Introduction to Centrifuge Tubes and Precautions for Use

The centrifuge tube(5 mL Centrifuge Tubes, 15 mL Centrifuge Tubes, 50 mL Centrifuge Tubes) is a laboratory consumable, a small centrifuge tube, used in conjunction with a microcentrifuge for the separation of trace reagents, providing a new tool for molecular biology micromanipulation experiments. Today, HAWACH will discuss the factors to be considered when choosing a centrifuge tube, HAWACH centrifuge tube features, and the use notes.

What properties should be considered when choosing a centrifuge tube?

1. Capacity: It is determined by the volume of the sample. Note that in some applications (eg, high-speed centrifugation) the centrifuge tube must be full.
2. Shape: When collecting sediment, it is better to use a centrifuge tube with a conical bottom, and a round-bottom test tube is more useful for density gradient centrifugation.
3. Relative centrifugal force: Detailed information is provided by the manufacturer.
4. Corrosion resistance: Glass tube is an inert substance, polycarbonate tube is sensitive to organic solvents (such as ethanol and acetone), and polypropylene has better corrosion resistance. Please contact the supplier for more information and details.
5. Sterilization: Plastic centrifuge tubes are usually sterilized when they leave the factory. Glass and polypropylene tubes can be re-sterilized for use. Multiple autoclaving may cause the polycarbonate to crack or deform.
6. Transparency: Glass tubes and polycarbonate are transparent, while polypropylene tubes are translucent.
7. Can it be pierced? If you want to collect samples by piercing the tube wall, cellulose acetate tubes and polypropylene tubes are easy to pierce with a syringe.
8. Tube cap: Most angle and vertical tube rotors require the centrifuge tube to have a tube cap to prevent sample leakage during use and support the centrifuge tube during centrifugation to prevent it from deforming. For radioactive samples, ensure that the tubes are capped, even if centrifuged at low speed, and use caps that are compatible with the centrifuge tubes being used.

HAWACH centrifuge tube features

Microcentrifuge tubes are divided into 1.5 mL and 2 mL according to their capacity.
1. The HAWACH centrifuge tube adopts a high-quality mold, the inner wall is super smooth, and the liquid adsorption residue is reduced.
2. Using high-quality raw materials, the tube wall is super clear and easy to observe.
3. The tube cover can be opened and closed with one hand, easy to operate.
4. Made of polypropylene, resistant to chemical corrosion and low temperature.
5. The production process does not add a release agent, plasticizer, or bacteriostatic agent, and does not contain any heavy metal ions.
6. Ultra-high centrifugation stability, when dealing with toxic samples, provides safety for personnel and the working environment.
7. Excellent temperature tolerance, no deformation.
8. The surface of the tube cover and part of the tube body is frosted for easy marking.
9. EO, gamma irradiation sterilization, or clean unsterilized optional.
10. No DNase, RNase, or heat source.

Precautions when using centrifuge tubes

For the high-speed refrigerated centrifuge, we should pay attention to the following factors.
1. Those who have not been trained and assessed cannot use it.
2. Select the appropriate rotor and speed.
3. Choose a suitable temperature, usually 4°C, not below zero except for organic solvents, to avoid freezing and damage to the centrifuge tube and rotor.
4. Before the rotor is used, the tube must be cleaned with a hole-wiping stick, and the bottom of the hole must be carefully checked for cracks and white spots. Reject it if it has cracks or white spots.
5. Load the appropriate amount of solution in the centrifuge tube. The stainless steel tube has no cap and can only fit 2/3, and the plastic tube can be fitted to the shoulder. The cap of the tube must be tightly closed, and no leakage is allowed. Please note that centrifugation can cause deformation to empty tubes.
6. Place the centrifuge tubes in pairs and balance them.
7. No idling of the rotor is allowed, and the handle must be used to prevent the rotor from slipping. The turning head should be placed lightly and firmly, and when unscrewing the handle, hold the handle with one hand and only turn the turning head. Close the rotor cover tightly, and do not allow centrifugation without the cover.
8. Do not open the lid of the machine during centrifugation, and do not stand on the centrifuge. Immediately stop the machine if there is any vibration or abnormal sound.
9. After the rotor is used, it must be taken out from the rotor compartment in time, wiped dry, and carefully wipe the tube hole with a hole-wiping stick. If the solution overflows, it must be cleaned, including the condensed water in the rotor compartment and the door to the rotor compartment.

For the ordinary centrifuge, we should pay attention to these:

1. Before centrifugation, carefully check whether there is foreign matter in each hole of the rotor.
2. Equilibrate the centrifuge tube carefully.
3. If the cabin is not clean, the centrifuge tube should be sealed with a plastic membrane.
4. Must start slowly and then accelerate.
5. During centrifugation, do not open the lid.
6. Do not use the handbrake.