Laboratory

What Does Laboratory Mean?

A laboratory is a room equipped for scientific research, teaching, or testing. When used for medical testing, a laboratory will have the necessary equipment and tools to perform the tests being conducted. In some instances, the laboratory may also include a site for samples or specimens to be collected. The word laboratory is sometimes shortened to lab.

WorkplaceTesting Explains Laboratory

The term laboratory encompasses a broad range of rooms equipped for different purposes. A laboratory may be used for scientific experimentation or research, the production of chemicals or medications, or the testing of biological or other materials.

Ideally, a laboratory will be maintained as a controlled environment to ensure the validity of any research or tests performed and to prevent the risk of spreading contaminants. Depending on the nature of the laboratory, it may be maintained as a completely sterile environment. Laboratory workers may have to follow specific protocols before entering or leaving the laboratory environment.

Clinical laboratories form an important part of the public health system and are used for the testing of human and sometimes animal samples. When an employee submits a sample for workplace drug testing or medical diagnosis, the sample is most often transported to a clinical laboratory where testing and evaluation is conducted.