Running a university lab involves more than just research and results. Behind every smooth experiment is a set of reliable tools and materials that keep everything running without delays or errors. That is where the right laboratory consumables come in.
At Livingstone International, we help you maintain well-equipped science labs with high-quality university lab equipment and consumables. Whether you are teaching undergraduates or managing research projects, we supply what you need to stay prepared.
This checklist gives you the essentials every university science lab should have.
Why Lab Consumables Matter
Consumables may seem small, but they are central to how your lab operates each day. They support safety, accuracy, and consistency across all departments. From pipette tips to safety gloves, missing just one item can slow down your entire workflow. They play a critical role in safety, performance, and learning outcomes. Read more on the importance of lab consumables in science education.
This guide helps you stay ahead by making sure you always have the right consumables on hand.
Glassware and Plasticware
Every lab relies on these daily. You will use them in nearly every session, practical, or research activity.
Key Items to Stock:
- Beakers and flasks in assorted sizes
- Test tubes with racks
- Measuring cylinders
- Petri dishes
- Pipettes and pipette tips
- Sample bottles and reagent containers
We recommend glass for long-term use in high-temperature procedures and plasticware for quick, disposable tasks. Both are necessary depending on your course type and experiment level. Here’s a quick guide on glassware vs plasticware in science labs.”
General Lab Supplies
These are easy to overlook until you run out. Stocking up on these keeps your lab efficient.
Include:
- Filter papers
- Funnels
- Stirring rods
- Watch glasses
- Lab markers
- Sample labels
- Laboratory notebooks
- Spatulas and scoops
- Weighing boats and papers
Our bundled lab kits are ideal for academic terms and practical classes. They save time and budget without compromising quality.
Personal Protective Equipment
Protecting your students and staff is always a top priority. Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is a non-negotiable requirement in every lab setup.
Essential PPE Includes:
- Laboratory coats
- Nitrile, latex, or vinyl gloves
- Safety goggles
- Face shields and masks
- Hair nets
- Shoe covers
Our PPE range offers comfort and safety, designed for long sessions in teaching and research labs.
Cleaning and Sterilisation Supplies
Clean environments are essential for successful results. Contaminated glassware or surfaces can ruin tests and waste time.
Must-Haves:
- Autoclave bags
- Disinfectants and alcohol sprays
- Sterilisation indicators
- Wipes and microfibre cloths
- Glassware cleaning brushes
- Waste disposal bags
We offer hospital-grade cleaning supplies that meet laboratory hygiene standards while being easy to use.
Storage Solutions
Organised storage prevents errors and saves time. It is not just about keeping things tidy. It also helps with compliance, sample tracking, and safety.
Stock Up On:
- Cryogenic vials
- Sample jars
- Slide cases
- Freezer boxes
- Specimen bags
- Leak-proof storage containers
We supply flexible storage solutions suitable for biology, chemistry, and medical science labs.
Measuring and Testing Equipment
Precision is vital in every experiment. The right tools ensure your students get accurate results and meaningful learning outcomes. Explore NIST’s work on measurement accuracy in labs.
Recommended Tools:
- pH strips and digital pH meters
- Graduated cylinders
- Thermometers
- Burettes
- Electronic balances
- Conductivity and TDS meters
Our measuring tools are student-friendly, reliable, and built for academic use.
Chemical and Biological Consumables
Biology and chemistry courses need specific consumables to function. From agar plates to reagent bottles, these items are central to your curriculum.
Stock Regularly:
- Microscope slides and coverslips
- Staining kits and dyes
- Agar media
- Buffers and indicators
- Solvents and fixatives
- Prepared chemicals
All our chemical consumables come with safety data sheets and clear handling instructions to support safe usage.
Emergency and First Aid Supplies
No lab is complete without emergency tools. Quick access to safety items can prevent injuries and meet compliance requirements.
Keep These Visible:
- Eye wash stations
- First aid kits
- Spill kits for chemical or biological hazards
- Absorbent pads
- Hazard signs and emergency instructions
We provide spill control kits that match university safety standards and are suitable for teaching and research labs.
Maintenance and Equipment Support Items
Supporting your major lab equipment with maintenance consumables helps extend product life and reduce downtime.
Helpful Supplies Include:
- Lubricants for lab instruments
- Tubing and fittings
- Desiccants
- Calibration fluids
- Battery packs
- Screen-safe cleaning wipes
We coordinate with leading laboratory equipment suppliers in Australia to ensure compatibility and reliability across your setup.
Lab Admin and Tracking Materials
Along with tools and safety gear, you also need basic admin items for recording results, tracking samples, and keeping inventory.
Recommended Items:
- Clipboards
- Logbooks
- Printed labels
- Barcode sheets
- Data forms
- Binders and folders
- Whiteboard markers
Whether you use manual logs or digital tracking, these tools help you stay organised.
Why Universities Choose Us
At Livingstone International, we understand university science labs better than most. We have supported Australian institutions for decades with tools tailored for learning environments. Our focus is always on quality, safety, and simplicity.
We work with:
- University research departments
- TAFE and vocational science programs
- Medical and health sciences faculties
- Private training organisations
When you order from us, you get more than supplies. You get support that includes:
- Custom quotes
- Scheduled deliveries
- Expert product advice
- Pre-bundled kits by subject area
- Reliable nationwide shipping
Our mission is to simplify your lab setup and help you focus on what matters most: teaching and research.
Tips to Stay Prepared
To avoid last-minute stockouts and ensure smoother operations, follow these quick tips.
1. Review your stock every quarter
Regular checks prevent supply gaps during critical lessons or assessments.
2. Order in bundles
Our science packs give you matched consumables in one go, saving time and admin effort.
3. Track high-use items
Know which courses and sessions use up more pipette tips, gloves, or glassware.
4. Assign lab supply responsibility
Even if part-time, a designated team member can monitor supply levels and reduce waste.
5. Get help from your supplier
We can help you plan orders, manage term setups, and provide backup options if stock runs low.
Let Us Help You Build a Better Lab
Your science lab deserves the best tools, and your students deserve a safe, practical learning experience. With our range of laboratory consumables and university lab equipment, you get everything in one place. From cleaning products to storage containers and protective gear, we make sure you are covered.
Whether you are updating an existing lab or setting up a brand-new space, we can help you choose the right products for your curriculum and budget. We believe science should be accessible and safe at every level, and our team is here to make that happen.
