What is the difference between an analytical balance and a precision balance?

An analytical balance provides readability of 0.1 mg or better, while a precision balance typically reads to 0.001 g or 0.01 g. Analytical balances include draft shields and are designed for highly sensitive measurements. Precision balances handle larger samples and are less affected by environmental conditions.

What readability do I need for my lab application?

You need a readability that is at least one-tenth of your smallest sample weight or required measurement increment. For example, measuring 100 mg samples may require 0.01 mg readability, while gram-level work may only need 0.01 g. Selecting higher readability than necessary increases cost without improving results.

Do lab balances need to be calibrated?

Yes, all lab balances require regular calibration to maintain accuracy. Calibration ensures measurements remain traceable to certified standards. Internal calibration simplifies this process by automating adjustments, while external calibration requires manual verification with certified weights. In regulated environments, calibration records must be documented and retained.

What is the difference between readability and repeatability?

Readability is the smallest increment of weight a balance will display. Repeatability is the degree of agreement between multiple measurements of the same mass, on the same balance, under the same conditions.

What is the best way to clean my balance to ensure accurate readings?

Inspect and clean before each use. A flannel cloth or soft brush works well for dusting and light cleaning. Use a non-abrasive cleaner for light spills, and a dry flannel cloth for glass parts. Set a regular maintenance schedule for deep cleaning to ensure optimal performance and instrument longevity.

Can vibration affect the accuracy of my balance?

Yes — even slight vibration from a heavy footstep can affect accuracy. Place the balance on a sturdy benchtop away from high-traffic areas such as hallways, elevators, stairways, and doors. If that placement is not possible, an anti-vibration table should be considered.

3 Reasons to Use Sterile Graduated Sample Containers

Nearly every lab needs a good supply of sample containers. Which ones to choose? From bottles to beakers to vials, a variety of labware is available. Yet not all will meet your specific needs.

Chemicals can affect the weight, strength, color, dimensions, flexibility, and surface appearance of your labware. They can soften and swell plastic and cause the permeation of solvent through the plastic. Temperature, pressure, internal or external stresses (such as centrifugation), can also impact chemical resistance.

Make sure the containers you use are chemically compatible with the chemicals you are placing in them.

Graduated polypropylene (PP) containers tolerate strong acids, alkalies, and most organic solvents. In addition to offering chemical resistance, these containers are:

Translucent
Unbreakable
Available in sterile or nonsterile versions

These containers come with identification labels and color-coded HDPE caps with full-turn screw thread to provide a leakproof seal. The sterile containers are individually bagged.

See the graduated polypropylene (PP) containers and other options in labware.

3 Reasons to Use Sterile Graduated Sample Containers

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