Lab Devices

Laboratory Devices

Laboratory devices form the technical backbone of point-of-care diagnostics in medical practices, practice laboratories, medical care centres and hospitals. The range at Praxisdienst is aimed exclusively at healthcare professionals and healthcare facilities and is not intended for schools, training purposes or private users. Diagnostic devices and tests, for example for blood glucose or coagulation measurement, are classified as in vitro diagnostics and are subject to the IVDR (Regulation (EU) 2017/746). Pure laboratory equipment such as centrifuges or scales, on the other hand, are not necessarily medical devices depending on their intended purpose.

Function and Technology of Laboratory Devices

Two fundamental operating principles can be distinguished. A point-of-care device provides results directly at the place of treatment without the sample passing through a laboratory. Classic laboratory devices, on the other hand, are used for the preparation and analysis of sample material in the practice laboratory, for example when a sample first needs to be centrifuged, examined under a microscope or weighed. Point-of-care diagnostics shortens the time until a therapeutic decision can be made, while laboratory analysis covers a broader range of parameters.

The measurement principles of point-of-care devices can generally be divided into two groups. Electrochemical methods, such as those used for blood glucose measurement, measure an electrical current that is proportional to the concentration of the analyte. Photometric and optical methods, in contrast, detect colour or light changes resulting from a reaction and are used, among other things, for coagulation and inflammation parameters.

To ensure reliable results, quality control is an essential part of routine operation. A control solution with a known concentration can be used to check whether a device is measuring correctly; if the measured value deviates, recalibration or maintenance may be required. Calibration and maintenance are therefore not one-off procedures, but an ongoing operational requirement. Hygiene is equally important: devices with wipe-clean, disinfectable surfaces and robust material quality can be safely reprocessed between applications and meet the requirements for infection-safe operation in medical practices.

Overview of Device Categories

The range is divided into three groups, which differ in terms of application area, target group and complexity.

Analysis and Test Devices (Point-of-Care Diagnostics)

These devices are used directly in medical practices and practice laboratories and are designed for doctors and medical assistants. They enable the rapid, patient-near determination of parameters such as blood glucose, coagulation or INR, lactate, blood count values or urine status, as well as the use of various rapid tests. Their key advantage is the immediate availability of results, allowing decisions to be made during the ongoing patient consultation.

Laboratory Devices for Sample Preparation and Analysis

For practice laboratories and medical laboratories, this category includes devices for separating, counting and preparing sample material. These include benchtop centrifuges, microscopes, laboratory scales, laboratory stirrers, magnetic stirrers and laboratory timers. The target group is more strongly focused on laboratory workflows, as these devices process sample material not directly on the patient but as part of laboratory procedures.

Consumables and Accessories

The ongoing requirements of medical practices and laboratories are covered by consumables, which are often purchased by medical assistants. These include test strips, test cuvettes, capillaries, control solution, immersion oil and label printers. This laboratory equipment keeps devices ready for daily use and ensures consistent result quality.

• Device category: POCT analysis and test devices
  • Examples: Blood glucose, coagulation and lactate meters, rapid tests
  • Application area: Patient-near immediate diagnostics in medical practices and practice laboratories
  • Recommended for: Doctors, medical assistants
    
    
• Device category: Laboratory devices (sample preparation/analysis)
  • Examples: Centrifuges, microscopes, laboratory scales, stirrers
  • Application area: Separation, counting and analysis in the laboratory
  • Recommended for: Practice laboratories, medical laboratories
    
    
• Device category: Consumables and accessories
  • Examples: Test strips, cuvettes, capillaries, control solution, immersion oil
  • Application area: Daily operation and quality assurance
  • Recommended for: All medical practices and laboratories (medical assistants)

Choosing the Right Laboratory Device

The selection of a laboratory device primarily depends on the parameters that need to be measured. A general medical practice focusing on blood glucose and coagulation monitoring has different requirements compared to a practice laboratory that regularly performs blood counts or analyses samples under a microscope. The frequency of use is also crucial: a device designed for numerous daily measurements must be built for high throughput and durability, whereas for occasional use, acquisition costs and ease of operation are often the main priorities. When selecting equipment, the ongoing need for suitable laboratory accessories such as test strips, cuvettes or control solutions should also be considered. The choice of laboratory technology is therefore always a decision about the complete equipment setup rather than just the individual device.

Manufacturers in Our Range

The range of medical laboratory devices at Praxisdienst covers all three device categories and includes products from renowned manufacturers. Bosch Healthcare Solutions provides analysis devices for point-of-care diagnostics, while Kern specialises in microscopes and precise laboratory scales. Heinz Herenz complements the range with extensive laboratory supplies and consumables for daily operations, and FAN specialises in breath test and diagnostic devices. This allows medical practices and laboratories to be equipped from a single source – from analysis devices and laboratory equipment to consumables.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laboratory Devices

Are laboratory devices medical devices?

This depends on the intended purpose. Diagnostic devices and tests that examine body fluids – such as blood glucose, coagulation or rapid tests together with their corresponding test strips – are classified as in vitro diagnostics and fall under the IVDR (Regulation (EU) 2017/746). Pure laboratory devices such as centrifuges or scales are not necessarily medical devices depending on their intended use. Classification therefore depends on the specific function and cannot be applied universally.

What are laboratory devices and what types are available?

In the medical context, laboratory devices are equipment used for diagnostics, sample preparation and the analysis of sample material. In the diagnostic field, they can be divided into three categories: patient-near analysis and test devices (point-of-care), laboratory devices for sample preparation and analysis such as centrifuges and microscopes, as well as consumables and accessories. Devices intended for schools or training purposes are explicitly not included.

How often must internal quality control of laboratory devices in human medicine be carried out?

For point-of-care diagnostics in human medicine, internal quality control is mandatory, with the scope and frequency determined by the requirements of the RiliBÄK guidelines. In practice, this means regular control measurements using control solutions, often on every working day or whenever a new batch of test strips is used. The specific intervals depend on the method used and the manufacturer's instructions; complete documentation is essential.

What should be considered when purchasing laboratory devices for medical practices and laboratories?

The key factors are the parameters to be measured, the frequency of use and the medical speciality. Additional considerations include follow-up costs for consumables, requirements for calibration and maintenance, as well as cleaning and disinfection options. For larger investments such as analysis systems, it is also worth considering financing options and the availability of suitable accessories.

How are laboratory devices cleaned, disinfected and maintained?

Devices with wipe-clean, disinfectable surfaces should be reprocessed according to the manufacturer's instructions using suitable surface disinfectants. Maintenance includes regular calibration, functional checks with control solutions and replacement of wear parts. Proper reprocessing ensures not only hygiene but also the accuracy of measurement results.

Buy Laboratory Devices at Great Prices from Praxisdienst

Anyone looking to buy laboratory devices will find a comprehensive range at Praxisdienst covering all three device categories – from patient-near diagnostics and centrifuges, microscopes and laboratory scales to suitable consumables. Renowned manufacturers such as Bosch, Kern, Heinz Herenz and FAN are represented alongside the necessary laboratory accessories for daily operation. Particularly attractive: larger investments can be conveniently planned thanks to 0% financing, while the PLUS programme provides an additional 5% instant discount.

Laboratory devices are important investments for medical practices and laboratories. Choosing the right device depends on the required parameters, frequency of use and medical speciality. The expert service team at Praxisdienst is happy to provide personal advice by phone, email or live chat.

Further information is available in the Diagnostics section. Those looking for specific solutions can find suitable devices in the categories Blood Glucose Meters and Coagulation Meters.