Everything You Need to Know About Test Tube Storage

Laboratory equipment that is utilized to store several test tubes in appropriate conditions simultaneously is known as a test tube storage rack. These are specifically designed to organize test tubes when the working of various solutions needs to be carried out or gathered at once. Furthermore, not to mention, these racks also offer shielding storage for test tubes, making their transporting and cleaning easier. These racks also provide a secure and efficient environment for researchers, physicians, and scientists to operate without the risk of contamination or broken test tubes.

Types of Test Tube Storage Rack

Test tube racks can be designed with a plethora of distinctive materials. Scroll down to find out more about its types.

Wooden Test Tube Racks

In the beginning, the very first classic tube rack was designed with wood. These usually come in a variety of hues, sizes, and configurations, which conveniently enables carrying out a variety of experiments and tubing.

Steel Test Tube Racks

Stainless steel test tube storage racks are the most productive since they are non-corrosive to bodily fluids, are hygienic, and can contain tubes during autoclave sterilization operations without becoming impaired.

Aluminum Test Tube Racks

Owing to the fact that Aluminum is renowned for its quality standards, these racks are long-lasting and effortless to maintain upkeep. The wide base provides resilience, averting falling due to overbalance.

Plastic Test Tube Racks

Plastic test tube racks such as Nalgene test tube racks and acrylic test tube racks are considered one of the most suitable solutions for material handling due to their perceived durability.

Foam Test Tube Racks

Foam test tube racks are known for their properties of remaining upright even during transportation, which helps in everting spills. The holes of these racks are designed in such a way that it securely retains the specimen tubes, enabling protection against breakage.

How to determine the right test tube storage rack?

Determining an ideal test tube storage rack relies on myriad aspects, such as the type of experiment you need to conduct, the size of the lab, and the budget. Cited below are some of the primary concerns that you need to be mindful of while selecting a test tube storage rack. 

Size: Confirming the rack size, that is, how many tubes it can accommodate, can help you decide on the sample requirements that you need to test at one time and whether you need to choose a different-sized tube, the bigger or smaller.

Material: It is highly advisable to always give thought to the material of the test tube rack and determine whether it can hold samples on a regular basis. For instance, plastic racks are more affordable and easier to clean but may not be as long-lasting as wooden or metal racks. 

Stability: Always ensure that the test tube rack you select is sturdy and won't fall easily due to overbalance. It is highly advisable to select a rack that has a broad base and anti-slip feet to avert mishaps.

Versatility: Evaluate the need for test tubes rack that is, whether you need them for experiments or a specific purpose. It is highly advisable to select a test tube storage rack containing flexible slots or substitutable components that can be personalized per your requirements.

Recommendations for Maximizing Your Test Tube Rack

Below are some tips to help you make the most of your racks.

Mark your test tubes

Utilizing masking tape or adhesive marks to label your test tubes with crucial details, such as sample ID, date, and experiment type, will help you keep track of your samples and thus evade perplexity.

Use a color-coded system

For multiple test tube racks, it is advisable to consider assigning a distinct color to each rack to ease the identification of samples whenever required.

Use a tray

In the case of carting test tubes from one place to another, the use of a tray will hold them unassailable and avert falls.

Keep a spare rack on hand

Sometimes, accidents become inevitable, resulting in the infringement of test tube racks or becoming lost. Thence, keeping a spare rack at hand in case of exigencies is always beneficial.

Summary

The test tube racks hold the test tubes in an upright position in order to avert possible spills. In addition to sustaining and protecting the test tubes, these racks enable fitting organization during laboratory examinations. Furthermore, these storage racks also stimulate the transportation of the aforementioned tubes from one place to another in an appropriate condition.