Buy Centrifuge Tubes Online

Centrifuge tubes are essential tools in every laboratory—designed to securely contain samples during high-speed spins and deliver accurate results in even the most demanding workflows. From daily sample prep to advanced molecular biology, choosing the right tube makes all the difference in reliability and reproducibility.

At Astor Scientific, we offer a full range of centrifuge tubes, including microcentrifuge tubes, 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes, and specialty formats tailored for diverse lab protocols. Whether you're handling small volumes or large-volume separations, every tube we supply is manufactured for safety, clarity, and compatibility with leading centrifuge models.

Explore our collection to buy centrifuge tubes built for precision. With leak-resistant caps, clear graduation markings, and certified sterility options, our tubes help maintain the integrity of your samples—every time.

What Are Centrifuge Tubes?

Centrifuge tubes are specialized lab containers designed to hold liquids during centrifugation—when samples are rapidly spun to separate components based on density. These tubes are built to withstand extreme centrifugal forces without leaking, cracking, or compromising the sample.

Made from durable materials like polypropylene or borosilicate glass, centrifuge tubes come in various sizes, typically ranging from 0.5 mL microtubes to 50 mL conical tubes. They feature tight-sealing caps, clear volume graduations, and are often resistant to chemicals, heat, and pressure.

Whether used for DNA extraction, protein isolation, or clinical sample processing, centrifuge tubes play a critical role in ensuring accuracy, safety, and consistency in lab work.

Types of Centrifuge Tubes

Centrifuge tubes are available in multiple formats to support a wide range of lab procedures—from small-volume processing to high-capacity separations. Choosing the right type depends on your sample size, centrifuge model, and application needs.

• Microcentrifuge Tubes (0.2–2 mL): Ideal for molecular biology workflows, these tubes are commonly used in DNA/RNA extraction, enzyme reactions, and small-volume sample prep. They often feature snap or hinged caps and are compatible with mini centrifuges.
• Conical Centrifuge Tubes (15 mL & 50 mL): Designed for high-speed spinning, these tubes are widely used in clinical and research settings. The conical base improves pellet formation, and the screw caps ensure a tight seal during centrifugation.
• Glass Centrifuge Tubes: Suitable for high-temperature or chemically reactive samples, glass tubes are less common but preferred in certain analytical labs. They’re reusable but must be handled with care.
• Specialty Tubes: These include skirted tubes for robotic systems, amber-colored tubes for light-sensitive samples, and graduated options for easy measurement. Some also come pre-sterilized and RNase/DNase-free for sensitive biological work.

Understanding the types of centrifuge tubes helps you match the right format to your process, preventing contamination and improving efficiency across all lab tasks.

Features to Consider When Buying

Selecting the right centrifuge tubes isn’t just about size—it’s about ensuring compatibility, safety, and performance in your specific lab environment. Here are the key features to evaluate before making a purchase:

• Tube Material: Polypropylene is the most common due to its chemical resistance, durability, and suitability for high-speed centrifugation. Glass tubes are used for high-temperature applications or solvents incompatible with plastic.
• Volume & Graduation Markings: Tubes are available in a range of capacities (0.2 mL to 50 mL). Clear, printed graduation lines help in measuring and tracking sample volumes accurately.
• Cap Type: Choose between screw caps for leakproof security or snap/hinged caps for quick access. Some screw caps come with O-ring seals for enhanced leak resistance during extreme spins.
• Sterility & Cleanroom Certification: For sensitive biological work, opt for RNase/DNase-free, pyrogen-free, or sterile tubes. This ensures contamination-free processing, especially in clinical and research labs.
• Autoclavable & Temperature Tolerance: Many tubes are designed to withstand autoclaving, freezing, and extreme centrifugal forces. Always check the max RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force) rating for safe use.
• Specialty Designs: Low-retention coatings for better sample recovery, amber-tinted tubes for light-sensitive samples, or barcoded options for automated systems—all help improve workflow efficiency.

Why Buy Centrifuge Tubes Online from Us?

At Astor Scientific, we go beyond standard lab supply—we deliver confidence in every spin. Whether you need 50 mL conical tubes for cell culture or microcentrifuge tubes for routine prep, our curated selection ensures your lab runs smoothly and efficiently.

