Clinical Lab Casework for Diagnostic and Testing Environments
Casework is the structural backbone of any clinical laboratory. It holds countertops, integrates utilities, provides storage, and defines how people move through the space. Labs USA supplies clinical lab casework from manufacturers who build specifically for laboratory applications — not repurposed kitchen or office cabinetry.
Casework Types
Steel Casework
Steel is the industry standard for clinical labs. It resists moisture, does not support mold growth, and holds up to the cleaning chemicals used in healthcare environments. Steel base cabinets, wall cabinets, and tall storage units come in standard widths and depths, with options for drawers, adjustable shelves, hinged doors, and sliding doors.
Wood Casework
Laboratory-grade wood casework uses moisture-resistant substrates with chemical-resistant laminates. It offers a warmer appearance for physician office labs, outpatient clinic testing areas, and spaces where patients may see the lab. Wood casework is lighter than steel and can be more economical for lower-intensity applications.
Stainless Steel Casework
For microbiology, cleanroom, and sterile processing areas, stainless steel casework provides maximum durability and the easiest decontamination. It is the most expensive option but lasts the longest in harsh environments.
Countertop Materials
The work surface takes more abuse than the cabinets underneath it. Selecting the right material depends on the chemicals used and the type of work performed:
- Epoxy resin — handles strong acids, bases, solvents, and stains. The top choice for chemistry, histology, and high-intensity clinical work
- Phenolic resin — good chemical resistance at a lower price point. Works well for general clinical testing and educational labs
- Chemical-resistant laminate — suitable for low-chemical-exposure areas like POC testing stations and phlebotomy draw areas
- Stainless steel — best for microbiology, tissue processing, and areas requiring autoclave-level cleanliness
Planning Clinical Lab Casework
Every clinical lab has a different workflow, equipment mix, and space constraint. We help plan casework layouts that account for:
- Analyzer placement and utility requirements (power, data, water, waste)
- Sample receiving and processing flow
- Reagent and supply storage close to the point of use
- Separation of clean and contaminated work zones
- Ergonomic reach and height for repetitive tasks
- Future flexibility — the ability to reconfigure without replacing cabinets
Who We Work With
We supply clinical lab casework to hospitals, independent diagnostic labs, reference labs, specialty clinics, and healthcare construction projects. We work directly with lab directors, facilities managers, architects, and contractors.
Get Started
Send us your floor plan, equipment list, or project specifications, and we will put together a casework recommendation and quote.
Call (801) 855-8560 or email sales@labs-usa.com.
Field-Verified Layouts for Clinical Lab Renovations
In a clinical or hospital lab renovation, the drawing is only the starting point. Existing sinks, utility stub-outs, equipment dimensions, doorways, angled walls, and uneven floors can change what will fit. Before casework is released for fabrication, compare the proposed layout with actual room conditions. This is especially important when the work is moving quickly or other building repairs are still underway.
A field-verified plan reduces avoidable gaps, blocked doors, inaccessible service points, and benches that conflict with analyzers. See an example of emergency department laboratory casework and review the broader hospital lab renovation process when planning a phased project.
Measure from fixed points, not scaled drawings
- Record finished wall-to-wall dimensions at the floor, counter, and wall-cabinet heights. Note angled walls, columns, chases, base trim, and wall projections.
- Locate each sink by measuring to its centerline from a fixed finished wall. Do the same for water, waste, power, data, and other utility stub-outs.
- Measure the actual analyzer, refrigerator, freezer, centrifuge, and other equipment. Include required service access, door or lid swing, ventilation space, and connections. Confirm these clearances with the equipment manufacturer.
- Check the full delivery path. Measure doors, corridors, elevators, turns, and loading access. Confirm that assembled cabinets, tops, and equipment can reach the room.
- Photograph every wall and utility location. Mark each photo so the design team can match it to the floor plan. The lab floor plan review can help organize this information.
Plan for the building you have
Uneven floors
Older floors may not be level. Adjustable feet can help with many installations, but the floor condition and equipment loads still need review by the project team. Identify high and low areas before setting counter heights or aligning cabinet runs.
Finished walls
Do not assume a finished wall has suitable backing for wall cabinets or shelving. Ask the contractor to identify studs, blocking, wall construction, and restricted wall assemblies. The architect or engineer should approve any required reinforcement and attachment method.
Changing renovation scope
Roof, water, electrical, HVAC, or wall repairs can alter the final room dimensions and utility locations. Coordinate the casework release with demolition, rough-in, and finish work. On fast-track projects, divide confirmed areas from areas that still need decisions rather than fabricating from uncertain dimensions.
Use a controlled release before fabrication
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1. Freeze the equipment list Assign each item a location and record its verified dimensions, utility needs, access zones, and operating clearances.
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2. Reconcile field conditions Compare field measurements with architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings. Resolve conflicts instead of scaling a PDF or assuming the lab plan is current.
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3. Confirm responsibility Document who supplies sinks, fixtures, equipment supports, utility connections, backing, fillers, installation, and final field cuts. Review the casework installation considerations with the contractor.
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4. Approve the final layout Have the lab, facilities, contractor, and design team confirm dimensions and interfaces. Local plumbing, electrical, accessibility, healthcare, and safety requirements vary, so the engineer and authority having jurisdiction should confirm applicable requirements.
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What to send Labs USA Send the current floor plan, field dimensions, sink centerlines, utility locations, equipment cut sheets, clearance requirements, doorway and delivery-path measurements, wall-construction details, room photos, and the areas that are not yet ready for fabrication.
Send those details through our contact form or call (801) 855-8560, and a Labs USA specialist will review them with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can casework be designed before every analyzer is selected?
A preliminary layout can be developed, but the affected bench should not be finalized from an estimated equipment size. Provide the selected analyzer’s cut sheet and confirm its actual footprint, service access, connections, and door or lid movement before fabrication.
What if the architectural plan and field measurements disagree?
Flag the conflict and have the project team establish which finished surfaces and fixed points control the layout. Do not rely on a scaled drawing when verified dimensions are available.
How should casework be planned around an existing sink?
Measure from a fixed finished wall to the sink, drain, and utility centerlines. Also document backsplash conditions, pipe locations, access needs, and any flexibility in the plumbing; the engineer and authority having jurisdiction should confirm the final rough-in.
Can casework be ordered while the room is still under renovation?
Planning can continue, but fabrication dimensions should reflect stable, verified conditions. If walls, floors, utilities, or equipment selections may still change, identify those areas separately and coordinate release points with the contractor.
What materials are available for laboratory casework?
Lab casework is available in steel, wood, and high-density polypropylene. Steel casework is the most durable and common choice for research labs. Wood casework offers a traditional appearance for academic settings. Polypropylene resists acids and corrosive chemicals. Labs USA offers all three options with free design services.
What is the difference between fixed and modular casework?
Fixed casework is permanently installed and offers maximum stability. Modular casework can be rearranged as your lab needs change, which is ideal for multi-use or growing facilities. Labs USA can help you decide which option fits your workflow and budget.
How long does it take to get laboratory casework installed?
Standard casework typically takes 6 to 10 weeks from order to installation, depending on customization. Labs USA offers quick-ship options for faster timelines and handles delivery and installation nationwide.
Ready to Get Started?
Labs USA offers free design services, fast delivery, and expert installation on all lab furniture and equipment.