The Various Labels and Classifications of Centrifuge Tubes You Should Know

The centrifuge tube used in the laboratory is a key tool for sample separation and purification. Choosing the right centrifuge tube is crucial to ensure the accuracy, efficiency and safety of the experiment. The following are a series of detailed factors to consider when choosing a centrifuge tube, which will also be standard in the product description page, read these marks to help you choose a more suitable centrifuge tube.

Different Elements of Centrifuge Tubes

Capacity and Size

Centrifugal tubes are available in a variety of capacities and sizes, from small volume microtubes to large volume tubes, providing flexibility for different laboratory applications. Choosing the right size helps ensure effective separation while preventing sample loss or cross-contamination.

Microcentrifuge Tube

Microcentrifuge tubes are commonly used in molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories and are ideal for small sample sizes such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. Their compact size allows for rapid rotation, which facilitates rapid granulation or separation of small particles from supernatants.

Large Capacity Centrifugal Tube

High-capacity centrifugal tubes are suitable for industrial applications or large-scale research where large amounts of material need to be handled. These test tubes require specialized centrifuges with rotors that can adapt to their size and weight.

Centrifuge Compatibility

Ensuring that the centrifuge tube is fully compatible with the centrifuge model is key to safe and effective laboratory operation. This includes the rotor type, the shape and size of the tube, and the maximum operating speed of the centrifuge.

Material Property

The material of the centrifugal tube is the decisive factor of its performance. Polypropylene (PP) is widely used due to its robustness and compatibility with a wide range of chemicals. Polycarbonate (PC) is favored for its transparency and impact resistance. In addition, advanced materials such as fluoropolymers are suitable for highly corrosive or reactive samples due to their excellent chemical resistance, despite the higher cost.

Chemical Resistance and Thermal Stability

The centrifugal tube must be able to withstand the chemical and thermal conditions that may be encountered during the experiment. Understanding the properties of the sample and the experimental conditions is essential for selecting a material with appropriate chemical resistance and thermal stability.

Autoclavability

Laboratory protocols often require that equipment be autoclaved, so it is necessary to select centrifugal tubes that can withstand high temperatures and pressures without deforming or releasing harmful substances.

Rotor Type and Tube Design

Centrifuge rotors are designed to accommodate specific types of tubes, and using mismatched tubes can result in incorrect seating or instability during operation. Angular rotors and external pendulum rotors have different requirements on the structural integrity and fixation of tubes.

Test Tube Size and Centrifuge Capacity

The physical dimensions of the centrifuge tube must match the slots or adapters available in the centrifuge rotor to ensure separation efficiency and prevent damage.

Maximum Speed Precautions

Each centrifugal tube has its rated maximum centrifugal force, exceeding this limit may result in pipe failure. Before centrifugation, the required RCF should be calculated and ensure that both centrifuge and test tube can safely reach this force level.

Material Compatibility

The material of the centrifuge tube should be suitable for the temperature range and chemical exposure expected during the centrifugation process. Some applications may require refrigeration or heated centrifugation, and the tubes selected must be able to withstand these conditions.

Closure Type

The sealing mechanism of the centrifuge tube directly affects the safety of the sample during centrifugation and storage. Screw caps provide a robust and airtight seal for high speed centrifugation. The buckle cover is convenient and fast, suitable for low speed centrifugation and minimal risk of leakage.

Scale and Label Area

A centrifugal tube with a clear scale and sufficient label area helps to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of experiments. The scale allows for accurate volume measurement, while the label area facilitates reliable sample identification.

Conclusion

When selecting a centrifuge tube, it is important to consider factors such as material characteristics, chemical resistance and thermal stability, autoclave sterilization, capacity and size, micro versus large capacity applications, centrifuge compatibility, rotor type and tube design, tube size and centrifuge capacity matching, maximum speed considerations, material compatibility, closure type, scale and label area. The comprehensive consideration of these factors will ensure the quality and efficiency of laboratory work, while ensuring the safety of experiments.