Top Centrifuge Tube Mistakes and How to Fix Them

When it comes to laboratory efficiency and accuracy, even the smallest, like centrifuge tubes, play a critical role. Despite their simple appearance, improper use of centrifuge tubes can lead to sample loss, contamination, equipment damage, or even failed experiments. 

These little oversights often go unnoticed until they result in compromised results or expensive delays. In this blog, we’ll uncover some of the most common mistakes made while using centrifuge tubes and provide practical tips to help you avoid them, ensuring your experiments stay on track and your lab operates at peak performance. 

Top Mistakes to Avoid and How to Fix Them

  • Choosing the Wrong Material 

Common issue: Sometimes, lab personnel may overlook the sample's compatibility with the material of the centrifuge tube, which can lead to contamination or tube damage. For example, plastic tubes from a laboratory plasticware supplier that aren’t resistant to organic solvents can dissolve or compromise the sample’s integrity. 

Solution: In such situations, choose centrifuge tubes from a centrifuge tube supplier based on your sample’s chemical properties. Polypropylene suits most reagents, while polystyrene is ideal for aqueous samples only. Always check material compatibility charts to avoid damage or contamination. 

  • Wrong Centrifuge Speed Settings

Common issue: Wrong centrifuge speed is also a leading cause of tube breakage or poor sample processing. For instance, running at high speeds can cause tubes to rupture.

Solution: In this situation, choosing centrifuge speed and duration is best based on the sample and experiment needs. Also, check the tube specifications provided by a laboratory plasticware supplier, as exceeding the speed limit can cause damage. You can opt for reinforced tubes for high-speed centrifugation. 

  • Uneven or Overfilled Tubes

Common Issue: Sometimes, lab personnel may fail to fill the centrifugal tubes evenly or just overfill them, leading to an imbalance during centrifugation that can damage both the centrifuge and the tubes. 

Solution: Maintain equal sample volumes in each centrifuge tube for proper balance, and fill tubes to 75-85% of their capacity to ensure stability. For ultracentrifugation, using specially designed tubes with caps to prevent spillage is highly advisable. 

Conclusion

Choosing and using the right centrifuge tubes is key to experiment success. You can boost efficiency and ensure accurate, reliable results by avoiding these mistakes.