Organisation is a critical but often overlooked part of laboratory efficiency. In busy clinical, educational or research settings, the way supplies are stored and accessed can impact everything from safety to productivity. That is where tech bins and trays become essential.
At Medilab Marketplace, our laboratory supplies include a range of tech bins designed for categorised storage, safe transport, and contamination control across labs of all sizes. This blog explores their function, features, and how to choose the right models for your facility.
What Are Tech Bins and Trays?
Tech bins and trays are durable containers used to store and manage laboratory consumables and instruments. Made from autoclavable or chemically resistant materials, they are typically used in:
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Medical and pathology laboratories
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School and university science departments
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Pharmaceutical and research settings
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Veterinary labs and cleanrooms
They support daily workflow by providing clear, accessible sections for items like pipettes, petri dishes, test tubes, glass slides, caps and more. Trays may also include fitted compartments or handles for carrying equipment between workstations and sterilisation areas.
Benefits of Using Tech Bins in Laboratories
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Improved Organisation
Well-designed bins reduce clutter and prevent misplacement of items, allowing staff to find what they need quickly. -
Infection Control
Using designated trays for sterile and used instruments supports hygiene standards and prevents cross-contamination, especially in shared lab spaces. -
Time Efficiency
Pre-sorted consumables reduce delays during time-sensitive experiments or diagnostics. -
Regulatory Compliance
Facilities following NATA or AS/NZS 2243.1 guidelines benefit from maintaining clean, well-labelled storage systems. -
Durability and Sterilisation
Most bins are resistant to autoclaving or chemical cleaning, ensuring a longer lifecycle and safer reuse.
According to Lab Manager Magazine, effective storage contributes significantly to minimising workplace accidents and increasing laboratory throughput.
Choosing the Right Tech Bins and Trays
When selecting storage bins or trays for your lab, consider:
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Material: Choose polypropylene for durability and chemical resistance
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Size and Compartments: Match the bin to your instruments or consumables
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Sterilisation Compatibility: Autoclavable materials are best for microbiology or surgical use
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Stackability: Ideal for facilities with limited bench or cabinet space
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Colour Coding: Supports zoning (e.g. clean vs contaminated areas)
At Medilab, we are working to expand our tech bins collection to meet the needs of both large labs and compact classrooms.
Storage and Safety in Lab Design
Efficient layout and storage are now considered essential components of safe lab design. The International Labour Organisation recommends structured zoning and equipment segregation in their lab safety and storage guidelines for science and education sectors.
Using bins with dedicated functions (e.g. dirty trays, clean storage, labelled containers) reduces handling time and supports ergonomic movement through lab tasks.
Many institutions also apply 5S methodology (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise, Sustain) from lean management, where bins and trays are key tools in maintaining consistent organisation across teams and shifts.
Tech bins and trays are more than storage solutions — they support workflow, protect equipment, and help labs meet safety and hygiene requirements. Whether you are managing samples, preparing slides, or simply keeping a clean bench, having the right bin or tray in place simplifies every task.
At Medilab Marketplace, our goal is to make high-quality laboratory organisation tools accessible to both professional labs and educational institutions.
🛒 Explore our full selection of Tech Bins and Trays today.
References
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Lab Manager Magazine. (2023). Ten Tips for Lab Organization. https://www.labmanager.com/lab-health-and-safety/ten-tips-for-lab-organization-12672
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International Labour Organization. (2023). Lab Safety and Storage Guidelines. https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/labour-administration-inspection/WCMS_110442/lang--en/index.htm
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Standards Australia. (2022). AS/NZS 2243.1: Safety in Laboratories – Planning and Operational Aspects