Microcentrifuge Tubes – Choosing the Right Microcentrifuge For Your Lab

These 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes are used for various sample preparation, storage, and centrifugation tasks. They have flat caps that open and close easily, a frosted side panel for easy labeling, and graduated markings. The polypropylene construction is durable and autoclavable.

Microcentrifuge Tubes are certified RNase, DNase, DNA, and pyrogen-free. They are also sterile and contain no processing additives.

Whether you’repreparing DNA extractions or doing general laboratory work, you need reliable equipment for storing and centrifuging your small sample volumes. A microcentrifuge tube is a plastic container with a conical bottom, often with an integral snap cap. It is used in molecular biology and biochemistry to hold small amounts of liquid. They are inexpensive, considered disposable, and easy to use.

The rotor of the centrifuge spins the samples around its axis to generate gravitational force that separates particles in a solution according to their density, size, and moisture content. This process helps to eliminate unwanted material that could otherwise contaminate the sample. It also allows chemists and biologists to concentrate on their analysis instead of worrying about collecting the results.

Microcentrifuge tubes are usually made of polypropylene, which is tough and durable. Because of this, they can withstand low temperatures and are safe for organic solvents. They are also available in a variety of sizes, although the most common are 1.5 mL. Depending on the type of microcentrifuge tube, they may be labeled with a number or letter for identification purposes. Some are sealed with a clear, protective coating to prevent spills and contamination.

When handling these containers, be careful not to touch the lids or the sides of the tubes with your bare hands. Instead, handle them using clean gloves or a clean surface. You can also store them in a clean, 1.5 mL tube rack or clearly labelled ziplock bags when not in use.

AHN myLab offers two different models of microcentrifuges. Both are able to undertake microfiltration, cell separation, and centrifugal tube sedimentation applications. The 6000 rpm model can accommodate up to 8 x 1.5/2 mL microcentrifuge tubes and features adaptors for 0.2/0.4 mL tubes. Its brushless DC motor is ultra-quiet and produces no more than 60 decibels. It can be run inside a fume hood and comes with a locking lid to prevent accidental opening during operation.

Both AHN myLab microcentrifuges feature removable racks for holding your sample containers. These racks help prevent the tubes from being jostled during the boiling process, which can cause them to open and leak. They’re sturdy and autoclavable, and they have color-coded caps to make it easy to identify your samples.

What are the Common Requirements for Microcentrifuge Tubes?

Choosing the right microcentrifuge tubes for your lab can help ensure that you have the best possible results. This is important because the wrong tubes can lead to sample loss or cross-contamination. In addition, the correct tubes can help prevent unnecessary wear and tear on centrifuge rotors, which can ultimately improve the longevity of your equipment.

The first thing to consider when selecting a microcentrifuge tube is the amount of liquid it can hold. Different types of tubes have varying capacities, with 1.5 mL being the most common size. It is also important to choose a tube that is compatible with your centrifuge rotors.

Additionally, it is important to consider the temperature resistance of your tubes. Some applications require the use of high temperatures, such as PCR, which can cause thermal shock to your samples. You will also want to choose a tube that is compatible with the type of closure you prefer. The most common closures for microcentrifuge tubes are screw cap and snap cap. Screw cap tubes have a threaded lid that screws onto the tube, providing a secure seal. Snap caps, on the other hand, close with pressure and produce a distinct “snap” sound. These tubes are typically less expensive than their screw cap counterparts, but they may not be as durable in some applications.

In addition to these features, it is also important to consider the material and design of your microcentrifuge tubes. Some materials, such as polypropylene and glass, are more suitable for certain applications than others. For example, polypropylene is more resistant to corrosive chemicals than glass, and it can withstand higher centrifugation speeds. In contrast, glass is more fragile and can only be used at low speeds.

