Microcentrifuge Tube

What is the Microcentrifuge Tube?

A microcentrifuge tube is a small 1.5 to 2 mL tube for molecular and analytical work at high g force. It fits microfuges and can be certified free of DNase and RNase.

Overview

The tube is moulded from polypropylene in 0.5, 1.5 and 2 mL sizes, with a snap cap or a screw cap and a conical or round bottom. It withstands 12,000–20,000 × g depending on the model, and the material resists most reagents and tolerates autoclaving. Graduations and a frosted writing area are common, and low-retention and DNA-free versions are available for molecular work. Snap caps are fast to use but can open under high g force or repeated freeze-thaw, so screw caps with O-rings are chosen for storage. Microcentrifuge tubes suit nucleic acid extraction, protein work, small-volume centrifugation and sample dilution, and their size makes them convenient for racks, heating blocks and automated workflows.

How does it work?

A laboratory tube holds a sample and fits the device that processes it, so its material, size and closure are functional rather than incidental. Polypropylene tubes resist most reagents, tolerate autoclaving and are translucent, and are the usual choice for centrifuge and microcentrifuge work. Conical tubes have a graduated taper that collects a pellet at the bottom and lets the supernatant be poured off. Culture tubes have a round or flat bottom, a screw cap with a gas-permeable or sealed liner, and a size that fits racks and shakers, and some are treated for cell attachment. Cryogenic tubes have external or internal threads, a silicone or O-ring seal and a material that stays intact at −80 °C or in liquid nitrogen. Transport tubes combine a leak-proof screw cap with a sterile interior and often a barcode label for identification. Closure design determines whether a tube seals, breathes or vents.

What are the key features?

• Polypropylene, 0.5–2 mL
• Snap or screw cap
• Rated 12,000–20,000 × g
• Graduations and writing area
• DNase and RNase free grades
• Low-retention option

What are the technical specifications?

A typical microcentrifuge tube configuration offers material of Polypropylene, volume of 0.5–2 mL, max g force of 12,000–20,000 × g, cap of Snap or screw, bottom of Conical or round and graduations of Moulded. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Microcentrifuge Tube is used in nucleic acid extraction, protein precipitation, small-volume centrifugation and sample dilution. Across the wider Tubes class, laboratories also deploy it for molecular biology and PCR, cell culture and pelleting and bacterial and yeast culture.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include ISO 13485 (medical device quality management), ISO 10993 (biological evaluation of medical devices), EN ISO 11607 (packaging for terminally sterilized devices), USP <661> (plastic components and systems), ISO 11737 (sterilization of health care products) and USP <88> (biological reactivity tests). Certification candidates for this model are CE and ISO 9001 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Respect the maximum g force and volume limits marked on the tube, since overfilling or over-spinning causes leaks and breakage; fill conical tubes to the marked level and never exceed the rotor rating. Balance tubes within the centrifuge tolerance to avoid vibration and rotor damage. Close caps fully, and use the correct cap for the temperature and pressure, because a snap cap can open in a fast spin and a sealed cap can build pressure when heated. Keep sterile tubes in unopened packaging until use, and work in a clean area. Do not reuse single-use tubes for regulated or sterile work. Store tubes below their maximum temperature, and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, which embrittles some plastics. Label tubes so identity survives freezing and handling.

How do I select the right Microcentrifuge Tube?

Choose microcentrifuge tubes for small volumes and high g force, with screw caps for storage and snap caps for speed. Confirm g rating and nuclease certification. RFQ: volume, cap type, g rating, sterility and nuclease-free needs.

How does it compare with other Tubes variants?

Choose the tube by the process it must survive. For small volumes, molecular work and centrifugation to 20,000 × g, use microcentrifuge tubes with a snap or screw cap that is certified nuclease-free. For cell pelleting and media work, use conical centrifuge tubes rated for the rotor g force, with sterile, gamma-treated options for culture. For bacterial or yeast culture, use culture tubes with the right closure: a vented cap for aerobic growth and a sealed cap for anaerobic or shaking work. For long-term storage, use cryogenic tubes rated for the temperature, with internal threads to reduce contamination risk or external threads for easier handling. For transport, use tubes with a leak-proof screw cap and a barcode, and confirm sterility and any transport regulation needs. Check material compatibility, fill volume and whether the tube must be free of pyrogens, DNase or RNase.