laborator

A laborator, commonly corresponding to the English term laboratory, is a controlled environment equipped for conducting experiments, measurements, and analyses. Laboratories provide the tools, supplies, and conditions necessary to observe phenomena, test hypotheses, and produce reproducible results. They range from small teaching spaces to large research facilities.

In many languages the term resembles similar roots such as laborator or laboratorio and shares the same linguistic lineage with words for work and labor. The concept appears across scientific disciplines and is central to modern science, medicine, industry, and education.

Common types include academic research laboratories, clinical laboratories, industrial or analytical laboratories, and field laboratories. Academic labs focus on basic or applied research; clinical labs perform diagnostic testing on human samples; industrial labs conduct quality control, product development, or materials testing; field labs operate outside traditional facilities for on-site analysis.

Facilities typically include workbenches, instrumentation, safety equipment, and spaces designed for sample preparation, analysis, and data recording. Equipment varies by field but may include microscopes, chromatographs, spectrometers, thermal cyclers, incubators, fume hoods, and calibrated measurement devices. Data management and documentation are standard practices.

Safety and regulatory standards apply, including training in laboratory practices and appropriate personal protective equipment. Many laboratories adhere to standards such as Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and ISO/IEC 17025 for testing and calibration laboratories, ensuring quality and traceability.

Historical note: The establishment of systematic laboratories grew during the scientific revolution, with universities and research institutions developing dedicated spaces for controlled experimentation.