Evidence technician packaging dried evidence in a paper bag beside stainless steel drying and storage cabinets in a Utah lab

Evidence Drying and Storage Cabinets: Utah Lab Guide

Labs USA Team

Quick answer

  • Wet biological evidence should be dried before it is packaged and stored. If it stays wet, bacteria and mold can destroy the DNA.
  • Small agencies can dry items in a secure, labeled locker or room. Agencies with a daily wet-evidence load usually move to a commercial drying cabinet with HEPA filtration.
  • Pick ducted or ductless drying based on your building, your filters and your safety team’s review.
  • Size drying capacity for your busiest intake days. Size long-term storage for your retention rules and growth.
  • Keep intake, drying, packaging and storage in separate zones, and get a measured layout before you sign a PO.

A Utah evidence manager opens the drying cabinet and finds every space full. Wet clothing from a new case is waiting on a cart, and older items still need time before they can be bagged. The real problem is not one more cabinet. It is a workflow that has outgrown its drying, transfer and storage space.

This guide treats evidence drying and storage cabinets for Utah labs as one part of the evidence process, not a stand-alone purchase. It covers what the national guidance says about drying, which cabinet types fit which jobs, how to size and lay out the room, and what to check before you order.

Why Wet Evidence Has to Be Dried First

The NIST Biological Evidence Preservation Handbook is the main national reference for evidence handlers. It says that drying wet items, such as a blood-soaked shirt, should be the first task once the item has been collected. If wet biological material is not air-dried the right way, bacterial growth can destroy it and block a DNA result.

The handbook also covers what to do when drying space is not available yet:

  • Short-term wet storage: Place the item in a sealed container that liquid and vapor cannot pass through, such as a metal can or glass jar. Keep it in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (about 35°F to 46°F), out of direct sunlight, until it can be dried.
  • Plastic bags: They can hold wet evidence for a short time only. They should not be used for long-term storage because of bacteria and mold. The exceptions are bags with desiccant and breathable Tyvek bags.
  • Packaging after drying: Utah’s state crime lab requires paper bags for all biological and DNA evidence. See the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services evidence packaging guide for its sealing and labeling rules.

That is why the drying step drives the whole room. If drying backs up, wet items sit in temporary containers, packaging waits, and storage fills with items that are not ready.

The Four Stages an Evidence Room Has to Support

An evidence room may take in wet clothing, bedding, towels, shoes, swabs, firearms, phones and other case items. Each one carries a different handling risk. A bloody shirt needs controlled drying. A firearm needs secure, separate storage. A phone needs a clean, locked spot while it waits for exam.

Most operations move items through four connected stages:

  1. Intake and labeling. Staff receive the item, check the case details, note its condition and assign a tracked location.
  2. Drying. Wet or biological items go into a secure, ventilated space where they hang apart from items from other cases.
  3. Transfer and packaging. Dried items move to a clean bench to be packaged in paper, sealed and labeled.
  4. Long-term storage. Packaged items go into secure cabinets, lockers or shelving that match the retention plan.
Evidence intake wall with numbered pass-through lockers and a transaction window in a forensic laboratory
Intake lockers give officers a secure drop point after hours. Wet items still need a drying cabinet, since a standard locker does not move or filter air.

Plan the bench, packaging supplies, scanner, cart parking, PPE, spill kit and the route to storage at the same time as the cabinets. The cabinet is only one piece of the system.

Keep items from different cases, and from victims and suspects, apart during drying. The Massachusetts evidence handling manual is another useful reference for separation and packaging controls.

Low-Tech Drying Areas vs. Commercial Drying Cabinets

The NIST handbook describes two ways to dry biological evidence. Which one fits depends on how much wet evidence you handle.

Low-tech: a designated locker or room

Agencies that do not handle much wet evidence often use an isolated, secure space, such as a metal locker labeled for biohazards, a shower stall or a small room. NIST recommends these conditions for that kind of space:

  • Keep it out of direct sunlight.
  • Hold the temperature between 60°F and 75°F (15.5°C to 24°C) as much as you can.
  • Keep relative humidity at or below 60 percent.
  • Use wall, ceiling and floor materials that can be decontaminated after every use.
  • Hang garments with clean paper under and between them to catch trace evidence. Package that paper separately and submit it with the item.
Steel evidence drying locker with two bloodstained garments hung apart over clean paper, a paper divider and paper bags clipped to the door
Illustration. A low-tech drying locker: garments hang apart, clean paper catches trace evidence, and repackaging bags wait on the door.

High-tech: a commercial evidence drying cabinet

NIST calls a commercially made evidence drying cabinet one of the most accepted ways to dry biological evidence. The cabinet secures the item while air moves through a HEPA filter that captures airborne particles. NIST notes that the filter itself may become evidence. These cabinets are most common in larger agencies that need to dry evidence every day.

No matter which method you use, NIST says hangers should not be reused. It also recommends a written policy that names who cleans the drying area, how it is decontaminated, how the cleaning is recorded and how long those records are kept.

Cabinet Types That Fit the Application

No single cabinet fits every Utah evidence room. The right choice depends on biological risk, building services, security, floor space and case flow. Forensic cabinet guidance from Air Science lists controlled airflow, filtration and containment as the core needs for forensic drying.

A ducted drying cabinet sends exhaust to the building system. It fits facilities that already have exhaust capacity and a steady biological workload. It also brings mechanical design, roof or wall penetrations, air balancing and inspection into the project.

A ductless filtered drying cabinet cleans the air and returns it to the room. It can make sense in an older building where new exhaust runs would mean major construction. The filters must match the actual hazard. Our ducted vs. ductless guide explains the general tradeoffs.

TopAir forensic evidence drying hood with glass doors, hanging rods and filtered exhaust
A TopAir ductless evidence drying cabinet. Its catalog lists pre-filter, HEPA and carbon filtration, an internal humidity and temperature display, and UV disinfection between uses.

As one example, the evidence drying cabinet in the TopAir Systems forensic catalog is ductless and built from polypropylene with safety glass. The catalog lists a pre-filter on the incoming air, HEPA and carbon filtration on the exhaust, a UV light with a safety interlock for disinfection between sessions, and a bottom drain basin with a tap. Standard widths run from 30 to 96 inches at 75 inches tall, and the maker offers custom sizes. Confirm the exact model, filters and listing for your project before approval.

A combination drying and storage unit saves floor space but can blur the line between wet evidence and finished storage. Use one only when the internal separation, airflow, cleaning steps and access control are clear.

Secure evidence lockers work well for intake, temporary holding and case separation. They do not replace a drying cabinet when evidence is wet.

High-density mobile shelving adds long-term capacity for packaged items. It is not drying equipment, and it adds floor load, rail and aisle questions.

