2014 Homogenizers Product Survey
Turning a sample into a suspension—the essence of homogenizing—occurs in a wide range of laboratory applications. In life science and clinical research, scientists often homogenize tissue samples for various analytical studies.
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Trevor Henderson, PhD
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Trevor Henderson BSc (HK), MSc, PhD (c), is the creative services director at Lab Manager. He has more than two decades of experience in the fields of scientific...
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Top 6 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Homogenizer
- How does this homogenizer differ from the competition? What makes it superior in quality and cost effective for the scientist?
- What accessories are necessary to run the unit? Are there pre-assembled bead kits to use that will simplify the homogenization process?
- Does the company offer demo units for the scientist to test out?
- Does the company offer application and technical phone support before/after the product purchase?
- Ask about replacements in case the product parts break down with use.
- Finally, ask about cost of the purchase, installation charges and warranty extension costs.
Types of homogenizers used by survey respondents:
| Rotor-stator | 41% |
| Ultrasonic | 30% |
| Bead Mill | 17% |
| Fluidized bed | 7% |
| Other | 6% |
Primary purpose for homogenizers as indicated by survey respondents:
| Research | 66% |
| Processing | 15% |
| Quality Control | 8% |
| Clinical and Diagnostics | 7% |
| Other | 53% |
Nearly 32% of respondents plan on purchasing a homogenizer in the next year. The reasons for these purchases are as follows:
 | Replacement of aging model |  |
 | Addition to existing systems, increase capacity | |
 | Setting up a new lab | |
 | First time purchase of a homogenizer |
Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing a homogenizer:
| Durability of product | 92% |
| Low maintenance - easy to use and clean | 86% |
| Value for price paid | 83% |
| Results with minimum deviation | 78% |
| Variable speed controls | 78% |
| Reliability of vendor | 75% |
| Service and support | 69% |
| Warranty | 68% |
| Safety features | 66% |
| Reputation of vendor | 62% |
Completed Surveys: 219
For more information on homogenizers, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/homogenizers