Tubes for Spinning, Freezing, Sorting and Storing Samples
Sterile 15 and 50 ml conical centrifuge tubes, 1 and 2 ml cryogenic vials, screw-cap microcentrifuge tubes, flow cytometry tubes, culture and test tubes, large-volume centrifuge bottles and PCR strip tubes, plus the racks and holders that keep them organized. Brands include Heathrow Scientific, Dynarex and Oxford Lab Products.
→ Part of Consumables & Plasticware. Also see Pipettes & Tips, Blood Collection Supply and Laboratory Centrifuges & Accessories.
| Item | Type | Volume / format | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow 15 ml Conical, Sterile | Conical centrifuge tube | 15 ml, sterile | Cell pellets, routine spins |
| Heathrow 50 ml Conical, Sterile | Conical centrifuge tube | 50 ml, sterile | Larger volume prep and storage |
| Heathrow Cryogenic Vials | Cryovial | 2 ml, sterile, pack of 500 | Biobanking and cell stocks |
| V4801 Cryo Vial | Cryovial | 1 ml, sterile, skirted | Small aliquots that stand upright |
| C3205 Screw Cap Microtube | Microcentrifuge tube | 0.5 ml, 1,000 per case | Leak-resistant small samples |
| FlowTubes T9020 | Flow cytometry tube | Uncapped, bulk pack | FACS and cytometer loading |
| DuoClick Culture Tube T8830 | Culture tube | 17 x 100 mm, PP, screw cap | Culture work needing a vented cap |
| C1250 Centrifuge Tube | Large centrifuge tube | 250 ml, with rack | High-volume separations |
| Optimate PCR Strip Tubes | PCR strip | PCR and qPCR | Thermal cycler runs |
Conical, Microcentrifuge or Large-Volume?
Start from the centrifuge you are using and the volume you are spinning. Benchtop clinical and cell work mostly runs in 15 ml and 50 ml conicals. Small volumes go in screw-cap microtubes, where the threaded cap holds up better than a snap cap during boiling or freezing. For separations above 50 ml, the 175 ml, 225 ml, 250 ml and 500 ml tubes cover large rotors. Check rotor compatibility before ordering.
Which Cryovial Should You Order?
Volume and whether the vial needs to stand on its own. The Heathrow 2 ml vials come 500 to a pack for biobanking and cell stocks. The V4801 is a 1 ml skirted vial, so it stands upright without a rack at the bench. Dynarex cryogenic tubes add graduated markings for reading volumes. For long-term storage at liquid nitrogen temperatures, confirm the vial rating against your storage method.
Racks and Holders in This Collection
About a third of this collection is organization, not tubes. The 50 ml conical freezer rack and freezer box rack handle cold storage. Hood-mount holders keep tubes within reach in a biosafety cabinet, and the blood tube carrier moves samples between rooms.
Are all the tubes in this collection sterile?
No. The Heathrow conicals and cryovials listed as sterile are sterile, but items like the T1111 test tubes are non-sterile. Check the listing title before ordering for cell culture or clinical specimen work.
Which tube do I need for flow cytometry?
Use a dedicated FACS tube such as the FlowTubes T9020, which is sized for cytometer sample loaders. A general test tube may not seat correctly.
Can I buy tubes by the case?
Yes. Several items already ship in bulk, including the 0.5 ml microtubes at 1,000 per case and the 2 ml cryovials at 500 per pack. For standing orders across a lab, request a quote with your monthly usage.
Which rack holds 50 ml conicals in a freezer?
The 50 ml conical freezer rack is sized for upright freezer shelves, and the 2 x 4 freezer box rack suits smaller batches. For bench use, the conical tube rack holds both 15 and 50 ml sizes.
Do you carry the matching PCR strip tubes for a thermal cycler?
Yes. Optimate PCR strip tubes are available for PCR and qPCR runs. Cyclers and PCR reagents are in PCR & Thermal Cyclers.
Read the full guide: Lab Centrifuge Buying Guide: How to Choose
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Related Buying Guides
- Lab Centrifuge Buying Guide: How to Choose
- Centrifuge RPM vs RCF Explained
- Laboratory Freezer Size Comparison Guide
- Lab Equipment Supplier Guide: Evaluating Vendors