Cabinet type Airflow and filtration Security Space and services Best fit
Ducted drying cabinet Building exhaust plus specified filters Lockable enclosure Needs an exhaust connection Steady biological drying where exhaust is available
Ductless filtered drying cabinet Pre-filter, HEPA and carbon as specified, air returned to room Lockable enclosure Flexible placement, needs power and filter service Retrofits and rooms without a practical exhaust route
Designated drying locker or room Room air, no cabinet filtration Locked, labeled space Low cost, needs cleanable surfaces Low wet-evidence volume (NIST low-tech method)
Combination drying and storage unit Drying zone plus enclosed storage Moderate to high Compact, needs clear separation Small operations with strong procedures
Secure evidence locker Not a drying system High, per compartment Wall or floor modules Intake, temporary holding, case separation
Mobile or static storage shelving Storage only Lockable options Dense, needs floor and rail review Packaged evidence and long retention

To compare broader cabinet families, see our laboratory safety cabinets and storage systems or the Utah safety cabinet hub. Controlled substances need their own plan, covered on our narcotic and controlled substance cabinet page.

Practical rule: Size drying cabinets for your busiest wet-evidence period. Size long-term storage for your retention policy, current inventory and planned growth. Do not use one number for both.

Sizing, Layout and Access

Sizing starts with evidence flow, not room size. A large room can still fail if carts cannot turn, intake is far from drying, or staff must cross a secure boundary to pick up a package.

Start with your own case records. Pull a recent report and split it into wet items, dry packaged items, firearms, digital media, oversized items and restricted items. Record how long each type holds a cabinet or shelf spot. That tells you far more than asking how many cabinets “a lab like yours” buys.

Plan the room in working zones

Put the intake bench near the receiving path. Keep drying cabinets close enough for short, controlled transfers, but out of the path to long-term storage. Place a clean packaging bench between drying and storage so dried items never go back past wet ones.

Evidence technician packaging a dried shirt on clean paper at a stainless steel bench beside a ventilated evidence drying cabinet
Illustration. A cleanable packaging bench next to the drying cabinet keeps the transfer short and gives staff a clean surface for paper packaging and labels.

Check these conditions before you draw the layout:

  • Cart movement: Measure doorways, turning areas and the route from intake to drying.
  • Service access: Leave room for filter changes, fan access, electrical work and cleaning.
  • Exhaust route: For ducted units, confirm ceiling space, connection points and access.
  • Doors: Review door swings, pass-through options, lock zones and sight lines.
  • Separation: Give wet, packaged and restricted evidence their own locations.
  • Growth: Reserve space and utility stubs for added cabinets instead of filling every wall now.

Stainless steel is a good fit for benches and cabinets that are cleaned and decontaminated often. Compare stainless steel laboratory cabinets and stainless steel casework for the packaging and intake zones. To sketch the zones and send them to us for review, use the free lab layout configurator.

Use throughput records, not guessed capacity

One cabinet space does not equal one item. Bedding, coats and shoes take far more room than swabs. A shared cabinet also becomes a bottleneck when one case is still wet and another arrives.

Build the drying schedule from:

  • Peak wet-item arrivals
  • Drying times your own staff have recorded
  • How many cases must stay separated at once
  • Staff loading and unloading patterns
  • Packaging and transfer time
  • Long-term retention volume
  • Planned expansion or phased installs

Planning a Utah evidence room or crime lab update?

Send us your floor plan and a recent intake report. We will lay out drying, packaging and storage zones and quote the cabinets and casework. Start with the lab layout configurator, request a quote, or call (801) 855-8560.

Code, Safety and Site Checks in Utah

Treat compliance as a checklist you verify, not a promise you accept. Ask the maker and your project safety team to name which rule applies to each cabinet and each material.

Know which standard applies to which cabinet. UL 1275 is the standard for flammable liquid storage cabinets. It does not cover evidence drying cabinets. The University of Utah EHS chemical storage guidance tells labs to buy flammable cabinets that are OSHA and NFPA approved (which meets UL 1275) with self-closing doors to meet fire code. It also says flammable cabinets usually should not be vented, because poor venting can defeat their fire protection. For a drying cabinet, ask instead for the electrical listing, the filter specifications and the maker’s installation instructions for that exact model.

Do not use a drying cabinet for chemicals. If the room also stores flammable or corrosive liquids, they need their own listed cabinets. The NIH chemical storage cabinet fact sheet notes that flammable and corrosive cabinets are built for one hazard class and should not be used for general storage. Our guide to flammable vs. corrosive safety cabinets covers the differences.

Biological drying is a ventilation question. A filtered drying cabinet should pull air in and filter it before it leaves, so contaminated air does not spill into the room. Depending on the model, features can include pre-filters, HEPA and carbon filters, negative pressure, drains, locks and UV disinfection. Your EHS team decides which features the work requires. For the room itself, see our forensic evidence lab ventilation guide.

For teams that want outside help running the review, outsourced health and safety advisers can organize the process. Your facility’s authorities and EHS professionals still make the site decisions.

Verify the site before the PO

Confirm these items with the architect, contractor, EHS lead, fire marshal and installer:

  • Listings and fire requirements for each cabinet type
  • Exhaust, filtration and room airflow
  • Electrical service and disconnect location
  • Door, ceiling, sprinkler and service clearances
  • Floor condition, anchoring and seismic restraint
  • Cleaning, decontamination, spill response and PPE
  • Local permits and inspections
  • Access control and chain-of-custody procedures

The Wasatch Front is a seismic area, so tall cabinets and shelving should be reviewed for restraint. See seismic lab shelving and storage restraint in Utah and review it with your project engineer.

Utah public agencies may be able to buy through the state contract. Review the Utah state contract for lab shelving and storage when it fits your purchasing path. Some agency teams also find Utah evidence locker and cabinet guidance helpful as background on locker styles.

Long-Term Storage After Drying

Once an item is dry and packaged in paper, it moves to storage. NIST defines “temperature controlled” storage as 60°F to 75°F with less than 60 percent humidity. For dry biological stained items, its short-term storage table rates temperature-controlled storage as best and room temperature as acceptable. Items that must stay frozen or refrigerated need their own equipment.

High-density mobile shelving with handwheels on each carriage holding boxed and bagged evidence in a crime lab
High-density mobile shelving fits more packaged evidence into a room. It is for dried, sealed items only, never for drying.

NIST also recommends that agencies standardize packaging and set up shelving for faster retrieval, and that they keep different kinds of biohazardous evidence apart. Plan storage around these points:

  • Retention volume: Count current packages and estimate growth from your retention rules.
  • Package sizes: Match shelf depth and spacing to your real boxes and bags.
  • Security tiers: Put firearms, drugs, money and high-profile cases in locked zones with access logs.
  • Density: Mobile shelving saves floor space but needs a floor load and rail review.

