Scientific innovation depends on precision—and precision requires the right equipment. From centrifuges and compound microscopes to spectrometers and analyzers, labs can easily spend six figures outfitting a single space. That’s why many facilities opt to lease lab equipment instead of purchasing it outright.
Can laboratories lease equipment like centrifuges and microscopes?
Yes, labs can lease equipment such as centrifuges, microscopes, and analytical instruments through specialized leasing providers with flexible terms.
Buying lab instruments often requires significant capital, especially when setting up a new lab or upgrading aging systems. Leasing allows your organization to:
Conserve working capital for operations and staffing
Access advanced instruments without huge upfront costs
Stay current with rapidly evolving technology
Bundle maintenance, calibration, and training
Treat payments as operating expenses for tax purposes
Related: Equipment Leasing as a Tool for Cash Flow Management
Whether you're running a clinical lab, research institution, or biotech startup, leasing can cover nearly every major instrument, including:
Centrifuges (refrigerated, benchtop, ultracentrifuges)
Microscopes (compound, digital, fluorescence, SEM/TEM)
Spectrophotometers and analyzers
Chromatography equipment (HPLC, GC)
Incubators and freezers
pH meters, water baths, balances
Autoclaves and sterilization units
Environmental monitoring systems
✅ Most leases also include software, accessories, and lab furniture as needed.
Low monthly payments
Equipment returned or upgraded at term end
Ideal for tools with a fast tech turnover
Off-balance-sheet advantages
Higher payments but leads to ownership
Best for long-lasting, high-ROI equipment
Enables asset depreciation over time
Start with lower payments that increase over time
Perfect for new labs or those with seasonal research cycles
Often used in grant-funded or startup lab environments
Tip: Always review the fair market value (FMV) clause in your lease to understand your end-of-term options.
| Equipment | Estimated Cost | Lease Term | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated Centrifuge | $10,000 | 48 months | ~$215/month |
| Compound Microscope Bundle | $18,000 | 60 months | ~$345/month |
| HPLC System + Software | $75,000 | 60 months | ~$1,435/month |
Leasing companies typically require:
Business license or tax-exempt ID (for universities or nonprofits)
Vendor quote or invoice
Basic financials (bank statements or tax returns)
Credit history (business or personal for startups)
Project description or research scope (if applicable)
Operating leases for flexible, tech-upgradeable terms
Capital leases for labs planning to keep the equipment
Deferred or step-up leases for labs scaling operations
From clinical diagnostics to molecular research, high-performance lab tools are essential—but they shouldn’t paralyze your cash flow. Leasing lab equipment helps you stay competitive, compliant, and capital-efficient.
Ready to build a better lab?
Apply now for affordable leasing options for centrifuges, microscopes, and analytical tools—and power your research without compromise.