In laboratory environments, sample integrity is critical to ensuring reliable research results, workflow efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. While often overlooked, sample storage tubes play a pivotal role in protecting samples, streamlining processes, and supporting automation. Sample storage and handling requires a variety of tubes, each designed to meet specific needs related to the sample type, storage conditions, handling procedures, and analysis methods. FluidX sample tubes, available from Azenta Life Sciences at Thomas Scientific, offer high-quality solutions designed to meet diverse laboratory needs.
Choosing the right storage tubes directly impacts:
- Long-term sample stability and storage efficiency
- Protection from contamination and evaporation
- Minimized reagent wastage and maximum sample recovery
- Cost and time savings in large-scale research projects
- Workflow automation with robotic compatibility
Matching the Tube to the Task
Not all samples require the same storage conditions, and choosing the right tube can mean the difference between a reliable result and a lost experiment.
For maximum recovery – FluidX 1.6ml Maximum Recovery Tubes minimize reagent loss with a uniquely engineered bottom.
For automation – High quality Screw-Cap Tubes provide secure, evaporation-resistant seals and work seamlessly with robotic systems.
For extreme cold storage – Cryopreservation tubes, made from specialized materials, prevent leakage and expansion damage in vapor-phase LN2 storage.
For seamless PCR workflows – The Cap2 PCR Tube features a dual-cap design for collection, transport, and analysis in one tube.
Material matters, too. High quality tubes are manufactured from:
• Polypropylene (PP) – Chemical, heat, and cryogenic resistant for long-term storage.
• Polystyrene (PS) – High optical clarity for imaging and flow cytometry.
• Ultra-High Purity Polymers – Prevent leaching for compound storage.
Secure seals—friction, adhesive, or thermal—prevent leaks and evaporation, while external-thread tubes increase working volume and reduce contamination risks.
Keeping Track: The Power of 2D Coded Tubes
Maintaining an accurate chain of custody is crucial for biobanking and pharmaceutical research. FluidX 2D-coded tubes offer permanent, high-contrast markings that:
For ultimate traceability, FluidX Tri-Coded Tubes include 2D, 1D, and human-readable identifiers for fail-safe sample tracking.
Smarter Storage, Faster Workflows
Efficiency is key in modern labs, which is why it is important to select tubes designed to integrate seamlessly with automation. Fully compatible with robotic liquid handling systems, these tubes can reduce manual handling, streamline workflows, and maximize throughput while maintaining sample integrity.
For peak space and time savings, external-thread designs optimize storage space, while the IntelliXcap™ Automated Capper/Decapper speeds up processing, capping and decapping full SBS racks in just 20 seconds.
The Bottom Line
In laboratory research, precision is everything. A cracked tube in cryogenic storage, a mislabeled sample, or evaporation compromising an assay can derail months of work. The right tube isn’t just storage—it safeguards sample integrity, optimizes workflows, and prevents costly errors.
Investing in the right tubes means protecting valuable samples, improving workflow efficiency, and saving time. Whether in biobanking, pharmaceutical research, or high-throughput screening, choosing high quality tubes, like FluidX Tubes from Azenta Life Sciences, provide the durability, traceability, and automation compatibility labs need.
Explore the full range of FluidX sample storage solutions at Thomas Scientific.