How To Choose The Best Centrifuge Tubes

Selecting your Centrifuge Tubes

Centrifugation is an essential technique for separating fluids in laboratory analyses, whether working with blood samples or experimental materials like molecular biology samples or monoclonal antibodies. Given the high value of these specimens, choosing the right centrifuge tubes is crucial to preserve their integrity and achieve the best results. In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect centrifuge tubes for your needs.

Ensuring Sterility

Even though centrifuge tubes are manufactured at high temperatures, this does not guarantee sterility. It’s crucial to verify the sterility of your centrifuge tubes by checking the specifications carefully before use. Various methods are used to produce sterile tubes, and maintaining an aseptic environment after opening the pack is essential to preserving sterility.

Choosing the Right Racks

Sterile tubes typically come in styrene racks, facilitating easy storage and efficient use in sterile areas. If sterility isn’t a priority, opting for bulk packaging—such as 50 tubes per bag—can be more cost-effective.

Understanding Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF)

Manufacturers provide a Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF) rating for their tubes. RCF is more critical than Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) because it accounts for gravitational force, while RPM only measures rotor speed. Always consider the RCF rating to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Balancing Cost and Specification

Centrifuge tube prices vary significantly based on their specifications. Matching the tube specifications to your specific requirements is vital for achieving the best results and cost-effectiveness. High-volume users can save substantially by avoiding over-specified tubes.

Managing Fill Volumes and Sizes

Proper fill volumes are crucial—overfilling or underfilling tubes can cause them to burst or collapse during centrifugation, leading to leaks. Such leaks can create aerosols of contaminated fluids, posing health risks. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines on fill volumes and ensure your tubes are compatible with your centrifuge rotor. Adapters for different tube sizes are available from manufacturers.

Selecting the Right Material

The material of your centrifuge tubes matters. Some substances can degrade certain materials, so consult the manufacturer’s guidance on resistance properties. Polypropylene is a popular choice due to its resistance to many substances, durability, and suitability for autoclaving and high-speed applications. If there are compatibility concerns, a trial run is recommended before full-scale use.

Other materials used in centrifuge tube manufacturing include Polyethylene (PET), Polyallomer (PA), and Polycarbonate (PC). Each has unique properties, so choose based on your specific needs and the substances you work with.

By considering these factors, you can ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective use of centrifuge tubes in your laboratory. Explore our range of centrifuges and centrifuge tubes here.