Universities and research institutions rely on laboratory testing for much more than classroom experiments. From undergraduate projects and postgraduate research to scientific publications and industrial studies, laboratory analysis can provide the data researchers need to support their findings.
Not every institution has access to every specialised instrument or analytical technique. In these situations, external laboratory testing can give researchers access to equipment and expertise that may not be available in their own laboratory.
If you need laboratory analysis for an academic project or research study, explore the testing services available through AllAnalysis.
Why Do Universities Use Laboratory Testing Services?
University laboratories may have excellent facilities, but no laboratory can realistically have every analytical instrument available.
Some research projects require specialised techniques such as:
- HPLC.
- GC-MS.
- FTIR.
- XRD.
- XRF.
- SEM.
- NMR.
- Environmental analysis.
- Microbiological testing.
Rather than purchasing and maintaining expensive equipment for occasional use, researchers may send samples to a specialised laboratory.
This can save time and give researchers access to analytical capabilities required for their projects.
Laboratory Testing for Student Projects
Laboratory testing can be useful for undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.
For example, a student studying chemistry might need to determine the chemical composition of a material, while an engineering student may need to investigate the properties of a manufactured sample.
Depending on the project, external laboratory analysis can provide data that supports the student's experimental work.
Researchers should ensure that any external testing is properly documented and acknowledged according to their institution's academic requirements.
Laboratory Testing for Postgraduate Research
Master's and doctoral research often involves more specialised analysis.
A research project may require the identification or measurement of compounds that cannot be analysed using the equipment available at the university.
External laboratory testing can provide additional analytical data for studies involving:
- Pharmaceutical research.
- Environmental science.
- Chemistry.
- Biology.
- Materials science.
- Food science.
- Agriculture.
- Engineering.
The results can then be combined with the researcher's own experiments and observations.
Chemical Analysis
Chemical analysis is one of the most common reasons researchers use external laboratories.
Researchers may need to determine the composition, concentration, purity, or chemical characteristics of a sample.
Depending on the research question, techniques such as HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, UV-Visible spectroscopy, or other analytical methods may be appropriate.
The laboratory should understand what information the researcher needs before recommending a method.
HPLC Testing for Research
HPLC is particularly useful when researchers need to separate and quantify compounds in a mixture.
Academic researchers may use HPLC to investigate:
- Pharmaceutical compounds.
- Plant extracts.
- Food components.
- Organic compounds.
- Degradation products.
- Chemical formulations.
For example, a researcher investigating a plant extract may use HPLC to identify and quantify specific compounds within the extract.
GC-MS Testing for Research
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) combines chromatographic separation with mass spectrometry.
It can be useful for investigating volatile and semi-volatile compounds.
Researchers may use GC-MS for areas such as:
- Essential oils.
- Environmental contaminants.
- Chemical analysis.
- Forensic research.
- Food and flavour analysis.
The suitability of GC-MS depends on the chemical properties of the compounds being investigated.
FTIR Analysis for Academic Research
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) provides information about the chemical bonds and functional groups present in a material.
Researchers can use FTIR to investigate materials such as:
- Polymers.
- Pharmaceuticals.
- Chemicals.
- Plant materials.
- Coatings.
- Other organic and inorganic materials.
FTIR can be particularly useful when researchers want to compare materials or investigate changes in chemical structure.
XRD Testing for Research
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) is widely used in materials science and related research.
It provides information about the crystalline structure of materials.
Researchers may use XRD to investigate:
- Metals.
- Minerals.
- Ceramics.
- Cementitious materials.
- Crystalline pharmaceuticals.
- Nanomaterials.
XRD can help researchers understand the phases and structural characteristics of a material.
XRF Testing for Research
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is commonly used to determine the elemental composition of materials.
It can be applied to samples such as:
- Rocks and minerals.
- Soil.
- Metals.
- Ceramics.
- Industrial materials.
- Environmental samples.
For researchers studying elemental composition, XRF can provide valuable analytical data without requiring the same type of sample preparation used by some other techniques.
SEM Analysis for Research
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) provides high-resolution images of a material's surface.
Researchers can use SEM to examine:
- Surface morphology.
- Particle structure.
- Material defects.
- Coatings.
- Fibres.
- Microstructures.
Depending on the instrument configuration, SEM may also be combined with elemental analysis to provide additional information about the material.
Environmental Laboratory Testing
Environmental researchers may need to analyse samples collected from water, soil, air, or other environmental sources.
Testing can help investigate:
- Heavy metals.
- Chemical contaminants.
- Nutrients.
- Microorganisms.
- Organic pollutants.
- Water-quality parameters.
External laboratory analysis can be particularly useful when a research project requires analytical equipment that isn't available within the university.
Food and Agricultural Research
Universities conducting research in food science, agriculture, and related fields may require laboratory testing to investigate the composition and quality of food and agricultural products.
Testing may involve:
- Nutritional composition.
