Selecting equipment and reagents: a personal experience and process

The selection of laboratory equipment and reagents, whatever the section of the laboratory, is not a momentary decision. In this article the author shares his personal experience which emphasizes an ongoing process involving collaboration with the entire staff. Emphasis is placed on assessing the medical needs of the institution and the unique characteristics of the laboratory personnel, space, and financial resources. The author asserts that the process must be personalized to make a satisfactory selection of instrumentation and reagent systems.