Benchmark's 5mL centrifuge tube takes the conveniences of standard 1.5ml tubes and scales them up for larger volumes. These polypropylene tubes come with an attached cap that provides a tight, leak-proof seal. They can also be effortlessly opened (or closed) with one hand. The cap is designed to provide a secure seal from -86°C to +80°C. CapLock™ Clips are available to maintain the integrity of the seal at extreme temperatures. In heated applications, the tube may be "boiled" for up to 10 minutes. At temperatures above 80°C, the use of the CapLock is recommended.
The tubes are made of maximum clarity, low-binding virgin polypropylene and are ertified RNase & DNase free. Sterile (pyrogen-free) tubes are also available and packaged in bags of twenty. 5ml tubes are sized to be compatible with all Benchmark™ and standard German-designed equipment, including centrifuges, dry bath block heaters, tube racks and thermal shakers/vortexers.
The 16mm tube diameter is identical to the diameter of standard 15ml tubes, which nsures further compatibility with centrifuge rotors, etc. In many applications, these tubes have replaced 15ml tubes, dramatically reducing plastic waste, storage space and shipping costs. The potential contamination of pipettor shafts is greatly reduced because the 56mm total tube length (vs. 120mm for standard 15ml tubes) is short enough for standard 1ml or 5ml tips to reach the tube's conical bottom.
Maximum centrifugal force: 25,000 x g (when properly supported in an appropriate rotor cavity)