Overview

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• Source: Microbioz India


• Date: 15 Sep,2024

In order to get accurate results during experiments and make the tubes last longer, you have to maintain and clean your centrifuge tubes properly.

Below is a detailed guide on how to clean and maintain your centrifuge tubes:

Types of Centrifuge Tubes

To begin with, it is crucial that you identify the kind of centrifuge tube that you are handling:

1. Plastic Tubes: Usually composed of polypropylene, polycarbonate or polystyrene. They resist chemicals but may scratch or warp.
2. Glass Tubes: More resistant to high temperatures and certain chemicals but can break easily if not handled with care.

General Cleaning Procedure

Manual Cleaning

Pre-rinse:

After using them, rinse the tubes in distilled water so as to remove any remaining substances; for highly viscous or sticky materials use warm streams of water.

Soak:

Keep the tube in a detergent solution (especially when using a laboratory-grade mild detergent). Some soaking times can extend from some minutes up to overnight depending on what was being held by that tube. For obstinate residues, if available, use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Scrub:

1. Inside the tube gently scrub it with a soft-bristle brush. Under no circumstance should abrasive materials be used because they will scratch them.
2. Use tube brushes that fit the size if they are narrow tubes.

Rinse:

1. Wash the tubes thoroughly under running tap water to remove all traces of detergents present in them.
2. Again rinse well in de-ionized or distilled water to make sure there are no contaminants left behind by tap water.

Dry:

Place the tubes upside down on a clean drying rack and leave them for air-drying naturally.

Alernatively, dry using lint-free cloth or laboratory-grade air dryer too.

Machine Cleaning (Dishwasher or Autoclave)

Dishwasher:

1. Use a laboratory-grade dishwasher with appropriate settings for delicate glassware.
2. Ensure there is no movement of tubes as well as avoid any possible damage during the wash cycle.

Autoclave:

1. Only autoclave tubes that are rated for autoclaving. Apply a material appropriate sterilization cycle, e.g., 121°C for polypropylene
2. Make sure that no organic materials capable of charring or leaving residues remain in the tubes.

Cleaning Specific Contaminants

Protein Residue:

Protease enzymes help to break down the proteins. Followed by standard washing procedures.

Chemical Residue:

1. Use neutralizing solutions like for acids and basis, then wash them thoroughly.
2. For organic solvents, rinse with ethanol or acetone and finally rinse with plenty of water.

Biological Contaminants:

Soak tubes into disinfectant solutions like bleach (10%) or ethanol (70%) before going on with regular washing.

Sterilization

Heat Sterilization:

Appropriate for glass and some heat-resistant plastic tubes only. Use dry heat sterilizer or autoclave instead.

Chemical Sterilization:

Ethanol, formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide among others can be used to sterilize certain types of tubes that are not suitable for high temperatures use.

UV Sterilization:

1. Effective in surface sterilization of open tubes.
2. Maintenance and Storage

Inspect Regularly:

1. Look out for cracks, scratches and signs of wear which may affect the integrity of a tube.
2. Discard those damaged ones or those showing significant wear levels immediately.

Proper Storage:

1. Keep them clean, dry and free from dusts when not being used.
2. They should remain in their original packaging or even better stored in dedicated containers where they cannot get contaminated at all costs.

Avoid Exposure to Harsh Conditions:

Do not expose these to ultraviolet light, very high temperatures neither strong chemicals unless otherwise instructed by your experiments’ requirements.

Handling Tips

Balance Load:

The centrifuge must always be balanced with tubes of equal weights to prevent mechanical stress and damage.

Avoid Overfilling:

To avoid spilling or damaging them do not fill them beyond their recommended capacity.

Labeling thoroughly:

Appropriate use of lab markers that do not deteriorate the plastic nor leave behind residuals.

Different Types of Tubes Call for Special Attention

Plastic Tubes:

1. Do not exceed recommended maximum centrifugation speeds because this may result into deformation.
2. Keep away from solvents that cause deterioration to plastics.

Glass Tubes:

1. Handle with care, so as not to break them.
2. Avoid exposing to sudden changes in temperature due to risk of thermal shock.

Conclusion

Proper cleaning and maintenance of centrifuge tubes are vital for ensuring consistent results and extending the life of your laboratory equipment. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and take special care with specific contaminants and materials to maintain the integrity and performance of your tubes.