Process Control and Safety: The Importance of Quality Glassware for Labs

September 2022

In the scientific workflow, where precision and replicability are paramount, laboratory glassware plays a vital role in facilitating cell culture, sample collection, testing and examination. In addition to factors concerning hygiene and sterilisation, laboratory glassware must be inert to the relevant chemical and biological factors, including corrosion and extreme temperatures.

While single-use plastic has become a widely adopted alternative in the ‘take, make, disposal’ process for many labs, glass remains a methodically sound, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious choice. Compared to plastic, it offers greater dimensional stability when exposed to high temperatures, a reliable solution for chemical and reagent storage, and is transparent and easy to clean.

Selecting the right glassware for different types of scientific work is important for various reasons. It can reduce contamination and chemical risks, as well as prevent breakage along with injury, spills, and dangerous projectiles. Further, opting for high-quality glass products – including beakers, conical flasks and measuring cylinders – ensures greater experimental accuracy and mitigates compromised samples during storage.

To make the selection process easier, Thermo Fisher Scientific has partnered with Glassco – an industry leading manufacturer of robust and purpose-built glassware and accessories. Using the latest computer-controlled machine technology, Glassco ensures optimal product through stringent testing and a certified calibration process. Whether it is a pipette, test tube, flask or flange, each item is guaranteed for precision under DIN, ISO, USP, and ASTM standards.

Like in many industries, one of the key challenges of using premium equipment is balancing this priority with usage and cost. Through Glassco’s portfolio of laboratory products, Thermo Fisher Scientific aims to curate a selection of reliable, high-performance options that prioritise function and affordability.

What makes Glassco’s laboratory glassware a reliable choice?

• Annealing: Each piece of glassware is slowly cooled to relieve internal stress and increase material strength. This is to remove brittle characteristics to avoid cracks, chips, and breakage while the glassware is in service.
• Thickness testing: All products are passed through two thickness testers to ensure durability and compliance with all relevant standards. This is a crucial safety precaution to avoid any substances from compromising the glass or coming into contact with skin.
• Optical clarity: Verification of optical clarity is carried out firstly as the product is manufactured, and secondly before packaging. This is to ensure that whoever uses the product, whether it be a measuring device, storage container, or delivery tool, can clearly see its contents.
• Print colour adhesion: Any information printed on the glass is subjected to acid boiling, scratch, and a tape peel-off test to make sure the colour adhesion is sound.
• Fit testing for joints: It is extremely important that laboratory glassware does not allow for leakage. For this reason, the taper of cones and sockets on all Glassco products are verified using gauges and taper test tools. Additionally, all mating joints are tested using a vacuum to mitigate any risk of cracks and leaks.

More information on Thermo Fisher Scientific’s full catalogue of glassware products, visit Thermo Fisher Scientific - Glassware.