Test Tubes
Test tubes are essential tools in various scientific and laboratory settings. This category offers a wide range of test tubes and accessories designed to meet the needs of researchers, scientists, and other professionals in the field.
From test tube pH pens to centrifuges and vortex mixers, this category features a variety of products that are crucial for conducting experiments, analyzing samples, and performing tests. The Test Tube pH Pen and Test Tube ATC pH Pen are perfect for measuring pH levels in test tubes, while the Ohaus FC5706 120V Frontier 5000 Series Multi Centrifuge is ideal for separating liquids based on density. The Ohaus VXMNFS, VXMNDG, and VXMNPS Mini Vortex Mixers provide efficient mixing of substances in test tubes, ensuring accurate results.
In addition to these tools, this category also offers various test tube racks and module blocks in three sizes and capacities. The Ohaus Module Block 10 mm Test Tube 24 Hole, Ohaus Module Block 20 mm Test Tube 8 Hole, Ohaus Module Block 25 mm Test Tube 6 Hole, and Ohaus Module Block 35 mm Test Tube 4 Hole are compatible with different test tube sizes, allowing for organized and secure storage.
Whether you are working in a research laboratory, educational institution, or healthcare facility, having quality test tubes and accessories is essential for ensuring the success of your experiments and tests. Explore the products in this category to find the tools you need to advance your work in the field of science and research.
View the full line of Centrifuges
Related Blogs for Test Tubes
Chemistry Glassware Names: A Comprehensive Guide
Suction Filtration: The Basics of Vacuum Filtration
Understanding Air Condenser Chemistry in 2023
All About Volumetric Flask: Uses, Function & Overview
Aspirator Flask: Benefits of Borosilicate Glass Filter Flask
Understanding Air Condenser Chemistry in 2023
What is a Graduated Cylinder Used For?
Most Accurate Glassware for Measuring Volume
Comprehensive List of Biology Laboratory Equipment in 2023
Choosing the Best Mortar and Pestle for Laboratory Use
Guide to the Best Conical Centrifuge Tube for Your Lab
What Are Centrifuge Tubes Used For? Exploring the Lab Use
Measuring Volume Tools: Guide to Accurate Liquid Measurement
Graduated Cylinder Sig Figs: Precision in Liquid Measurement
Conical Tube 15ml Selection: Streamlining Your Lab Workflow
Types of Test Tube
Test tubes are indispensable tools in professional labs across various scientific fields, from chemistry and biology to medical research and environmental science. These simple yet crucial instruments come in various materials and sizes to accommodate a wide range of experimental needs. This overview will explore the types of test tubes commonly used in professional labs, focusing on their materials, designs, and specific applications, along with practical tips for selection and use.
Glass Test Tube:
Material: The most common material for vials test tubes is glass, particularly borosilicate glass. This material is preferred for its resistance to thermal shock and chemical corrosion, making it suitable for high-temperature applications and reactive substances.
Features: Glass test tubes often come with either a round bottom or a flat bottom test tube. The round bottom is ideal for content mixing and heating, while flat bottoms are stable on flat surfaces for easier observation and sampling.
Plastic Test Tube:
Materials: Polystyrene and polypropylene are the primary plastics used for disposable test tubes. Polystyrene disposable test tubes are transparent and suitable for observation and light-sensitive experiments, while polypropylene offers excellent chemical resistance and is suitable for more rigorous chemical applications.
Features: Plastic test tubes often come with a screw cap and can be non-sterile or pre-sterilized, catering to both general use and sensitive biological applications where contamination control is critical.
Key Features
Caps:
Types: Caps are a critical feature for test tubes, especially in biological and chemical experiments where contamination must be avoided. Screw caps provide a secure seal that protects against leakage and contamination.
Usage: Caps are particularly useful for sample storage or when test tubes need to be transported between labs or stored for long periods.
Sizes and Dimensions:
Variety: Test tubes are available in various sizes, typically categorized by diameter and height. Common diameters range from 10 mm to over 20 mm, with lengths varying to accommodate different volumes.
Selection: The choice of size depends on the volume of the sample and the type of experiment. Smaller test tubes are used for micro-sampling, while larger ones are suitable for bulk sample analysis or reactions.
Disposable vs. Reusable:
Disposable Test Tubes: These are typically used once and discarded, ideal for high-throughput labs where contamination risks are high, and the cost of cleaning outweighs the price of the tube.
Reusable Test Tubes: Made from durable materials like borosilicate glass, these can be cleaned and sterilized for repeated use, making them a cost-effective option for labs with the facilities to properly clean and maintain them.
Applications in Professional Labs
Test tubes are used in a myriad of applications within professional labs, including:
Sample Analysis: They are used to mix, incubate, or heat samples as part of chemical reactions or biological assays.
Storage and Transport: With the use of tight-sealing caps, test tubes serve as secure vessels for storing biological samples like blood, urine, or tissue, and chemical compounds.
Educational Purposes: In academic settings, test tubes are essential for teaching the principles of chemistry and biology through direct experimentation.
Selection and Usage Tips
Material Choice: Select the material based on the chemical resistance needed and the thermal requirements of the experiments. Borosilicate glass is preferred for heat applications, whereas polypropylene is best for chemical resistance.
Cap Compatibility: Ensure that the caps are compatible with the test tubes, especially if the tubes need to be heated or shaken, as some cap materials may deform or degrade under specific conditions.
Proper Handling: Handle glass test tubes with care to avoid breakage, and always use appropriate racks and holders to secure the tubes during experiments or storage.
Conclusion
Test tubes remain foundational to the daily operations of professional labs, facilitating a range of scientific tasks from routine testing to groundbreaking research. By understanding the various types of test tubes, their materials, and their applications, lab personnel can effectively choose and utilize the appropriate test tubes to ensure accurate, reliable results in their scientific endeavors. Whether for single-use or repeated applications, the correct test tube choice enhances the efficiency and safety of laboratory processes, contributing significantly to the success of scientific investigations.