Price storage layouts with the high-density shelving configurator or the security shelving configurator.

How to Plan an Evidence Drying and Storage Room in 7 Steps

  1. Pull your intake data. Use 6 to 12 months of records to count wet items, packaged items and restricted items, and find your peak weeks.
  2. Choose the drying method. Low volume can work with a designated locker or room. Daily wet evidence points to a commercial drying cabinet.
  3. Pick ducted or ductless. Check exhaust access, filter needs and your EHS team’s review.
  4. Draw the four zones. Lay out intake, drying, packaging and storage in a one-way sequence.
  5. Size each zone. Size drying for peak days and storage for retention and growth.
  6. Check the site. Confirm power, exhaust, clearances, floor, anchoring and permits.
  7. Get a drawing and a written quote. Ask for a layout with clearances, model numbers, filters, install scope, warranty and service terms.

Installation, Lead Time and Service

Lead time depends on the cabinet model, filters, finish, controls, exhaust needs and any custom sizes. Ask for a written lead time on your exact configuration rather than relying on a general estimate. If the room also needs casework, our quick-ship lab casework program can help align the schedules.

Ducted systems usually take more site coordination than ductless units. Before ordering, confirm power, exhaust stubs, ceiling access, floor condition, the delivery path and where evidence will be staged during the install.

Technician in gloves, eye protection and respirator removing a used filter from an evidence drying cabinet into a biohazard bag
Illustration. Plan filter changes as a controlled task with PPE and a set disposal method. NIST notes a drying cabinet’s HEPA filter may itself become evidence.

Put these items in writing

  • Submittals: Product drawings, electrical data, filter details and installation instructions.
  • Startup checks: What the maker tests before shipping and what the installer checks on site.
  • Delivery: How to report shipping damage or missing parts.
  • Commissioning: Who checks airflow, alarms, locks, lights and controls.
  • Filter handling: How filters are changed, who changes them, and whether a used filter must be held as evidence.
  • Parts: Availability of replacement filters and parts over the cabinet’s life.
  • Warranty: Coverage, exclusions, response times and labor.
  • Recurring checks: Who owns any performance checks your facility requires.

Common Utah Buyer Scenarios

Two rooms with the same size can need very different cabinet plans.

County sheriff’s property room. Mixed evidence, irregular deposits and thin staffing. Use secure intake lockers, a filtered drying cabinet for wet items and separate storage for packaged evidence. Next step: pull a recent intake report and schedule a site walk.

Midsize city police evidence bay. Frequent access and a need to keep wet biological items away from general storage. Set intake, drying, packaging and storage in a logical line, and avoid open shelving for restricted items. Next step: mark the intake-to-storage route on your floor plan.

University forensic teaching lab. Shared use and changing users. Choose lockable, cleanable drying and storage units with clear controls. Next step: ask university EHS to review the cabinet and room use.

State crime lab expansion. Repeatable workflows, strong records and room to grow. Ducted or high-performance filtered drying may suit a steady biological load. Next step: request coordinated mechanical and architectural drawings. Our forensic crime lab furniture guide covers the rest of the lab room by room.

Small private toxicology intake room. Compact secure storage and a receiving bench, with drying only if items arrive wet. Do not buy a large system to fix a paperwork problem. Next step: sort material types and list which ones need drying.

Scenario Main pressure Suggested setup Layout driver First step
County property room Mixed items, irregular deposits Intake lockers plus filtered drying Secure handoff path Review intake records
City evidence bay Frequent access, case separation Drying cabinet plus secure storage Short intake-to-storage route Mark the current flow
University teaching lab Shared users, supervision Lockable, cleanable units Controlled access Schedule EHS review
State lab expansion Steady biological load Ducted or high-performance filtered drying Mechanical coordination Request coordinated drawings
Private toxicology intake Small space, selective drying Secure cabinet, drying only if needed Limited footprint Classify materials first

For more on public-sector projects, see government and federal lab furniture and our guide to public health and forensic lab casework in Utah.

FAQ: Evidence Drying and Storage Cabinets

Why must wet evidence be dried before storage?

Wet biological material can grow bacteria and mold, which can destroy DNA. The NIST handbook says drying wet items should be the first task after collection, and that plastic bags should only hold wet items for a short time.

Do we need a commercial drying cabinet, or will a locker work?

It depends on volume. NIST describes a secure, labeled locker or room as a workable low-tech method for agencies with little wet evidence. Agencies that dry evidence daily usually use a commercial cabinet with HEPA filtration.

Are ductless filtered drying cabinets accepted in Utah?

They can be, but approval depends on the model’s listing, its filters, the materials handled, your EHS review and local authority rules. Get model-specific documents before approval and confirm the setup fits your workflow.

Does UL 1275 apply to evidence drying cabinets?

No. UL 1275 covers flammable liquid storage cabinets. Store flammable liquids in a listed flammable cabinet, and ask the drying cabinet maker for that model’s electrical listing and filter specifications instead.

How often should HEPA or carbon filters be changed?

There is no single interval. It depends on use, contaminants, airflow readings, alarms and the maker’s instructions. Write the inspection method, the change trigger and the person responsible into your service plan, and decide in advance whether a used filter must be kept as evidence.

What temperature and humidity should a drying area have?

For low-tech drying areas, NIST recommends 60°F to 75°F, relative humidity at or below 60 percent, and no direct sunlight. A commercial cabinet controls its own airflow, but the room should still be kept stable.

Do cabinets need to be anchored on the Wasatch Front?

Anchoring may be required by the project design, cabinet type, building or engineer. Have a qualified engineer or installer review the floor, cabinet height, seismic restraint and clearances before you order.

What should a quote include?

Ask for the model, dimensions, filters, electrical needs, locks, accessories, delivery, installation, commissioning, warranty, maintenance instructions and any site work. Ask for a layout drawing that shows clearances and access, not just a price list.

Get Help Planning Your Evidence Room

The right setup gives you clean separation, controlled airflow, secure access and documented transfers. Cabinet count alone does not set capacity. Evidence mix, drying time, staff movement and room limits do.

Labs USA supplies laboratory furniture, safety storage, casework and planning support for Utah crime labs, property rooms and teaching labs. Use our free design tools to rough out the room, then send it to us for pricing:

Prefer to talk it through? Request a quote or call Labs USA at (801) 855-8560 for a free layout review.


Forensic Crime Lab Furniture Utah: Planning Guide for Labs - forensic crime lab furniture Utah

Forensic Crime Lab Furniture Utah: Room-by-Room Guide

Labs USA Team

A forensic crime lab is not one lab. It is a set of rooms that each handle a different kind of evidence. Evidence comes in at a secure counter. DNA work needs clean rooms that stay apart from each other. Toxicology needs chemical benches and hoods. Firearms needs heavy benches. All of it has to protect the chain of custody.

