Overview
Plastic centrifuge tubes with flat caps are standard laboratory consumables designed for safe sample handling. They are typically manufactured from high-quality polypropylene, which ensures durability and resistance to most chemicals. The flat caps provide a secure seal, preventing leaks during high-speed centrifugation (up to 15,000 RPM). These tubes are available in translucent or opaque variants, with volume markings for accurate measurements. Common sizes range from microcentrifuge tubes (0.5mL–2mL) to larger conical tubes (15mL–50mL). Many are pre-sterilized via gamma irradiation or autoclaving, making them suitable for cell culture and molecular biology applications. Their uniform shape allows for stable stacking in racks and compatibility with most centrifuge rotors.
Structure and Working Principle
The tube consists of a cylindrical body with a conical bottom to facilitate pellet formation during centrifugation. The flat screw cap includes an O-ring or gasket for an airtight seal, critical for preventing aerosol contamination. The cap design ensures easy one-handed operation, often featuring a hinged or separate snap-on mechanism. During centrifugation, the conical base concentrates solids at the tip, while the flat cap prevents deformation under centrifugal force. Graduated markings on the sidewall allow for approximate volume measurement, though accuracy may vary. Tubes may also include a writing patch for sample identification.
Key Features
Chemical resistance is a standout feature, with polypropylene tubes tolerating acids, bases, and most organic solvents. They withstand temperatures from -80°C (for cryogenic storage) to 121°C (for autoclaving). Clarity varies by material—polypropylene offers moderate transparency, while COP (cyclo-olefin polymer) tubes provide superior visibility for sample inspection. Other features include RNase/DNase-free certification for sensitive applications, sterile packaging options, and color-coded caps for workflow organization. Some tubes are designed with reinforced walls to prevent collapse during high-speed spins or ultracentrifugation.
Application Areas
These tubes are ubiquitous in life sciences, including DNA/RNA extraction, protein purification, and PCR sample preparation. Clinical labs use them for blood/urine separation, while pharmaceutical industries rely on them for drug formulation stability testing. Their leak-proof design makes them ideal for transporting hazardous materials. In industrial settings, they serve in quality control processes, such as viscosity testing or particulate analysis. Specialized versions with screw threads are used in chromatography or as reaction vessels. The flat caps ensure compatibility with automated capping/decapping systems in high-throughput workflows.
Maintenance and Precautions
For reuse (where permitted), clean tubes with mild detergents and rinse thoroughly with deionized water. Avoid abrasive brushes that may scratch surfaces. Autoclaving should follow manufacturer guidelines to prevent warping—typically 121°C for 15–20 minutes. Always inspect caps for cracks or worn seals before reuse. Prevent cross-contamination by using separate tubes for different samples or applications. Do not exceed the maximum rated speed (marked on the tube or packaging), as this may cause failure. For corrosive samples, verify chemical compatibility charts, as solvents like chloroform may degrade certain plastics over time.
B2B Procurement Guide
Bulk purchases (100+ units) typically reduce costs by 20–40%. Key considerations include certification (e.g., USP Class VI for medical applications), lot consistency, and packaging (individual vs. bulk-packed). Suppliers may offer customization like printed graduations or barcodes for traceability. Evaluate suppliers based on lead times, sterilization validation documentation, and compliance with ISO 13485 or GMP standards if required. For international procurement, confirm that tubes meet destination-country regulations (e.g., EU REACH). Sample testing for centrifuge balance and seal integrity is recommended before large orders.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：离心管、冷冻管、试剂槽、运输管
- 主营：血清管、采样管、果蝇瓶、离心管、塑料硬试管、塑料称量皿、储存管、冷冻管、采样棒、采样杯、冻存管、冷冻盒、反应管、巴氏吸管、细胞推杆、尔马林杯、移液器枪头、高压灭菌袋、离心试管架、一次性滴管、样品反应杯、平口圆底试管、耐高温垃圾袋、一次性试剂槽
- 主营：一次性塑料滴管、无菌塑料离心管、一次性塑料采样杯、一次性塑料尿杯、一次性塑料软试管、一次性透明培养皿
- 主营：吸头、PCR管、八连管、离心管、离心瓶、移液管、培养板、培养瓶、培养皿、三角摇瓶
- 主营：滤芯吸头、移液管、离心瓶、离心管、培养皿、样品管、冷冻管、连排管、八连管、螺口管、virya1250ul、细胞培养、生物科技、滤芯吸嘴、PCR管、PCR板
- 主营：酶标条、酶标板、移液器、离心管、凸面带、200加长、锥形瓶、pcr八连、聚丙烯、管管盖、移液管、过滤板、培养皿、吸头盒、冷冻管、培养瓶、离心瓶、深孔板、pcr管盒、连排管、反应板、八连管、避光管、螺口管、带滤芯
- 主营：洁特一次性离心管、同位素、闪烁液、液闪瓶
- 主营：人中性粒细胞分选试剂、NHS琼脂糖磁珠、免疫沉淀试剂盒、离心管、NHS磁珠试剂盒、链霉亲和素磁珠、环氧磁珠、NHS磁珠、CD3磁珠
- 主营：离心瓶、透明管、移液管、离心管、超薄管、2ml双向、八联管、锥形管、白色管、样品杯、1ml液体、ep管压盖、灭菌细胞、滤芯独立、黑色刻度、独立包装、医用聚苯、吸附能力、微量离心、灭菌带架、蛋白吸附、包装吸管、转移液体、纸塑包装、白色框架
- 主营：黑色吸头、滤芯吸头、透明吸头、离心管、导电吸头、盒装吸头、滤芯吸嘴、工作站吸头、高透明吸嘴
- 主营：滤芯吸头、移液吸头、离心瓶、离心管、冻存管、螺口管、PCR管、八连管、细胞培养、吸头
- 主营：离心瓶、培养皿、培养瓶、离心管、螺口管、冻存管、灭菌吸头、滤芯吸头、导电吸头、滤芯吸嘴、工作站吸头、无热源吸头、细胞移液管、细胞培养板、灭菌枪头盒、移液器吸头、三角细胞摇瓶
- 主营：移液管、1ml双向、移液器、离心管、塑料培养皿、发光板、培养板、螺口管、站立管、滤芯吸头、细胞培养、独立包装、避光管管、滤芯盒装、消毒螺口、液体处理、加长吸头、灭菌包装、实验室用品、酶标板透明、实验室玻璃、三角细胞摇瓶
- 主营：接头塞、试剂盒、试剂盘、透气盖、滴定管、采样袋、冷冻管、收集管、试纸条、广口瓶、样品瓶、曲拉通、封闭液、搪瓷盘、酶标条、移液器、定影粉、样品管、样品杯、称量皿、采便管、容量瓶、摇菌管、显影粉、收集袋