Finally, it is important to consider the ergonomics of your microcentrifuge tubes. Many studies have shown that the most popular types of microcentrifuge tubes can induce RSI (repetitive strain injury) in the thumb when opening and closing them repeatedly. This is because the button that you press to open the tube can generate high peak forces. To avoid this, choose a tube that has been designed to reduce RSI risk. For example, some microcentrifuge tubes have smooth surfaces and a wide labeling surface that allow you to apply labels with reduced effort.

What are the Different Types of Microcentrifuge Tubes?

There are several types of microcentrifuge tubes. Some are made of glass, while others are made of polypropylene or other plastic materials. They are used by chemists and biologists to store and centrifuge small amounts of liquid. These tubes are available in different capacities, from 0.2 mL to 2 mL. They have a conical bottom and come with an integral snap cap.

These tubes are often used in PCR amplification applications, where the sample has both solid and liquid components. They are also used to collect samples for DNA and RNA analysis. These tubes are inexpensive and convenient, and they can be easily handled with clean hands or a gloved hand. This makes them a popular alternative to glass vials for molecular biology applications.

They can be purchased in a variety of sizes, with the most common being 1.5 mL tubes. They can be found in either clear or amber plastic. They are also available with a wide range of caps, including screw caps, flip caps, and lock caps. Some are designed with a secure lock to prevent accidental opening during centrifugation or vortexing. Others have an easy pierce cap, which is flat and frosted to allow needle access to the sample without contaminating the lid or cap.

Choosing the correct microcentrifuge tube for a specific application is important. For example, opting for a glass tube is preferable when optical transparency is essential. A polypropylene tube is better suited to versatile applications, such as collecting liquid and semi-solid substances or separating components in a centrifuge. In addition, this type of tube can withstand higher temperatures than glass tubes.

When using these tubes, it is essential to follow laboratory protocols, including storing and labeling them correctly. It is also important to use the correct settings when running a centrifuge device. Incorrect centrifugation conditions can damage the tubes and compromise the results of an experiment. The tubes should also be disposed of according to the laboratory’s procedures, which may include autoclaving or disposing of them as hazardous waste. This ensures that the next researcher is working with fresh and safe samples.

What are the Advantages of Microcentrifuge Tubes?

When it comes to selecting a centrifuge tube for your lab, there are many factors that you must take into consideration. Some of these factors include volume capacity, chemical resistance, and temperature resistance. In addition, you also want to consider the type of closure and the labeling capabilities of the tubes.

Microcentrifuge tubes are ideal for a wide range of laboratory applications, from general molecular biology work to more complex procedures such as PCR and DNA sequencing. In fact, they can even be used to separate the different components of a sample. This is because centrifugation can help to separate the samples based on their density. This means that the denser particles will move towards the bottom of the tube while the lighter particles will move to the top.

Another advantage of microcentrifuge tubes is that they are easy to use and store. This is because they are made of high-quality polypropylene and are autoclavable. They are also resistant to a variety of chemicals, including organic solvents and acids. In addition, they can withstand high temperatures, making them an excellent choice for PCR and other temperature-sensitive experiments.

Finally, many microcentrifuge tubes come with a convenient snap cap that prevents leakage during transportation or storage. This type of closure is also easy to open and close, so it can save you time when working with your samples. There are two main types of snap cap microcentrifuge tubes: screw cap and snap-on. Screw cap microcentrifuge tubes have a threaded cap that screws on to create a tight seal, while snap-on microcentrifuge tubes have a lid that can be snapped on and off.

In addition, some microcentrifuge tubes are designed to reduce protein and nucleic acid binding, which can improve sample recovery. This feature is especially important for PCR and other nucleic acid-based applications. If you’re buying a new set of microcentrifuge tubes for your lab, it’s a good idea to look for a product that is nuclease free.

If you’re looking for a reliable, durable, and affordable set of microcentrifuge tubes for use in your laboratory, be sure to check out the selection at Globe Scientific. We carry a wide range of sizes and capacities to suit your needs. We also offer both plastic and glass centrifuge tubes, as well as a variety of different types of closures.