You will need some essential equipment if you want to open a DNA testing center. Trust me, not many people who are interested in starting a DNA testing business know the exact equipment they will need to get their DNA testing business up and running.
In this article, we will discuss all the major equipment you will need to start your DNA testing business, and what the equipment is used for.
Note that the costs stated in this article can vary depending on the brand and model, and of course, high-end equipment may come with additional features.
10 Equipment You Need to Start a DNA Testing Business, Their Uses and Cost
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PCR Machine (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
PCR Machine (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is used in the lab to make millions of copies of a particular section of DNA. PCR is used in molecular biology to make many copies of (amplify) small sections of DNA or a gene. This makes it possible to generate millions of copies of a particular section of DNA from a very small original amount.
Cost: $3,000 – $15,000
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Centrifuge
A centrifuge is a device that uses centrifugal force to subject a specimen to a specified constant force, for example, to separate various components of a fluid.
Use: Centrifuges separate heterogeneous mixtures into their various components – liquids in liquids, solids in liquids, and liquids in gases, based on the different densities of the components. One of the most common uses is to separate red blood cells and other blood components from whole blood.
Cost: $1,000 – $5,000
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Electrophoresis Unit
An electrophoresis unit is a laboratory instrument used to separate and analyze molecules, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, based on their size and charge. It consists of a horizontal or vertical gel chamber and an electrical power supply.
Use: Electrophoresis unit has a variety of applications; for example, it is used in DNA fingerprinting and the detection of genetic variants and proteins involved in health and disease as well as in the detection and purification of nucleic acids and proteins for research
Cost: $2,000 – $8,000
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DNA Sequencer
A DNA sequencer is a scientific instrument used to automate the DNA sequencing process. Given a sample of DNA, a DNA sequencer is used to determine the order of the four bases: G (guanine), C (cytosine), A (adenine) and T (thymine). This is then reported as a text string, called a read.
For example, cycle sequencing enables researchers to sequence much smaller amounts of DNA with little or no purification. It should be noted that the purity of the template will affect the quality of the sequence data.
Use: Sequences the nucleotides in DNA samples. Beyond medicine, DNA sequencing is now used for genetic testing for paternity and other family relationships.
It also helps identify crime suspects and victims involved in catastrophes. The technique is also vital to detecting bacteria and other organisms that may pollute air, water, soil, and food.
Cost: $20,000 – $150,000
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Spectrophotometer
A spectrophotometer is an instrument that measures the number of photons (the intensity of light) absorbed after it passes through a sample solution.
With the spectrophotometer, the amount of a known chemical substance (concentrations) can also be determined by measuring the intensity of light detected.
Use: Measures the concentration of DNA in samples. A spectrophotometer is used for the objective calculation of visible light, UV light, or infrared light emission or reflection. Spectrophotometers measure intensity as a function of the wavelength of the light source.
Cost: $2,000 – $7,000
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Autoclave
An autoclave is a machine that uses steam under pressure to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores on items that are placed inside a pressure vessel. The items are heated to an appropriate sterilization temperature for a given amount of time.
Use: Sterilizes laboratory tools and equipment. Autoclaves use steam heat to kill any microbial life that may be present on a contaminated load.
Cost: $2,500 – $10,000
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Microplate Reader
A microplate reader is a laboratory instrument that is used to measure chemical, biological, or physical reactions, properties, and analytes within the well of a microplate. A microplate consists of small wells in which separated reactions take place.
Use: A microplate reader predominately measures ultra-violet or visible absorbance, luminescence, and fluorescence. Absorbance is the measurement of how the substance in each well absorbs light in a given wavelength. Luminescence is the measurement of how much light is emitted by the substance in each well.
Cost: $4,000 – $10,000
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Refrigerated Storage Unit
A refrigerated storage unit is essential in a DNA testing lab for preserving biological samples, reagents, and sensitive chemicals at controlled, low temperatures.
These units help prevent sample degradation, ensuring the integrity of DNA and other biological materials for accurate testing results.
They are used to store DNA samples, enzymes, and PCR reagents that require specific temperature ranges to remain viable. Proper storage is crucial for long-term preservation and for maintaining the quality of sensitive materials.
Refrigerated units typically offer adjustable temperature settings, and their cost can range from $1,000 to $3,500, depending on the size and functionality.
Cost: $1,000 – $3,500
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Robotic Pipetting System
Robotic pipetting systems are often equipped with advanced features like automated liquid class calibration and volume verification, ensuring accuracy and precision across various liquids despite their inherent variability.
Use: Automates the process of handling liquid samples. Pipetting robots should be part of a robust automated liquid handling system to increase speed and efficiency.
Cost: $5,000 – $25,000
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Laminar Flow Hood
A laminar flow cabinet or tissue culture hood is a partially enclosed bench work surface designed to prevent contamination of biological samples, semiconductor wafers, or any particle-sensitive materials.
Air is drawn through a HEPA filter and blown in a very smooth laminar flow in a narrow vertical curtain, separating the interior of the cabinet from the environment around it. The cabinet is usually made of stainless steel with no gaps or joints where spores might collect.
Use: Ensures a sterile working environment for DNA testing. Laminar flow hoods protect the working environment from dust and other airborne contaminants by maintaining a constant, unidirectional flow of HEPA-filtered air over the work area.