, incubated and analysed by observation, counting or instrumental techniques.
• Finally, the results are recorded and the material or waste is treated in accordance with the applicable procedure before leaving the work area.

This route separates clean tasks from those in which cultures or potentially contaminated materials are handled.

The specific organisation depends on the type of laboratory. A food quality control area will not have the same equipment as a diagnostic facility or a research centre, but all of them must adapt their practices and containment means to the activity they carry out.

When an operation may generate aerosols or involves infectious material, the risk assessment determines whether a microbiological safety cabinet, an isolator or other appropriate containment must be used.

Equipment used in a microbiology laboratory

The materials of a microbiology set-up are selected by function, protocol and workload.

The most common families are grouped below. The choice of model must be confirmed against each laboratory's needs in terms of load, containers, temperatures, times and documentation requirements.

For sterilisation and decontamination

Autoclaves use pressurised steam to sterilise material, culture media and, where the procedure establishes it, to inactivate waste. The J.P. Selecta range includes autoclaves in benchtop and vertical formats, as well as units for media preparation.

For work with a greater need for records, the Presoclave PLUS III series incorporates process recording and USB download. The Autester ST DRY GMP-S and USB-S feature fractionated vacuum, drying and configurable programmes; their capacities should be checked against the load and cycle required by the method.

Media preparation can also be concentrated in specific units. The MED 40 CLT integrates the preparation, sterilisation and dispensing of culture media, an option to consider when the laboratory's workflow requires these operations to be repeated in a controlled manner.

For incubation and culture

Bacteriological and culture incubators maintain the temperature needed to incubate microorganisms for the time defined by the method.

They should not be confused with drying ovens: the choice is based on the temperature range, the uniformity required and the type of application.

You can see the full J.P. Selecta range of ovens and incubation equipment in our catalogue.

For separation and centrifugation

Centrifuges separate the components of a sample by means of centrifugal force before subsequent analysis. Selection should take into account the relative centrifugal force (RCF), the volume, the type of tube or container, the rotor and the need for refrigeration for heat-sensitive samples.

You can take a look at our range of centrifuges, accessories and configurations.

For shaking and sample preparation

Shaking promotes the homogenisation of media, suspensions and cultures. Depending on the procedure, magnetic stirrers, orbital shakers, vortex mixers or multi-position stirrers may be used; some methods also require temperature control.

At J.P. Selecta we offer laboratory shakers and bath and thermostatic control solutions.

Analysis and identification equipment

Analysis can combine microscopic observation with instrumental techniques. UV-Vis spectrophotometers make it possible to measure absorbance or transmittance; for example, the OD600 reading can be used to monitor bacterial growth where the protocol provides for it.

For this purpose we recommend our spectrophotometry equipment. These instruments complement, but do not replace, the identification or confirmation methods required by each test.

Microbiological safety cabinet

The microbiological safety cabinet is a relevant containment measure. Whether it is needed, and which class, is not determined solely by the name of the laboratory: it depends on the risk assessment, the biological agent, the procedure and the possibility of generating aerosols.

Regulations and containment levels in the microbiology laboratory

In Spain, Royal Decree 664/1997 regulates the protection of workers against exposure to biological agents. Directive 2000/54/EC establishes the European framework.

Both references classify biological agents into risk groups and link containment measures to the risk assessment and the nature of the activity. For research, development, teaching or diagnostic laboratories that handle agents from groups 2, 3 or 4, the Royal Decree requires, as a minimum, containment levels 2, 3 or 4 respectively.

Equipment ready for demanding processes

Working in a microbiology laboratory requires the equipment to match the working method and the centre's quality system. In regulated processes, it is advisable to have records, calibration, maintenance and documentation that make it possible to demonstrate the consistency of the process.

J.P. Selecta's Autester FDA/GMP autoclaves are designed to facilitate audits and IQ/OQ/PQ qualifications when required.

Selecting the right solution involves reviewing the load, capacity, programmes, traceability and technical service, as well as the applicable regulations. In this way, the equipment supports the process without replacing the risk assessment, the validated procedure or staff training.

Related products

• Presoclave Plus III 150
• Autester ST DRY GMP-S 150*
• Med 40 CLT
• Incubat