Product Spotlight - Plastic and Glass Test tubes

Polypropylene plastic test tubes are durable, versatile, and available in a range of sizes and styles for safe compatibility with many laboratory applications. Natural polypropylene is semi-transparent, allowing for visibility of the specimens within, and shares many of the same characteristics as HDPE, but with a higher melting point and stiffer structure for more intensive use.

• Polypropylene Material Characteristics:
• Excellent moisture barriers
• Good resistance to heat, aldehydes, bases, esters, and ketones
• Max temperature 275° F and min temperature 32° F

Non-sterile disposable test tubes include two-position PE snap caps and come in a convenient 5 ml size that can be centrifuged up to 3,000 g and sterilized at 120° C. The two-position PE snap caps are compatible with microbiological procedures while in the loose position - when the test tubes are closed but not sealed. The test tubes can also be completely closed and sealed with ease. These test tubes are composed of virgin thermoplastics with precise molding for uniform size and accurate results and have no mold release agents during use.

1.2 ml Biotube™ tubes with caps are an additional polypropylene test tube option. Choose natural Biotube™ test tubes, sold in detachable strips of 8 or test tube strips of 12. The 8 test tube strips include the option of sterile or non-sterile matching plastic plug caps, while the strips of 12 are not sterile. These test tubes do not include a writing area, allowing for full visibility. Biotube™ test tubes with or without writing areas and matching plastic plug caps are also available and are great for procedures that require low surface tension.

Opt for polypropylene test tubes in 5 ml, 7 ml, 10 ml, 12 ml, and 30 ml sizes with a selection of features to match your needs. These test tubes include .5 ml graduations for accurate measurements, threaded necks that are compatible with tamper-evident and regular plastic caps, and are self-standing for ease of use. These test tubes are highly popular for protein chemistry, molecular biology, tissue culture, pharmaceuticals, toxicology, and more.


Natural (5 ml, 7.2 ml, 8 ml, 12 ml, and 14 ml) or colored (5 ml amber, blue, green, orange, and yellow)polypropylene test tubes are comprised of virgin thermoplastics, ensuring these consistent test tubes have no mold release agents and are chemically clean and ready for use. Kimble Chase also offers natural polypropylene test tubes in larger 6 ml and 17 ml sizes for even more variety. All of these test tubes can be centrifuged up to 3,000 RCF and autoclaved at 120° C for 15 minutes.

Polystyrene plastic test tubes can be a useful for RIA, coagulation, bacteriology, and aerobic microbiological procedures, as well as anaerobic work. These test tubes are composed of virgin polystyrene and are constructed with precision molding for the highest level of consistency during production. All polystyrene tubes can withstand centrifuge speeds up to 1,400 g. With large case packs and economical pricing, these disposable polystyrene test tubes can be a top choice for stocking an array of laboratories.

• Polystyrene Plastic Characteristics:
• High clarity
• Typically used with aqueous solutions, mild bases, and weak acids
• Max temperature 158° F and min temperature 14° F

Choose 5 ml natural polystyrene test tubes with two-position PE snap caps that can fit loosely for an unsealed position or seal for a completely closed position. Natural non-sterile polystyrene test tubes are available in 5 ml, 7.2 ml, 8 ml, 12 ml, and 14 ml. Blue, green, orange, and yellow 5 ml polystyrene test tubes are also available and feature for high performance and reasonable pricing. For even more size options, choose 6 ml, 10 ml, and 17 ml polystyrene test tubes, which feature high clarity and durability.

Glass test tubes a great choice due to their durable construction against specimens and extremely high clarity during procedure observation. These glass test tubes feature uniform wall thickness for maximum heat transfer, chemical resistance, and accurate use.

The simple glass test tubes are composed of N-51A borosilicate glass and include a sturdy lip with no marking area for visibility at every angle. Choose from overflow capacity options of 30 ml, 55 ml, or 75 ml. Glass test tubes are composed of KG-33 glass and are designed to reach ASTM Specification E982 and Type I requirements. These test tubes include durable white ceramic enamel marking areas for better organization during various applications. Each test tube features overflow capacity sizes from 4 ml up to 75 ml and sturdy lips to easily assist with both small and large sample sizes.

When closing glass tubes is required, SKS Science provides two styles available for purchase with caps included. 11 ml and 14 ml Glass test tubes with black ribbed caps include white styrene-butadiene rubber liners. These glass test tubes are composed of "300" borosilicate clear glass to reach ASTM Type I Class B and USP Type I standards. Glass test tubes are comprised of KG-33 glass to meet ASTM Specification E982, Type III requirements and include a top finish for compatibility with glass stoppers. Each of the glass test tubes matched with glass stoppers include a white ceramic enamel marking spot for quick identification.


10 ml graduated glass test tubes feature graduation markings from .5 ml up to 10 ml in .1 ml increments. The graduations are printed with permanent brown stain and the top of the borosilicate glass test tubes include reinforced beaded tops to decrease the chance of chipping. Choose clear low extractable borosilicate 33 expansion glass test tubes in 5 ml or 25 ml capacities, with graduations that conform to USP Type I and ASTM E438, Type I, Class A requirements. These glass test tubes include a plain top with beaded trim for extra durability. The 5 ml glass tubes feature .1 ml increments, and the 25 ml test tubes have .5 ml increments.


Glass disposable test tubes are available in a wide range of sizes, from 1 ml to 55 ml, and are composed of 51 expansion borosilicate glass, which complies with USP Type I and ASTM E438, Type I Class B requirements. Each glass test tube size features uniform bottoms and a high level of chemical resistant against sodium leaching for uninterrupted results.