We partner with trusted manufacturers to provide certified, high-quality centrifuge tubes that meet strict industry standards. Each product is clearly labeled with specs, usage guidelines, and compatibility to help you make quick, informed decisions.

When you buy centrifuge tubes from us, you get more than just a product—you get fast shipping, responsive support, and reliable performance backed by a team that understands the demands of modern laboratories.

Types of Centrifuge Tubes for Your Application

Not all centrifuge tubes perform the same in every environment. The right choice depends on your application—whether you're running clinical tests, processing biological samples, or working with volatile solvents.

Plastic vs. Glass

• Plastic tubes (typically polypropylene) are ideal for most biological and chemical workflows. They’re lightweight, chemically resistant, and disposable, making them a go-to for daily use in research and diagnostic labs.
• Glass tubes are preferred for heat-intensive processes or solvents that may degrade plastic. While reusable, they require careful handling and are best for high-temperature protocols or analytical chemistry.

Specialty Tubes for Sensitive Tasks

• Low-retention tubes minimize sample loss—perfect for protein or enzyme studies.
• Amber-colored tubes protect light-sensitive samples like photosensitive chemicals or DNA.
• Pre-sterilized, RNase/DNase-free tubes are critical for RNA or PCR workflows where contamination can compromise results.
  

Format and Cap Options

• Screw-cap tubes offer secure sealing during high-speed spins.
• Snap-cap or hinged-lid microtubes work best for fast, small-scale tasks.
• Conical vs. flat-bottom designs affect pellet recovery and are chosen based on centrifuge rotor compatibility.

By aligning the tube’s material, size, and cap design with your workflow, you can improve accuracy, minimize waste, and protect both your samples and equipment.

How to Use Centrifuge Tubes Safely and Effectively?

To ensure sample integrity and protect your lab equipment, centrifuge tubes must be handled with precision. Here are key practices to follow:

• Balance the Load: Always load the centrifuge symmetrically. If you’re spinning five or seven tubes in a 24-slot rotor, balance them with water-filled tubes of equal volume. An unbalanced load can damage the rotor or cause sample spillage.
• Use the Right Tube for the Right Speed: Each centrifuge tube has a maximum RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force) rating. Never exceed this limit. For high-speed spins, choose tubes designed to withstand the required g-force.
• Seal Properly: Ensure caps are tightly secured—especially with screw-cap tubes—to prevent leaks. For sensitive samples, use tubes with O-rings for a tighter seal.
• Avoid Overfilling or Underfilling: Fill tubes only to their marked capacity. Overfilling may lead to leaks, while underfilling can affect balance and performance during centrifugation.
• Inspect Before Use: Check for cracks, cloudiness, or damage before every spin. Even minor flaws can lead to breakage under force.

Using centrifuge tubes properly not only keeps your workflow consistent but also prevents equipment damage and sample loss—ensuring safer and more reliable lab operations.

FAQs

How to balance 5 tubes in a 24-slot centrifuge?

To balance 5 tubes in a 24-slot centrifuge, use 5 sample tubes and 5 counterbalance tubes filled with equal volumes of liquid. Position them symmetrically across from each other to maintain even weight distribution.

How to balance 7 tubes in a 24-slot centrifuge?

Use 7 sample tubes and 7 balancing tubes with equal liquid volumes. Place them evenly spaced to form a balanced configuration. Always check your centrifuge manual for specific rotor balancing instructions.

Where can I buy centrifuge tubes online?

You can buy centrifuge tubes directly from Astor Scientific. We offer a wide selection of 50 mL, microcentrifuge, and specialty tubes, all tested for high-speed centrifugation and safe lab use.

What are the types of centrifuge tubes available?

Centrifuge tubes include microcentrifuge tubes (0.5–2 mL), 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes, glass centrifuge tubes, and specialty options like amber, low-retention, or sterile tubes for specific lab protocols.

Can I autoclave centrifuge tubes?

Most polypropylene centrifuge tubes are autoclavable. Always check the product label or datasheet for temperature tolerance and sterilization guidelines before autoclaving.