Starting A Home Laboratory

Question

I'm planning on doing some medicine work and require a proper lab. So what are all of the important tools to have in a lab. Like a microscope, alcohol burner beakers, ect.

Answer 1

Probably the most important thing you need to think about is toxic waste management rather than whether you will need a microscope and alcohol burner.  If you are doing any sort of real labwork, you will generate a waste stream.  Common laboratory wastes of solvents, hazardous material, and medical waste cannot be disposed of in municipal garbage, nor flushed down municipal sewer systems.  The fines for illegal dumping of these types of materials are severe, and in many cases is a felony, even if you didn't know beforehand what you were doing was illegal.  

I know, this isn't the answer you wanted, but you do need to consider it.  

Answer 2

Money is the most important tool. If you are doing medical research, you will need tools that are outside of most people's "fun budgets". Pipettes are a necessary item in any laboratory. You are going to need many, many small vials. There are a ton of suppliers for these items. Reagants, solvents, and equipment will cost a medium to large fortune to purchase.

Answer 3

You need to learn a lot more about what you plan to do, before you can answer this question.