Centrifuge Tubes

1. BASIC IDENTIFICATION ATTRIBUTES

• Product Type: Specialized tubes designed to withstand high centrifugal forces for separating fluids based on density.

• Common Names: Centrifuge Tubes, Conical Tubes, Falcon Tubes (brand name), Microcentrifuge Tubes, Screw-Cap Tubes, Snap-Cap Tubes.

• Sizes (Common):

  • Microcentrifuge Tubes: 0.2 mL, 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, 2.0 mL.

  • Conical Tubes: 15 mL, 50 mL (most common for clinical labs).

  • Large Volume: 100 mL, 175 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL.

• Material: Polypropylene (most common), polyethylene, polycarbonate, or glass (less common for safety).

• Cap Types:

  • Snap Cap: Hinged or separate snap-on cap (microcentrifuge tubes).

  • Screw Cap: Threaded cap with O-ring seal for leak-proof closure (conical tubes).

  • Plug Seal Cap: Provides additional seal for hazardous samples.

• Bottom Shape:

  • Conical: Tapered bottom for easy pellet visualization and supernatant removal (15 mL, 50 mL).

  • Round Bottom: For certain applications and rotors.

  • Flat Bottom: For standing upright without a rack.

• Sterility: Non-sterile (standard) or sterile (certified sterile for cell culture and sensitive applications).

• Graduations: Printed or molded volume markings for approximate measurements.

• Writing Area: Frosted or white marking area for sample identification.

2. TECHNICAL & PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES

• Maximum RCF: Varies by tube size and material:

  • 15 mL Conical: 8,000-12,000 x g (polypropylene).

  • 50 mL Conical: 6,000-10,000 x g (polypropylene).

  • 1.5 mL Microcentrifuge: 20,000-30,000 x g.

  • 2.0 mL Microcentrifuge: 20,000-25,000 x g.

• Temperature Range: -80°C to +120°C (polypropylene); autoclavable.

• Chemical Resistance: Resistant to most laboratory chemicals (acids, bases, alcohols, solvents).

• Clarity: Translucent or clear polypropylene for sample visualization.

• Leak-Proof Integrity: Screw caps with O-rings provide leak-proof seal for biohazardous samples.

• Centrifuge Compatibility: Must match rotor type (fixed-angle or swinging-bucket) and adapters.

• Gradations Accuracy: ±2-5% of total volume (approximate, not for precise measurements).

• Certifications: RNase/DNase free, pyrogen free, endotoxin free for molecular biology applications.

3. PHYSICAL & OPERATIONAL PROPERTIES

• Dimensions (15 mL Conical): Approximately 17 mm diameter × 120 mm length.

• Dimensions (50 mL Conical): Approximately 30 mm diameter × 115 mm length.

• Dimensions (1.5 mL Microcentrifuge): Approximately 11 mm diameter × 38 mm length.

• Material Composition: Medical-grade polypropylene (USP Class VI), virgin material.

• Color: Natural (translucent) or colored (amber for light-sensitive samples).

• Cap Color: Various colors available for coding (red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple).

• Packaging:

  • Bulk: 100-500 tubes per bag (non-sterile).

  • Racked: 50-100 tubes per rack, individually sealed (sterile).

  • Individually Wrapped: For sterile, single-use applications.

• Shelf Life: 3-5 years if stored properly; sterile tubes have expiration date.

4. SAFETY & COMPLIANCE ATTRIBUTES

• Regulatory Status: Class I medical device (for diagnostic use); may be Class II if specific claims are made.

• Quality Standards: Manufactured under ISO 9001 or ISO 13485 certified processes.

• Biocompatibility: Materials meet USP Class VI or ISO 10993 for biological reactivity.

• Sterility: Sterile tubes validated to SAL 10⁻⁶ (gamma irradiated or ethylene oxide).

• Leak Testing: Certified leak-proof for safe handling of biohazardous samples.

• DNase/RNase Free: Certified for molecular biology applications.

• Pyrogen/Endotoxin Free: Certified for cell culture and sensitive applications.

• Latex-Free: All components latex-free.

• Autoclavable: Polypropylene tubes withstand multiple autoclave cycles (check manufacturer).

5. STORAGE & HANDLING ATTRIBUTES

• Storage: Store in a clean, dry environment at room temperature; protect from dust and extreme temperatures.

• Temperature Limits: Do not exceed temperature limits (-80°C to +120°C); freezing may cause brittleness.

• Centrifuge Compatibility: Always check manufacturer's maximum RCF rating; never exceed.

• Filling: Do not overfill; leave appropriate headspace for expansion during centrifugation.

• Balancing: Must balance tubes by weight (±0.1-0.5 g depending on rotor and speed).

• Disposal: Dispose of contaminated tubes as biohazardous waste; autoclave before disposal if required.

• Inspection: Before use, check for cracks, deformation, or damage; do not use damaged tubes.

6. LABORATORY & CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

• Primary Application: Essential containers for centrifugation of biological samples in clinical, research, and industrial laboratories.

• Selection Criteria:

  • Sample Volume: 0.2-2.0 mL (microcentrifuge), 15 mL, 50 mL, or larger.

  • Centrifugation Speed: Must exceed required RCF; check tube specifications.

  • Sample Type: Routine clinical, sterile culture, molecular biology, hazardous materials.

  • Temperature: Room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen samples.

  • Rotor Type: Fixed-angle or swinging-bucket; must fit rotor and adapters.

• Proper Use:

1. Select appropriate tube size and type for application.

2. Label tube with sample identification.

3. Fill to appropriate volume (not exceeding maximum).

4. Cap securely (snap or screw cap tightened).

5. Balance tubes by weight with opposing tubes.

6. Place it in the rotor with proper adapters.

7. Centrifuge at specified speed and time.

8. Remove carefully; pellet at bottom (conical) or side (fixed-angle).

• Limitations: Not for high-speed ultracentrifugation; not for organic solvents that degrade polypropylene; single-use recommended.