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How to Choose the Best Centrifuge Tubes

A centrifuge tube is for holding liquid sample that are to be separated through centrifugation based on density and particles found in the specimen. Centrifuge tubes are also referred to as conical or falcon tubes.

They are available in various sizes and can hold different volumes of samples ranging from 15 to 50 ml. Each size will also fit into different centrifugation machines. They are inserted into the rotor with a tightened cap to ensure the machine’s smooth operation. The conical tubes are made of autoclave material and are available as sterile on non-sterile versions. In most labs, you will find the falcon tubes with conical bases as opposed to the round bottom ones.

Making the Selection

Centrifugation is a commonly used approach used in the separation of fluids during lab analysis. Usually, the type of specimen could be blood samples, biological samples, or mon0oclonal antibodies. The cost of these specimens is huge and therefore selecting the best centrifuge is a critical element in the preservation of the specimen while looking for the best results.

Your choice will depend on various factors that we will address in this article.

Sterile or Non-Sterile

In as much they are produced in a high-temperature environment, you cannot be assured of their sterility. All conical tubes have specifications indicating whether they are sterile or not. It always recommended that you store your centrifuge in a septic environment once you have opened the package. Racks

If you buy 50 Ml centrifuge tubes that have been sterilized, you will be given styrene racks for maintaining their sterility within the work environment. When your nature of work does not require sterile conical tubes, it is cost-effective to buy centrifuges in bulk, usually about 50 of them per bag.

Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF)

Makers of centrifuge tubes have an RCF rating on the tubes. The RCF is better to consider that the revolution per minute (RPM) rating. The RCF is the gravitational pull on the tube while the RPM is the number of spinning the rotor makes in a minute.

The specification and rating is also a factor in pricing. The best way to get value for your money is to match your tube specifications and the needs of the experiment. If you are a high volume user, you will benefit if you choose the exact volume capacity of the tube.

Size and Volume

When you underfill or overfill the centrifuge tubes, you are likely to experience some explosion or collapsing of the tube during spinning. The worst that can happen is leakage of contaminated fluids that can pose serious health hazards. If the size of your centrifuge does not fit your centrifuge rotor, you can buy adapter heads to compensate for the tube size.

Material Compatibility

Knowing the material used to make the centrifuge tube is essential. Because depending on the sample, you must be sure that it will not react with the tube during a test. If you want to buy 50 Ml centrifuge tubes , enquire if they are made from polypropylene because of its high resistance to most lab substances and are durable in different environments. Other materials used in the making of conical tubes are polyethylene, polycarbonate, and polyallomer. If you are not sure about the resistance levels, consult with the manufacturer before making the final decision.

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