Cell Strainer Pore Size: How to Choose 40, 70 or 100 µm
Choosing a cell strainer pore size means balancing the removal of unwanted aggregates with recovery of the cells needed for the next experiment. For workflows that collect cells in the filtrate, 100 µm offers a coarser opening, 70 µm an intermediate option and 40 µm a finer option. The appropriate choice depends on the target […]
Cell Culture Flask Sizes: T25, T75, T175 and T225 Explained
Cell culture flask sizes such as T25, T75, T175 and T225 refer to nominal growth area, expressed in square centimeters (cm²). Choosing the right format means matching that area to the viable cells available for seeding, the cells required for the next experiment and the time available for culture. We recommend checking growth area, working […]
HDPE Chemical Compatibility: Reading Charts for Lab Bottles
Introduction An HDPE chemical compatibility chart helps assess whether high-density polyethylene is a suitable bottle material for a particular reagent. The entries may not match the intended use exactly. For 70% ethanol, for example, the reference guide used for the table below lists ratings for 50% and 100% solutions but provides no separate 70% entry. […]
Which Tubes Are Suitable for −80°C Sample Storage?
Introduction Specific products in all three categories—microcentrifuge tubes, larger-format centrifuge tubes, and cryo tubes—can be used at −80°C when the exact configuration is rated for that condition. A product name or a polypropylene material description is not enough to establish storage compatibility. When we review a request for “PP tubes for −80°C storage,” we do […]
Can Spin Columns Be Used with Different DNA Extraction Kits?
Why Similar-Looking Spin Columns May Not Be Interchangeable Replacing the column supplied with an established DNA extraction kit can appear straightforward. Products from different suppliers may share a similar housing, fit the same collection tubes, and use silica-based membranes. These similarities make substitution attractive during supply interruptions, secondary sourcing, cost review, or OEM component selection. […]
How to Test Low-Retention Pipette Tips Before Buying in Bulk
Introduction: Test the Performance Before Standardizing the Tip Low-retention pipette tips are often presented as a straightforward upgrade: less liquid remains on the inner wall, more sample is dispensed, and less reagent is wasted. For a laboratory preparing to buy by the case or carton, however, a product label or side-by-side photograph is not enough. […]
Low-Binding Microcentrifuge Tubes: When Are They Needed?
Low-binding microcentrifuge tubes are most useful for dilute, low-volume, or difficult-to-replace protein and nucleic acid samples when a small surface loss could change the experimental result. Consider a diluted enzyme that produces a weaker signal after several hours in a microcentrifuge tube. The cap remained closed, the liquid volume looked normal, and the pipetting steps […]
Automated Pipette Tips: When Are Conductive Tips Required?
Automated pipette tips are often shortlisted by nominal volume and a general claim of robotic compatibility. That may be enough for an initial comparison, but it does not show how a tip will behave through a complete automated run. When fitting a tip manually, an operator can feel unusual resistance, reseat a loose connection, or […]
How to Choose a Cryo Box for Laboratory Freezer Storage
Introduction Choosing a cryo box for cryo tubes often starts with three specifications: well count, material, and nominal vial capacity. An 81-well cryo box or 100-well cryo box made from PP or PC may appear suitable for 1.8 or 2.0 mL cryovials, yet those descriptions do not show how the components will behave once the […]