This guide is for lab managers, facility teams, buyers, architects and contractors who are planning forensic crime lab furniture in Utah. It explains what each section of a crime lab needs, which surfaces fit which rooms, how to size benches, and how to get an accurate quote.

Quick answer

  • Plan the furniture room by room. Intake, DNA, trace, toxicology, firearms and evidence storage all need different benches, surfaces and storage.
  • Pick the surface by the hazard: epoxy resin near fume hoods, stainless steel where biological evidence touches the top, laminated maple for firearms and vehicle benches.
  • Keep pre-PCR and post-PCR DNA work in separate rooms with one-way movement.
  • Give every analyst a locking cabinet for in-process evidence.
  • Lay out the evidence route first, then place the benches. Our free lab layout configurator is a good place to start.

Why Forensic Lab Furniture Needs Its Own Plan

Most furniture problems in a crime lab show up during coordination, not on the first drawing. A bench fits the floor plan but sits in the path of evidence traffic. A shared cabinet forces DNA staff to walk through a clean room. A fume hood ends up as chemical storage. Each of these mistakes can slow casework, add contamination risk, or weaken the chain of custody.

Utah shows how much these labs have grown. The Utah Bureau of Forensic Services has been accredited since 1996. It runs three labs: the central lab in the Salt Lake area, a northern lab in Ogden, and a southern lab in Cedar City that opened in 2021. The central lab moved into the new Unified State Laboratory in Taylorsville in 2017. News coverage at the time put that building at about $41 million and 90,000 square feet, with chemistry, trace, DNA and robotics space, a firing range and vehicle processing bays under one roof. The Utah Department of Public Safety calls the bureau the only full-service accredited forensic laboratory in Utah.

City and county agencies, medical examiners, university programs and private labs in Utah have the same needs on a smaller scale. For the wider public-sector picture, see our page on government and federal lab furniture and our guide to public health and forensic lab casework in Utah.

What Each Forensic Lab Section Needs

The best planning source we have found is the NIST forensic laboratory facility handbook (NIST IR 7941). Its Appendix B lists design ideas for each section of a crime lab. The table below sums up the furniture items it names. Treat them as a starting point that your users, architect and accrediting body will adjust.

Lab section Furniture the NIST handbook lists Surface to look at Start planning with
Evidence receiving Transaction counter with clerks on the secure side, forms counter, packaging bench, after-hours pass-through drop-off lockers Durable, easy-to-clean top Lab bench configurator
Forensic biology and DNA U-shaped analyst bench, secure in-process evidence cabinet, exam rooms with mobile tables, separate pre- and post-amplification rooms, 3 ft deep benches for sequencers and robotics Stainless steel where biological evidence is placed Stainless steel casework
Trace and latent prints Analyst bench, fume hood or exhaust snorkel, microscope benches, dusting stations, superglue fuming cabinets with their own exhaust Epoxy resin near hoods, chemical-resistant laminate elsewhere Exhaust snorkel configurator
Toxicology and controlled substances Analyst bench, 36 in deep instrument benches with rear access, reagent prep bench, fume hood with chemical storage base cabinets, ventilated base cabinets for instrument pumps Epoxy resin in hood and chemistry areas Fume hood configurator
Firearms and toolmarks Analyst bench, map drawer base cabinets for bullet standards, weapon layout bench, heavy-load shelving for ammunition, high-density mobile storage for reference guns 1.5 in laminated maple on armorer and machine room benches Lab tables in Utah
Digital forensics U-shaped workstation per analyst, secure evidence cabinet, heavy-duty shelving for bulky computer parts Chemical-resistant or standard laminate Workstations and tables

Evidence intake and accessioning

Intake is where custody starts. The NIST handbook describes a transaction counter where officers stand on one side and evidence clerks work on the secure side. It adds a forms counter, a packaging bench and pass-through lockers so officers can drop evidence after hours without entering the secure area. Keep public, courier and lab traffic apart, and give clerks enough counter space to log and label each item.

Evidence intake wall with numbered pass-through lockers and a transaction window in a forensic laboratory
Pass-through lockers let officers drop evidence from the public side while clerks open them from the secure side, so custody is never broken.

DNA and forensic biology

DNA work depends on keeping rooms apart more than on any single product. UK forensic guidance says staff should not move between pre-PCR and post-PCR areas, and it describes passing items from pre-PCR to post-PCR through a hatch. Read the contamination-control guidance with your DNA technical leader. The NIST handbook points the same way. It calls for one-way flow, a ventilated and interlocked pass-through from pre- to post-amplification rooms, and stainless steel tops where biologically contaminated evidence is placed.

Forensic DNA pre-amplification room with stainless steel work surfaces, PCR workstations and a wall pass-through chamber
A pre-PCR room with stainless steel tops, enclosed PCR workstations and a pass-through chamber that sends samples one way into the post-amplification room.

Each DNA room should have its own supplies, refrigerator and cleaning tools so nothing has to cross over. If you are comparing enclosures, read PCR hood vs biosafety cabinet and see our biosafety cabinets. Our page on PCR lab casework in Utah covers the same zoning for clinical labs.

Trace evidence and latent prints

Trace analysts need stable benches, good task lighting, microscope stations and local exhaust. Latent print sections add dusting stations and superglue (cyanoacrylate) fuming cabinets with their own exhaust. Wet evidence, like bloody clothing, needs a drying cabinet or room so it can dry without cross-contamination. Our guide to evidence drying and storage cabinets for Utah labs covers drying methods, sizing and layout.

TopAir cyanoacrylate fuming chamber with two glass doors for developing latent prints on non-porous evidence
A cyanoacrylate fuming chamber develops latent prints on non-porous items in a closed, controlled cabinet instead of on an open bench.

Labs USA carries the TopAir Systems forensic line, which includes evidence drying hoods, fuming chambers, downflow workstations and ductless fume hoods. Plan the floor space, power and exhaust for these units at the same time as the casework around them.

TopAir forensic evidence drying hood with glass doors, hanging rods and filtered exhaust
An evidence drying hood gives wet items a filtered, enclosed space to dry so they do not contaminate each other or expose staff.

Toxicology and controlled substances

Toxicology and drug chemistry rooms are chemistry labs with a custody layer on top. NIST lists 36 in deep benches for each instrument, room behind the instruments for service, ventilated base cabinets for vacuum pumps, and a fume hood with chemical storage base cabinets in the reagent prep area. Use epoxy resin tops where solvents and hoods are present.

