Test tubes from laboratory glassware suppliers are available in various sizes, materials, and styles tailored for different experiments and conditions. With so many options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

Don’t worry! In this blog, we’ll break down the different test tube types to help you choose the best one for your experiments.

Test Tube Sizes

As mentioned, test tubes from a lab glassware supplier come in various sizes, ranging from 0.5 mL microtubes to 50 mL centrifuge tubes.

Choose the test tube size based on your sample volume. Consider microtubes for small samples; opt for 15 mL to 50 mL test tubes for large samples.

Test Tube Materials

You can get test tubes made of glass, plastic, or polypropylene. However, glass test tubes are the most preferred because of their high resistance to heat and chemicals.

These glass test tubes are ideal for experiments that use very high temperatures, direct flame, or corrosive substances. The only drawback is that they can break easily if mishandled, posing risks of sample loss and safety issues. Also, because of their heavier weight and fragility, glass test tubes are incompatible with automation or high-throughput systems.

Then, there are plastic test tubes that are much more durable and shatter-proof than glass. They are also cost-effective, making them ideal for lab use. However, they also come with some drawbacks. Some plastic test tubes have thermal limitations, meaning they can react with some chemicals, potentially causing contamination.

If you want test tubes that are durable, cheap and don't react with the sample, choose polypropylene test tubes. These test tubes can withstand extreme temperatures and can be autoclaved for sterilization, making them a perfect choice for microbiological and cell culture work.

In the end, choose polypropylene test tubes from a laboratory glassware supplier in USA, as they are an excellent choice for your experiments. They offer resistance to various chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and organic solvents, and can also withstand mechanical stress better than glass.