Leaders in Pharmaceutical Lab Design
With more than 50 years’ experience in pharmaceutical lab design, we know what works best for different kinds of facilities, whether you’re working in pharma research, sample analysis, diagnostics or any other discipline.
Our deep understanding of pharmaceutical quality control laboratory design allows for high-quality outcomes from every analysis you undertake, with all of the equipment, storage and services you need to be designed into your immediate work area.
Every design is different, which is why we work closely with our clients, building from the initial consultation to deliver a truly bespoke pharma lab interior design comprising all of the required elements and room to reconfigure the space as you see fit.
What is a pharmaceutical lab?
Pharmaceutical laboratories are involved in researching, formulating, testing and manufacturing drugs and medicines, as well as playing a role in processing pharmaceutical samples like diagnostics and medicine prescriptions.
This can mean working with a wide variety of formats, such as:
- Eye drops and ear drops
- Injections and hypodermics
- Lotions, creams and ointments
- Pills, capsules and tablets
- Syrups and supplements
Developing different encapsulations requires a variety of equipment. Pharma lab design should factor in built-in appliances, countertop electrical devices, services like gas, electricity, and water, and extraction via scientific fume cupboards.
What should be considered in a pharmaceutical lab?
Pharmaceutical quality control laboratory design should uphold the current industry standards, including any additional cleanroom precautions required when handling sensitive pharmaceutical samples or unstable substances.
Some of the criteria to keep in mind include:
- ISO 1-9 Cleanroom classes
- GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) regulations
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards
There are many things to consider when designing a pharma laboratory, including:
- Hygiene is incredibly important. It’s good idea to have a handwash station at the main entrance so anyone coming into the space can wash their hands with hot water and soap immediately.
- Storage of samples, chemicals, and reagents should keep all materials at the correct temperature and isolate them from anything they might react with. Under-counter cupboards, fridges and freezers can allow small quantities to be kept close at hand during experiments.
- Fume cupboards give a safe, insulated space within which reactions can be performed, with any hazardous emissions carried away to the exterior of the building and/or HEPA filtered out of the interior air.
What equipment is required in a pharmaceutical lab?
The exact equipment needed in a pharmaceutical lab depends on the nature of your work. For instance, if you process test-tube samples on a regular basis, you may need vortex mixers and centrifuges, which should be securely anchored due to the high forces they exert.
Live samples such as bacteria and viruses should be stored securely and may need to be held at low temperatures, requiring lockable refrigerators and glass-fronted freezer cabinets.
S+B can work with you on your pharmaceutical lab design to decide the equipment you want to have installed permanently, as well as any countertop appliances and testing and analysis equipment you’d like to have a designated space for.
We work with you closely throughout the entire process to ensure your facility is not only built to the highest industry standards but also delivers everything you need to carry out your work easily and efficiently.