Forensic toxicology instrument room with GC-MS units on a deep epoxy resin bench and a fume hood on the side wall
Deep instrument benches leave room behind GC-MS units for cables, gas lines and service, with the fume hood kept for active work.

Drug evidence and standards need locked storage. NIST describes separate evidence and standards rooms with full-height walls for the controlled substances section. Inside the lab, look at narcotic and controlled substance cabinets and read our guide to controlled substance storage for laboratories. Your security plan and DEA registration rules decide the final hardware.

Firearms and toolmarks

Firearms benches take heavy, repeated loads from vises, tools and weapons. This is the one place the NIST handbook calls for wood: 1.5 in thick laminated maple on the armorer’s bench, the machine room bench and the vehicle processing bench. Add map drawer cabinets for bullet standards, a weapon layout bench and shelving rated for heavy ammunition loads.

Firearms examination bench with a laminated maple top, steel drawer base and bench vise in a crime lab
Laminated maple stands up to vises and tools on a firearms bench, while comparison microscopes sit on a separate, steady bench.

Choosing Casework and Work Surfaces

A crime lab almost always uses more than one material. NIST says steel or wood cabinets are preferred and plastic laminate is acceptable, and it recommends using mobile, flexible casework where it can. The work surface is where the hazard decides the choice.

Material Best fit in a crime lab Watch out for
Painted steel casework Most lab rooms, analyst benches, in-process evidence cabinets Confirm the finish against the chemicals and cleaners you use
Stainless steel casework and tops DNA, serology, evidence exam rooms, wet areas Higher cost, and some chemicals can still stain or pit it
Epoxy resin tops Toxicology, drug chemistry, reagent prep, next to fume hoods Heavy, so check cabinet support and delivery routes
Phenolic resin tops General lab benches that need chemical and moisture resistance at lower weight Check heat and acid exposure before using it at a hood
Laminated maple tops Firearms, toolmark machine room, vehicle processing benches Not for wet, chemical or biological work
Chemical-resistant laminate Lower-risk lab rooms that NIST does not assign to another top Not for hood areas or biological evidence
Wood casework Offices, case review rooms and some dry lab spaces Keep it out of wet decontamination areas

For a side-by-side look at the top two lab surfaces, read epoxy resin vs phenolic countertops. You can price tops in the lab countertop configurator and browse laboratory casework by material. For standards, the SEFA laboratory furniture resources cover metal casework (the SEFA 8 series) and work surfaces (SEFA 3). Ask any supplier which SEFA tests their products meet.

Sketch your crime lab before you ask for pricing

Place benches, hoods, sinks and storage room by room in the free lab layout configurator and send it to our team. We will review the evidence flow and return a layout and an itemized quote. Prefer to talk it through? Call (801) 855-8560.

Evidence Storage That Protects Custody

Storage in a crime lab works at three levels. Plan all three before you size the benches.

  • In-process storage at the bench. NIST calls for a secure evidence cabinet at each analyst’s workspace in almost every section. Items stay locked at the bench between steps instead of going back to the vault.
  • Section evidence rooms. Many sections get their own evidence storage room with full-height walls secured to the structure above.
  • Long-term and bulk storage. NIST suggests high-density mobile storage to save floor space, and it notes these systems need a high-strength floor structure.
High-density mobile shelving with handwheels on each carriage holding boxed and bagged evidence in a crime lab
High-density mobile shelving fits more evidence boxes into the same room, but the floor and the aisle plan must be checked first.

Biological evidence often needs cold storage. NIST lists secured refrigerators, walk-in coolers and freezers, and temperature monitoring for DNA and toxicology evidence. Place cold storage close to the section that uses it so items do not travel through other work areas.

Stainless steel refrigerated evidence locker with individually keyed compartments for biological evidence
A refrigerated evidence locker with keyed compartments keeps cold biological evidence secure and separated by case.

Utah sits in an active seismic region, so tall shelving and cabinets should be anchored. See our page on seismic lab shelving and storage restraint in Utah, browse laboratory shelving systems, and confirm anchoring details with your structural engineer.

Sizing and Layout for Utah Crime Labs

Good sizing starts with real numbers per analyst, not a generic room size. The NIST handbook gives these planning figures:

  • Analyst bench: 15 linear feet of bench, or a 90 square foot U-shaped bench, per analyst in most lab sections. Firearms uses 20 linear feet when a comparison microscope is part of the bench.
  • Extra bench: about 6 linear feet per analyst for a hood, sink or equipment.
  • Instrument benches: 36 in deep, with access to the back of each instrument.
  • Exam rooms: at least two. A large room with one 5 ft by 10 ft mobile table (or two 5 ft by 5 ft tables), and a small room with one 3 ft by 6 ft table (or two 3 ft by 3 ft tables), with access on all sides.
  • Microscopes: 4 linear feet per microscope, or 5 linear feet for a comparison microscope.

The older U.S. Department of Justice forensic laboratory handbook sets a minimum of 150 square feet for each evidence examination room, with at least two rooms to keep victim and suspect evidence apart. Use these figures to check a plan, then adjust them for your staff count, caseload and instruments.

How to plan a forensic lab furniture layout

  1. Name each room’s purpose. Give every room one main job, such as intake, DNA extraction, amplification, toxicology or trace. This limits crossover between processes.
  2. Draw the evidence route. Mark where evidence enters, waits, gets examined, gets repackaged and leaves. Make it one-way wherever you can.
  3. Place fixed equipment first. Locate hoods, biosafety cabinets, sinks, refrigerators, instruments and pass-throughs before benches and shelving.
  4. Size benches per analyst. Apply the per-analyst bench figures above and add in-process evidence cabinets at each station.
  5. Check access and service. Test door swings, aisles, delivery paths and the space behind instruments. Plan for heavy items like epoxy tops and mobile shelving carriages.
  6. Review with users. Have analysts, evidence staff, safety staff, facilities, the architect and the installer mark up the plan before you approve it.

Build the first draft in the lab layout configurator. Then detail each run in the base cabinet configurator and wall cabinet configurator. All of our free laboratory design tools are in one place.

Practical rule: If staff must cross a clean area to reach a shared cabinet, move the cabinet or change the layout.

Fume Hoods, Snorkels and Safety Review

Furniture follows the lab’s safety plan. It does not replace it. Review these points with your safety officer, mechanical engineer and the authority having jurisdiction.

