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Lab Manufacturers China

Tubes

实验室试管

TUB · Laboratory Consumables · 5 models

By Lab Manufacturers China Technical TeamLast reviewed Standards: ISO 13485 (medical device quality management), ISO 10993 (biological evaluation of medical devices), EN ISO 11607 (packaging for terminally sterilized devices)

Standards referenced

  • 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)
  • USP <88> (biological reactivity tests)

What are Tubes?

Laboratory tubes are the containers used for collecting, processing, culturing and storing samples. Microcentrifuge, conical centrifuge, culture, cryogenic and transport tubes are chosen for volume, g rating, sterility, temperature and the handling requirements of each process.

5 models of Tubes

The 5 models below are current configurations; specifications are confirmed on quotation.

Microcentrifuge Tube

微量离心管

  • TUB-0001
  • Tubes
  • CE (to be confirmed)
  • ISO 9001 manufacturing (to be confirmed)
Material:
Polypropylene
Volume:
0.5–2 mL
Max g force:
12,000–20,000 × g
Cap:
Snap or screw
Bottom:
Conical or round
Graduations:
Moulded

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.

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Conical Centrifuge Tube

锥形离心管

  • TUB-0002
  • Tubes
  • CE (to be confirmed)
  • ISO 9001 manufacturing (to be confirmed)
Material:
Polypropylene or polystyrene
Volume:
15, 50 or 250 mL
Max g force:
3000–12,000 × g
Base:
Conical
Cap:
Screw, sealing ring option
Max fill:
≈ 80 % of nominal

A conical centrifuge tube has a tapered base that collects a pellet and a screw cap for sealing. It is used for cell pelleting, media and larger-volume centrifugation, with a screw cap for sealing.

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Cell Culture Tube

细胞培养管

  • TUB-0003
  • Tubes
  • CE (to be confirmed)
  • ISO 9001 manufacturing (to be confirmed)
Material:
Polystyrene or polypropylene
Volume:
5–50 mL
Cap:
Vented or sealed
Surface:
Treated or untreated
Sterility:
Gamma irradiated
Pyrogen:
Non-pyrogenic

A cell culture tube is a sterile tube with a gas-permeable or sealed cap for growing cells in small volume. It is used for culture maintenance, slants and small-scale expansion, with a vented or sealed screw cap.

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Cryogenic Storage Tube

低温储存管

  • TUB-0004
  • Tubes
  • CE (to be confirmed)
  • ISO 9001 manufacturing (to be confirmed)
Material:
Polypropylene
Volume:
1–5 mL
Temperature:
−80 °C or −196 °C
Thread:
Internal or external
Seal:
Silicone gasket or O-ring
Sterility:
Optional

A cryogenic storage tube is a sealed tube rated for very low temperature, with internal or external threads and an O-ring. It is used to store cells, DNA and samples in freezers or liquid nitrogen.

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Sterile Sample Transport Tube

无菌样品运输管

  • TUB-0005
  • Tubes
  • CE (to be confirmed)
  • ISO 9001 manufacturing (to be confirmed)
Material:
Polypropylene
Volume:
5–50 mL
Cap:
Leak-proof screw
Sterility:
Gamma or EO
Pyrogen:
Non-pyrogenic option
Labelling:
Barcode or writing area

A sterile sample transport tube is a leak-proof container with a barcode for moving samples between sites. It protects sample integrity and staff during transport. Screw caps reliably prevent leakage during transit and handling.

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Compare Tubes models

ModelMaterialVolumeMax g forceCapBottom
Microcentrifuge TubeTUB-0001Polypropylene0.5–2 mL12,000–20,000 × gSnap or screwConical or round
Conical Centrifuge TubeTUB-0002Polypropylene or polystyrene15, 50 or 250 mL3000–12,000 × gScrew, sealing ring option—
Cell Culture TubeTUB-0003Polystyrene or polypropylene5–50 mL—Vented or sealedRound or flat
Cryogenic Storage TubeTUB-0004Polypropylene1–5 mL——Round or conical
Sterile Sample Transport TubeTUB-0005Polypropylene5–50 mL—Leak-proof screw—

Indicative values for this product class. Final specifications are confirmed on the quotation and in the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

How do Tubes 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.

Which Tubes variants are available?

  • Microcentrifuge Tube — A microcentrifuge tube is a small 1.5 to 2 mL tube for molecular and analytical work at high g force.
  • Conical Centrifuge Tube — A conical centrifuge tube has a tapered base that collects a pellet and a screw cap for sealing.
  • Cell Culture Tube — A cell culture tube is a sterile tube with a gas-permeable or sealed cap for growing cells in small volume.
  • Cryogenic Storage Tube — A cryogenic storage tube is a sealed tube rated for very low temperature, with internal or external threads and an O-ring.
  • Sterile Sample Transport Tube — A sterile sample transport tube is a leak-proof container with a barcode for moving samples between sites.

How do I choose the right variant?

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.

Where are Tubes used?

Tubes are specified in molecular biology and PCR, cell culture and pelleting, bacterial and yeast culture, sample storage and archiving, clinical and diagnostic sampling and sample transport and shipping.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Work with Tubes is commonly governed by 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). Instrument certifications such as CE marking are confirmed per configuration and never assumed.

What are the key considerations before purchase?

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.

Frequently asked questions about Tubes

It is the maximum relative centrifugal force the tube can withstand when correctly filled and closed. Exceeding it can cause the tube to crack, leak or fail, so match the tube rating to the rotor speed.

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