- Vitamins.
- Minerals.
- Pesticide residues.
- Mycotoxins.
- Microorganisms.
- Chemical compounds.
Laboratory results can help researchers compare samples, evaluate treatments, and investigate changes in food or agricultural products.
Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Research
Researchers working in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields may require analytical testing during drug and formulation studies.
Laboratory analysis can help researchers investigate:
- Active pharmaceutical ingredients.
- Drug concentration.
- Impurities.
- Degradation.
- Formulation differences.
- Chemical stability.
The specific testing method depends on the research question and characteristics of the sample.
Materials Research
Materials researchers often need detailed information about the chemical, structural, and physical characteristics of a material.
Depending on the project, testing may include:
- Elemental analysis.
- Crystal structure analysis.
- Surface morphology.
- Chemical bonding.
- Particle analysis.
- Material composition.
Using several analytical techniques can sometimes provide a more complete understanding of a material than relying on one test alone.
Testing for Research Publications
Reliable laboratory data can be an important part of academic research and scientific publications.
Researchers should keep detailed records of:
- Sample identification.
- Sample preparation.
- Analytical methods.
- Instrument conditions.
- Testing dates.
- Results.
- Quality-control procedures.
This information can help make research more transparent and reproducible.
If external laboratory testing is used, researchers should also follow their institution's requirements for reporting and acknowledging the laboratory's contribution.
Testing for Industrial and Collaborative Research
Universities increasingly collaborate with businesses, government organisations, and other research institutions.
External laboratory testing can support these collaborations by providing independent analytical data.
For example, a university research team developing a new material may need laboratory analysis to verify its chemical composition or structural properties before presenting the findings to an industrial partner.
How Researchers Should Prepare Samples
Good sample preparation is essential for reliable laboratory analysis.
Before submitting a sample, researchers should confirm:
- The required sample quantity.
- The correct container.
- Storage conditions.
- Whether preservation is required.
- Labelling requirements.
- Any sample-preparation instructions.
- The expected reporting format.
The laboratory should be informed about anything unusual that could affect testing.
Choosing the Right Laboratory Test
The most appropriate test depends on the research question.
Instead of simply asking for a particular instrument, researchers should explain what they are trying to determine.
For example, saying:
"I need to determine the elemental composition of this soil sample"
is more useful than simply saying:
"I need XRF."
The laboratory can then determine whether XRF is appropriate or whether another analytical technique would provide better information.
What Information Should Researchers Give the Laboratory?
When requesting laboratory analysis, provide as much relevant information as possible.
This may include:
- Sample type.
- Research objective.
- Expected compounds or elements.
- Expected concentration range.
- Number of samples.
- Required detection limits.
- Any known hazards.
- Desired turnaround time.
- Required reporting format.
Clear information helps the laboratory select appropriate methods and provide a more useful quotation.
Why External Laboratory Testing Can Be Useful
Using an external laboratory can provide researchers with:
- Access to specialised instruments.
- Experienced analytical personnel.
- Additional testing capacity.
- Independent analytical results.
- Support for complex research projects.
- Reduced need to purchase expensive equipment.
It can also allow university researchers to focus on their research questions while specialised analytical work is handled by an appropriate laboratory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students use external laboratory testing?
Yes. Students may use external laboratories for research projects when appropriate and permitted by their institution.
What laboratory tests can researchers request?
Researchers can request many types of chemical, physical, biological, environmental, and materials analysis depending on their research objectives.
Can universities send samples for HPLC testing?
Yes. HPLC is widely used in academic research for analysing and quantifying compounds in various samples.
Can researchers send samples for FTIR analysis?
Yes. FTIR is commonly used in research involving polymers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, plant materials, coatings, and other materials.
Can external laboratory results be used in a research paper?
They can be used as part of research when the testing is appropriate, properly documented, and reported according to the requirements of the research project, institution, or journal.
How should researchers prepare samples?
Sample requirements depend on the analytical method. Researchers should contact the laboratory beforehand to confirm sample quantity, container, storage, and preparation requirements.
What if I don't know which test I need?
Explain your research question and the information you need to obtain. A laboratory may be able to recommend an appropriate analytical technique.
Final Thoughts
Laboratory testing can provide universities and researchers with access to specialised analytical capabilities that may not be available in their own facilities.
Whether the project involves pharmaceuticals, food, agriculture, environmental samples, chemicals, polymers, metals, minerals, or other materials, laboratory analysis can provide data that supports research, product development, academic projects, and scientific publications.
The key is to choose the test based on the research question rather than simply choosing a laboratory technique because it is available. Proper sample preparation, clear communication with the laboratory, appropriate analytical methods, and accurate documentation all contribute to useful research results.
If you're a student, researcher, lecturer, or research team looking for laboratory analysis, explore the testing services available through AllAnalysis.
For more practical information about laboratory techniques and analytical testing, read more on the AllAnalysis blog.
