Cómo elegir el espectrofotómetro adecuado para su laboratorio

Labtech offers guidance in selecting the most suitable spectrophotometer for your laboratory. You might ask, what is a spectrophotometer? Well, when we made like a machine that makes us look at how light interacts with certain substances and diverts it. This is terribly important for scientists because it allows them to find out exactly what different things consist of and what the relative amounts of each part are in a sample. Because there are a number of varied types of Labtech espectrofotómetro available on the market, knowing what to search for is very helpful when you’re trying to choose the right one for your needs! 

What is Spectrophotometry?

It is very helpful to understand how spectrophotometers actually work before selecting one. Light is used by spectrophotometers to determine how much of a particular substance is present in a sample. Here’s how it works: the machine shines light through the sample and then measures how much of that light is absorbed or reflected back. This data allows scientists to calculate how much of the substance is in the sample. Spectrophotometers are capable of measuring so many different things, including key biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins, along with a range of chemicals. This simple principle is essential on how to correctly use a spectrophotometer. 

Important Features of Spectrophotometer

There are some features that you need to look for when selecting a spectrophotometer.

Wavelength Range: the range of different colors (and hence the energies) that can be measured by the spectrophotometer. Some samples take up or reflect different colors of light, so being able to measure a wide variety of colors is super important to have in a machine. A broad spectrum means the machine is more robust to a variety of samples.

Spectral Bandwidth: This measure is about how many colors the machine can measure simultaneously. A smaller spectral bandwidth means the machine can serve you more detailed information about a color, while a larger bandwidth allows the machine to measure more colors at the same time. Labtech espectrofotómetro de luz ultravioleta is helpful for quickly aggregating a large amount of information.

Detector: The detector is a core component of the spectrophotometer. Different detectors measure different types of light and have varying sensitivities. All this means that it is essential that you select a detector which is sensitive enough to actually detect whatever it is you are trying to measure. Having the right detector can have a huge impact on the quality of your results. 

Important Technical Details

Choosing a spectrophotometer: There are many technical details to consider. Such details include:

Accuracy: This measures how close the machine’s measurements align with the true value of a sample. The second part is what we call your actual outcomes: the more accurate the machine is, the better your results will be.

Precision: It describes the closeness of the measurements with each other when you take them in repeated trials. All results will be extremely consistent.

Linearity — Indicates how well the machine can quantify different quantities of a compound. That is the use of a good piece of equipment to accurately read a large range of concentration.

Stray light, stabilization, and noise are some other important points to consider. Stray light is light that a machine isn’t supposed to measure that can interfere with readings. Stability refers to the repeatability of the machine over time when measuring the same thing. Noise refers to unwanted signals that can affect the measurements and reduce their reliability. 

Spectrophotometers: Cost & Lifespan

Cost and longevity of the spectrophotometer should also be considered when choosing a machine. The cost of the machine is only one side of the equation. You also need to think about how much it will cost to keep the machine functioning, repair it when it fails and replace parts throughout its life span.” Some machines will last better than others while some will need more servicing and repairs.

Cost of way training and support you might have as well. Some machines have a steeper learning curve than others. Selecting a simple machine with support is surely a plus. Labtech espectrómetro uv vis can save you some time and frustration later. 

Choosing the Right Path for Your Lab

Once you choose a spectrophotometer, you need to make sure that it meets your exact requirements so that you can get the most out of it. Software and hardware options should be weighed against the types of samples you will be studying, any technical features you need, and the costs associated with both purchasing and maintaining the machine. From more sensitive spectrophotometers to those that provide larger outputs, Labtech has many options to suit your laboratory needs. Contact us today to explore your options and get started on getting the help you need!