If you are setting up or expanding an existing lab to include RT-PCR assays, at a minimum, your lab will need these small laboratory equipment items to prepare and perform tests for various infectious diseases like COVID-19 PCR tests. A basic biotechnology lab setup typically needs the following equipment:

1. RT-PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) machine or Thermocycler and Gel Electrophoresis
2. Deep Freezer (-80 degrees)
3. Freezer (-20 degrees)
4. BioSafety Cabinet
5. Laminar Airflow
6. Refrigerated Centrifuge
7. Vortex Mixer
8. Binocular Microscope
9. Incubator
10. Autoclave/ sterilizer
11. Micro-centrifuge
12. Refrigerator

However, to establish a successful medical biotechnology lab, adequate space with proper layout, appropriate equipment and qualified personnel are a must. This is because PCR testing is vulnerable to cross contamination, especially from external DNA sources like hair and body fluids from technicians’ itself.