Balances in Medical

Laboratory
Physical
Chemical
 Balance
• A laboratory balance is used to obtain the
mass of various objects.
• Balances are very important processes for
measurement of different values in the
laboratory.
• To make essential reagents, stains, and culture
media a balance is required that weighs
accurately and precisely within the range of
readability required.
• Balances manufactured for medical laboratory
use include :
• Mechanical balances
• Electronic balances
 Mechanical balances
• These balances include the single pan, trip and
torsion types. They do not require main
electricity or battery power and are currently
less expensive than electronic balances of
similar readability.
• Mechanical balances are less widely available
than electronic balances.
 Electronic balances
• A wide range of top-loading and analytical
electronic balances is available.
• These are single pan balances that use an
electromagnetic force instead of weights.
• They are operated from mains electricity and
also often from battery power.
• Weighs more rapidly
• Have built-in tarring (allows weight of the
weighing vessel to be ‘zeroed’).
 Use and care of balances
• Read carefully the manufacturers instructions.
• Always handle a balance with care.
• Position the balance on a firm bench away from vibration.
• Before starting to weigh, zero the balance.
• Weigh chemicals on weighing scoops. NEVER weigh chemicals directly
on a balance pan.
• Avoid spilling of any chemical on a balance pan while adding or
removing a chemical.
• After completing the weighing, return the balance to zero weight
• Use a small brush to wipe away any chemical which may have been
spilt.
• Keep a small notebook by the balance in which to make the necessary
calculations for preparing reagents.
 Accuracy of a balance
• The accuracy of a balance should be checked
regularly as recommended by manufacturer.
• If the balance is of the analytical double pan
type, the knife edges should be checked
periodically.
• When at rest the pan should not leave the
stirrups.
• When using an electronic balance, use a
calibration weight as recommended.