  • Hoods are not storage. SEFA 1 says materials should not be stored in a fume hood. Extra items hurt hood performance and shrink the work surface.
  • Flammables under hoods. SEFA’s fume hood practices say flammable materials should never be stored below a hood in anything but an NFPA-specified, UL-listed or FM-approved solvent cabinet. See our laboratory safety cabinets and chemical storage cabinet requirements.
  • Local exhaust. Snorkels work for small, local tasks where a full hood is too much. Plan the reach, mount point and duct route with the bench. Start with our exhaust snorkels.
  • Ventilation by room. DNA, drying, fuming and chemistry rooms each have different air needs. Our forensic evidence lab ventilation guide covers them in more detail.
  • Chemical fit. Confirm that tops, sinks, sealants, finishes and hardware hold up to the chemicals and cleaners on your list.

Browse laboratory fume hoods or size one in the fume hood configurator. A good quote lists its assumptions. It should not promise code compliance before the site, equipment list and local rules have been reviewed.

Installation, Lead Time and Local Support in Utah

Forensic projects mix standard parts with custom ones. Standard casework sizes and common tops are often easier to source. Stainless steel runs, custom evidence cabinets, specialty forensic equipment and mobile shelving usually take more planning. Lead times change by product and season, so ask for them in writing with the quote. Our guide to lab furniture lead times explains what drives them, and our quick ship lab furniture covers in-stock options.

Fast delivery only helps when the furniture fits the approved layout. Shipping casework before service locations, door sizes and floor conditions are confirmed often leads to costly field changes.

Questions to ask before you order

  • Which items are standard, and which are custom built?
  • Who checks field dimensions with the architect and contractor?
  • Who handles receiving, staging and installation?
  • Are the installers trained on the systems you selected?
  • How are damaged, missing or wrong parts handled?
  • What drawings and care documents come with turnover?

Labs USA is based in Salt Lake City and offers free lab design help, project management and installation. If you need a local team on an active job site, see our laboratory furniture contractors in Salt Lake City and our Utah lab casework pages.

Common Forensic Lab Scenarios

Your situation Focus first on Helpful tool
New forensic building Room separation, evidence route, hood and utility locations, then casework Lab layout configurator
Renovating an existing lab Measure walls, doors, utilities and exhaust. Use mobile tables and storage to limit demolition Lab bench configurator
Growing evidence volume In-process cabinets, section evidence rooms, mobile storage and floor load Shelving systems
Adding DNA capacity Separate pre- and post-PCR rooms, stainless tops, pass-through, dedicated supplies Stainless steel casework
Toxicology or drug chemistry Deep instrument benches, epoxy tops, hoods, approved solvent storage, locked storage Fume hood configurator
Shared forensic and public health building Keep forensic and public health workflows in separate rooms where access rules differ Utah lab furniture hub

When you request pricing, send a marked-up plan and a room-by-room list. Include dimensions, materials, hardware, security features, utility points, delivery and install scope, and the equipment list. That lets the supplier catch conflicts before the quote is final.

Frequently Asked Questions

What surface is best for forensic evidence work?

It depends on the room. The NIST handbook suggests stainless steel where biologically contaminated evidence is placed, epoxy resin where fume hoods or chemical-rated biological hoods are installed, and laminated maple for firearms and vehicle benches. Check your choice against the chemicals and cleaners you use.

How much bench space does each forensic analyst need?

The NIST handbook plans for about 15 linear feet of bench, or a 90 square foot U-shaped bench, per analyst in most sections, plus about 6 linear feet for a hood, sink or equipment. Final sizes depend on your instruments, staff and caseload.

How big should an evidence examination room be?

The DOJ forensic lab handbook sets a minimum of 150 square feet for each evidence examination room. It calls for at least two rooms so victim and suspect evidence stay apart, with a mobile exam table that can be reached from all sides.

Can one bench support both DNA and trace work?

It is not a good idea. Shared benches raise contamination risk. Use separate rooms or clearly separated zones, and keep pre-PCR and post-PCR work in different rooms with one-way movement.

Should evidence storage be mobile or static?

Both have a place. Static shelving is simple and works well for heavy or bulky items. High-density mobile shelving fits more evidence in less floor space, but the floor must be able to carry the load and the aisles must work for staff and emergency exits.

Can a fume hood be used to store chemicals?

No. SEFA says materials should not be stored in a fume hood, and hoods should not stand in for an approved chemical storage cabinet. Keep chemicals in a cabinet chosen for the hazard.

What should a forensic lab furniture quote include?

Ask for room-by-room dimensions, materials, hardware, security features, utility coordination, delivery and install scope, lead time, warranty terms and any site assumptions. Send your floor plan and equipment list so the supplier can spot conflicts early.

When should furniture planning start?

Start in early design, before utilities and exhaust routes are fixed. Early review gives the team time to solve clearance, service access, storage and install problems before they affect construction.

Plan Your Forensic Lab With Labs USA

Forensic crime lab furniture in Utah is part of the lab’s operating plan, not a cabinet order at the end. Define each room, keep sensitive work apart, match surfaces and storage to the evidence, and check access, safety and custody before you approve the layout.

Use our free design tools to lay out the space, then send the design to our team for pricing:

You can also compare options on our Utah laboratory furniture hub or contact our team. Ready to talk it through? Call Labs USA at (801) 855-8560 or email Sales@Labs-USA.com for a free lab design consultation.


Public Health and Forensic Lab Casework Utah: A Guide - forensic lab casework

Public Health and Forensic Lab Casework Utah: A Guide

Labs USA Team

You're usually dealing with the same problem in Utah facilities, just with different labels on the door. The evidence intake room is crowded, the toxicology bench is tight, the public-health side needs clean, validated space, and everyone wants the layout to work without slowing chain of custody or sample flow. If you're planning public health and forensic lab casework Utah facilities now, the job is not picking a catalog item. It's matching casework, storage, and access control to how the lab runs.

For Utah buyers, that means thinking about centralized forensic intake, mixed public-health and forensic work, and the need to keep clean and dirty streams apart. It also means planning for secure holding, flexible benches, and service access before you sign a purchase order. Get that part wrong, and you pay for it later in redesign, rework, and delays.

Practical rule: start with workflow, then choose the furniture. Never do it in reverse.

Summary

  • Utah labs need mixed-use planning, because public-health testing and forensic evidence work often share the same building footprint.
  • Storage is not generic, it changes by workflow, from toxicology to DNA to newborn screening.
  • Fixed and mobile casework solve different problems, and most combined facilities need both.
  • Layout, access, and code checks matter early, not after submittals.
  • The right quote should include dimensions, service clearances, security hardware, and install timing, not just a unit price.

What Public Health and Forensic Lab Casework in Utah Really Involves

Utah's lab model is a good example of why one-size-fits-all casework fails. The state moved from a single public-health lab built in 1972 to a larger Unified State Lab opened in 2010 in Taylorsville, with 78,000 square feet designed to replace the older campus while expanding services such as emerging disease identification, newborn screening, forensic toxicology, and chemical and biological agent testing (KSL). That mix matters because one facility can't be planned like a simple clinical lab or a simple crime lab.

