What does procurement primarily refer to in a laboratory setting?

Procurement in a laboratory setting primarily refers to the process of purchasing equipment and animals needed for research and experiments. This encompasses various activities, including identifying suppliers, negotiating prices, ensuring compliance with ethical and legal standards, and managing the inventory of resources.

In laboratories, animals are often required for research purposes, and proper procurement practices ensure that these animals are acquired in accordance with regulations that protect their welfare. Therefore, the focus on both equipment and animals in procurement highlights its essential role in facilitating the functioning of laboratory operations, ensuring that researchers have the necessary materials to conduct their work effectively and responsibly.

The other options, such as sales of equipment, leasing of laboratory space, and hiring of personnel, pertain to different aspects of laboratory management and operations that do not encompass the full scope of what procurement entails.