Lab equipment is used to test, analyze, sterilize, and preserve materials in professional laboratory environments. Autoclaves and sterilizers, ultrasonic cleaners, and labware washers clean instruments, parts, and equipment to help reduce contamination during experiments. Overhead mixers and lab shakers mix and blend substances, while centrifuges use centrifugal force to separate substances. Environmental chambers and laboratory desiccators store samples and items in controlled environments to protect against contamination.