Two disciplines, one footprint

On the public-health side, the work is method driven, with validated methods, controlled sample handling, and benches that support routine processing without contamination risk. On the forensic side, the same building has to protect chain of custody, evidence integrity, and documentation that can stand up in court. Those are different operating rules, even when the work happens under one roof.

That is why public health and forensic lab casework Utah projects need more than generic casework lines. They need secure storage, smooth non-porous work surfaces, dedicated holding areas, and layouts that keep regulated workflows separated. If your current setup forces analysts to cross paths with evidence, samples, or visitors, the furniture plan is already failing.

What buyers should stop assuming

Do not assume the same bench depth, drawer mix, or cabinet lock package works for every zone. A newborn screening area has different needs than a toxicology prep room. A DNA bench has different contamination risks than an accessioning counter.

Planning note: map the workflow first, then place furniture. If you do that late, you usually end up paying twice.

For municipal and county projects, the same logic applies to shared support areas, which is why many teams start by reviewing a municipal lab casework approach before they finalize specs.

What These Operations Need to Store and Handle

A combined Utah lab handles more than samples on a bench. It manages evidence, standards, reagents, extracts, controlled substances, documents, and items that must stay secure or temperature controlled. That means the storage plan has to follow the science and the legal chain, not the available wall space. For a room-by-room look at intake, DNA, toxicology and firearms benches, see our forensic crime lab furniture planning guide for Utah.

Secure steel evidence lockers with individual locking drawers in a forensic lab casework layout
Individually locking evidence lockers keep chain of custody intact between intake and release.

Storage by workflow, not by room name

Toxicology needs secured chemical storage, flammables cabinets, and limited-access cold storage for standards and reagents. DNA work needs contamination-controlled bench zones, tamper-evident evidence hold, and segregated reagent storage. Newborn screening and clinical chemistry need high-throughput sample racks and cold storage for specimen materials, plus work zones that fit automated analyzers and routine retrieval.

Long-term evidence retention is a different problem again. It calls for archive space, restricted access, and a clear path from receipt to hold to release. If your lab also supports environmental or chemical programs, storage for liquid reagents and safety cabinets needs to be checked against actual inventory, not guessed. For facilities that manage broader chemical handling, a resource like chemical storage tank selection can help frame the bigger storage conversation, even though a lab's internal casework still has to be specified separately.

A simple storage comparison

Workflow Category Primary Storage Need Temperature / Access Control Chain-of-Custody Sensitivity
Toxicology Flammables cabinets, secured chemical storage, reagent shelving Restricted access, cold storage where required High, especially for standards and reportable samples
DNA casework Evidence lockers, segregated consumables, contamination-controlled storage Controlled access, clean zone separation Very high, because contamination risk changes the result
Newborn screening Sample racks, refrigerated storage, organized retrieval space Stable temperature, routine access Moderate to high, depending on sample status
Archive and retention Long-term hold cabinets, labeled archive shelving Limited access, secure storage High, because items may be needed later in court

What to verify before you buy

  • Access rules: confirm who can open each storage zone and when.
  • Temperature needs: list every item that needs refrigeration or stable conditions.
  • Hold periods: separate short-term staging from long-term retention.
  • Surface compatibility: match shelving and tops to the chemicals or samples they support.
  • Physical security: make sure drawers, lockers, and doors are suited to evidence and controlled materials.

Equipment and Casework Options That Fit the Application

The right configuration depends on how hard the work is and how often the layout will change. A Utah public-health and forensic facility usually needs a fixed backbone for heavy use, plus flexible pieces where intake, staging, or staffing changes are likely.

Fixed wall casework paired with a mobile stainless steel cart in a laboratory
A fixed perimeter with a mobile island core is a common split for combined public health and forensic space.

Compare the main options

The wrong move is to buy everything fixed because it feels sturdy, or everything mobile because it feels flexible. Both choices can fail if they ignore evidence security, chemical resistance, or equipment weight. The best plans match the load to the job.

I'd compare the main options this way when writing a spec or quote package, and a commercial lighting and electrical contractor can be part of the broader buildout conversation when lighting and service coordination affect bench placement and ceiling fixtures.

Configuration Security for Evidence Chemical Resistance Layout Flexibility
Fixed steel casework Strong Strong with proper tops Low to moderate
Mobile casework Moderate, depends on locking hardware Moderate, depends on top material High
Modular shelving Moderate Moderate High
Custom built-in storage Very strong Strong when specified correctly Low

What usually works best

For most combined Utah facilities, fixed perimeter casework does the heavy lifting, and a mobile island core gives you the flexibility to rework intake or prep areas later. That split protects evidence and supports heavy instruments without freezing the whole lab into one layout. It also makes phased renovation easier.

The laboratory casework materials comparison is worth reviewing before you lock in surfaces, because the top material drives cleaning, chemical resistance, and service life.

My recommendation: use fixed casework where security and instrumentation matter most, then use mobile units where intake and workflow are still changing.

Sizing Layout and Access for Utah Facilities

Plan the layout by function first. If you size by equipment count alone, you'll miss the circulation space, the evidence path, and the service clearances that keep the suite usable.

Start with the intake flow

Utah's forensic intake model is centralized enough that planning has to account for real receiving patterns, not just a nice drawing. Size accessioning for the people who work there, the evidence they hold, and the secure handoff zone that keeps short-term items out of the way. Then place DNA, toxicology, and public-health benches so the flow stays one-way.

Public-health benches need enough uninterrupted working length for analyst tasks, sample staging, and instrument support. Toxicology benches need deeper work zones because solvent waste, reagent storage, and supporting equipment take space fast. If your aisle widths are too tight, carts and secure carriers start colliding with each other and with open drawers.

Keep access and security visible on the plan

Distributed Utah sites add another layer. Central, northern, and southern locations should use standardized modular widths where possible so the same storage panels and benches can be redeployed without a custom redesign. That helps when a satellite lab changes staffing or method mix.

A four-step infographic illustrating facility planning for Utah forensic labs, focusing on workflow, storage, and security.
Facility planning for a combined Utah lab starts with accessioning, then evidence flow, storage zoning, and access control.

A simple rule helps here:

  • Accessioning first: size the secure intake room before you size the analysis benches.
  • Evidence flow second: keep clean and dirty paths separate.
  • Storage zoning third: assign square footage to retention, staging, and consumables.
  • Access control last: place badge readers, locks, and secure holds where staff reach them.

Code Safety and Site Considerations in Utah

Utah projects need code review early. Don't wait until submittals are done, because casework changes get expensive once the room has already been framed, roughed in, or cleared for install.

