Wet lab

Wet Lab

A wet lab is a type of laboratory where a variety of experiments are conducted, typically involving chemicals, biological matter, and other substances that require a controlled environment. Wet labs are essential in fields such as biology, chemistry, and biomedical research.

A typical wet lab setup.

Characteristics

Wet labs are designed to handle liquids and other materials that require specific environmental conditions. They are equipped with specialized equipment such as fume hoods, centrifuges, and microscopes. The design of a wet lab includes features like:

• Water supply and drainage: Essential for washing equipment and disposing of liquid waste.
• Ventilation systems: To ensure the safe handling of volatile substances.
• Temperature control: To maintain the stability of experiments.
• Safety equipment: Including eyewash stations, safety showers, and fire extinguishers.

Applications

Wet labs are used in various scientific disciplines:

• Biochemistry: For studying the chemical processes within and related to living organisms.
• Molecular biology: Involving the manipulation of DNA, RNA, and proteins.
• Pharmacology: For drug development and testing.
• Microbiology: To study microorganisms and their interactions with humans, animals, plants, and the environment.

Equipment

Wet labs are equipped with a range of tools and instruments:

• Pipettes: For measuring and transferring small volumes of liquid.
• Spectrophotometers: To measure the intensity of light absorbed by a sample.
• Autoclaves: For sterilizing equipment and materials.
• Incubators: To grow and maintain microbiological cultures.

Safety

Safety is a paramount concern in wet labs. Proper training and adherence to safety protocols are essential to prevent accidents. Common safety practices include:

• Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, and goggles.
• Proper labeling and storage of chemicals.
• Regular maintenance and inspection of equipment.

Related Pages

• Dry lab
• Laboratory safety
• Scientific method