What to check before you release the spec

Utah has moved to the 2024 International Building Code and 2024 International Fire Code, with state amendments, which reference NFPA 30 for flammable storage and NFPA 45 for laboratory chemical safety. Code editions change over time, so confirm the current adopted edition with your local building department before the final casework package goes out. That means flammable cabinet venting, limits, and cabinet placement need to be confirmed early. Biosafety cabinets tied to forensic serology or select public-health assays also need service clearance and exhaust coordination that fits the building HVAC, and should be matched against our biosafety cabinets options during planning.

For biosafety context, a useful external primer on biosafety history and risks can help teams understand why cabinet placement and exhaust coordination matter, but your final design still has to follow the site's actual EHS rules.

What should stay on the checklist

  • Seismic anchorage: verify the current design category, especially along the Wasatch Front.
  • Evidence storage rules: confirm sealed, limited-access storage and tamper-evident drawer controls.
  • ADA reach: check shared benches and sinks for reach ranges.
  • SDS review: match storage and finishes to the chemicals on site.
  • AHJ review: defer to the fire authority and EHS team on venting, cabinet placement, and clearance.

If a vendor tells you a finish, lock, or cabinet is “standard,” ask whether it fits your chemicals, your access rules, and your local fire review. Standard is not the same as suitable.

You should also cross-check the SEFA 8 M casework checklist before purchase. It's a practical way to catch the spec items that often get missed until late.

Installation Lead Time and Service Planning

Lead time is part of the layout. If you ignore it, the schedule slips, and the lab team gets pushed into temporary workarounds that hurt the move-in.

Plan the install around the site, not the calendar

Lead time depends on material, finish, hardware, and how many items are custom versus in stock. Steel casework generally ships faster than wood or phenolic, and quick-ship programs can cut the wait further for standard configurations. See our lab furniture lead time guide for current quick-ship versus custom timing, and confirm exact dates with your vendor in writing before you set a move-in date. Modular systems can shorten the window too, which is one reason many satellite labs lean on them. Every range still depends on submittal speed, freight, and install readiness, so treat any number as planning guidance, not a promise.

Ask every vendor for a written install window, crew size, and whether they pre-align electrical or plumbing modules before they arrive. You should also confirm floor flatness, dock height, freight elevator size, and any after-hours building rules at secure forensic sites. If the installer can't explain how they handle punch-list work and parts replacement, keep looking.

What belongs in the quote

  • Install window: get the dates in writing.
  • Service response: ask for clear warranty and punch-list terms.
  • Parts support: confirm availability for locks, hinges, and tops.
  • Access plan: verify phased install or after-hours work if the site requires it.
  • Coordination: make sure drawings, owner-furnished items, and rough-ins are aligned before delivery.

Some common sizes are stocked at select manufacturers, subject to confirmation. That can help on a tight schedule, but only if the size and finish match your actual room plan.

Choosing the Right Configuration for Your Scenario

The right answer changes with the project. A new forensic intake room, a renovation, and a budget refresh do not need the same package.

Forensic lab evidence intake and accessioning window with a secure pass-through
A secure pass-through window at accessioning is where chain of custody starts for a new intake room.

Match the build to the buyer scenario

A new intake room should prioritize secure lockers, one-way flow, and fixed-height benches that fit the most common exhibit type. A renovation of an existing public-health lab should focus on modular shelving, mobile units, and storage that works around existing freezer and autoclave locations. A budget refresh should target the highest-wear pieces first, then upgrade from there.

Scenario Primary Casework Focus Key Trade-off
New forensic intake room Secure evidence lockers, pass-through flow, fixed benches Less flexibility later
Public-health renovation Mobile casework, modular shelving, adaptable storage Lower built-in security than fixed storage
Budget refresh Work surface replacements, locking drawers, wear items Partial improvement, not a full reset

Use-case mini guides

  • Forensic intake hub: choose secure storage first, then benches, then convenience items.
  • DNA suite: keep contamination control ahead of aesthetics.
  • Toxicology room: size tops and storage around solvent handling, not just instrument footprints.
  • Public-health bench area: keep the layout open enough for fast sample movement.
  • Satellite lab: standardize modules so future changes don't force a rebuild.
  • Phased renovation: replace the weakest components first so the lab can keep running.
  • Mixed-use suite: separate functions physically, even if they share a building.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one Utah facility really handle both public health testing and forensic evidence work?

Yes, and Utah already does it at the Unified State Laboratory in Taylorsville. The key is treating the two disciplines as separate workflows inside one building, with separate storage, separate access rules, and a layout that keeps clean sample handling apart from evidence chain of custody.

What is the biggest casework mistake in a combined public health and forensic lab?

Choosing furniture before the workflow is mapped. If accessioning, evidence flow, storage zoning, and access control are not planned in that order, the casework layout usually needs rework once the lab is in use.

Do toxicology, DNA, and newborn screening benches need different casework?

Yes. Toxicology needs deeper work zones for solvent storage and waste. DNA work needs contamination control and tamper-evident evidence hold. Newborn screening needs cold storage and high-throughput sample racks. Matching one bench spec to all three usually falls short somewhere.

Should evidence storage be fixed or mobile casework?

Most combined facilities use both. Fixed steel casework carries the security and instrument load along the perimeter, while a mobile island core gives staff room to rework intake or prep areas as caseloads or methods change.

What Utah code updates should I check before finalizing a lab casework spec?

Confirm the current adopted edition of the International Building Code and International Fire Code with your local building department, along with the NFPA 30 and NFPA 45 references they carry for flammable and chemical storage. Codes change on a cycle, so do not rely on a past project’s edition.

How long does lab casework take to arrive once a Utah project is approved?

It depends on material, finish, and how much of the order is stocked versus custom. Our lab furniture lead time guide breaks down current quick-ship and custom timing so you can plan a realistic install date instead of guessing.

What should be in a casework quote for a forensic or public health lab, besides the unit price?

Ask for exact dimensions, service clearances, security hardware details, a written install window, crew size, and how the vendor handles punch-list work. A quote without those items is hard to hold anyone to later.

Plan Your Utah Lab Casework Project

Start with a layout review, not a purchase order. Confirm the casework list against the validated methods in use, then check dimensions, clearances, and service points before anything gets priced as final. That one step cuts down on change orders and keeps the project moving.

For Labs USA support, review the Utah hub at Utah lab casework, then send the room plan, equipment list, and any security notes for review. If the project includes benches, hoods, or secure storage, lock the install window early so the site team can line up rough-in, freight, and access.

You can also compare the right product families on the main casework hub, the laboratory storage solutions page, and the contact and quote page. If you want direct help, call (801) 855-8560 or 801-855-8560 and ask for a layout review and quote. The team at Labs USA can also be reached by email at Sales@Labs-USA.com.

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