Tubes & Sample Collection

Centrifuge Tubes

<h2>What Are Centrifuge Tubes?</h2>
 Centrifuge tubes are cylindrical laboratory containers with caps that are used to separate, pellet, and store biological or chemical samples through centrifugal force. They are commonly made from polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS) and are available in sizes ranging from small 0.5 mL microtubes to larger 50 mL conical tubes. These tubes are widely used for cell pelleting, protein precipitation, DNA and RNA extraction, tissue homogenate clarification, and long-term sample storage. Depending on the material, they can withstand temperatures from &minus;80 &deg;C to +121 &deg;C.
In short, the best centrifuge tube depends on your centrifuge rotor, required g-force, sample volume, and sterility needs. 
<h2>What You Will Find: </h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://mbpinc.net/consumables/centrifuge-tubes/all-centrifuge-tubes" title="All Centrifuge Tubes">All Centrifuge Tubes</a>: Comprehensive selection of 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes with clear graduations for daily lab workflows.</li>
<li><a href="https://mbpinc.net/consumables/centrifuge-tubes/oak-ridge-style-centrifuge-tubes" title="Oak Ridge Style Centrifuge Tubes">Oak Ridge Style Centrifuge Tubes</a>: High-speed, chemical-resistant tubes designed to withstand extreme RCF without deformation.</li>
<li><a href="https://mbpinc.net/consumables/centrifuge-tubes/centrifuge-bottles" title="Centrifuge Bottles">Centrifuge Bottles</a>: Heavy-duty, larger-capacity vessels engineered for bulk sample processing and high-velocity runs.</li>
<li><a href="https://mbpinc.net/consumables/centrifuge-tubes/large-volume-centrifuge-tubes" title="Large Volume Centrifuge Tubes">Large Volume Centrifuge Tubes</a>: Industrial-strength 250 mL and 500 mL tubes optimized for pilot-scale harvesting and bioprocessing.</li>
</ul>
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<h2>How to Choose Centrifuge Tubes</h2>
 Volume and Rotor Compatibility
Select a tube size that matches both your sample volume and centrifuge rotor. Microtubes ranging from 0.5&ndash;2 mL are commonly used in microcentrifuges and can typically handle speeds up to 20,000 &times; g. Midi tubes in the 5&ndash;10 mL range are suitable for intermediate sample volumes, while 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes are commonly used in clinical, research, and preparative centrifuges.
Material: Polypropylene vs. Polystyrene
Polypropylene (PP) tubes offer excellent chemical resistance and can tolerate temperatures from &minus;80 &deg;C to +121 &deg;C. They are suitable for autoclaving and exposure to many laboratory solvents. Polystyrene (PS) tubes provide superior optical clarity, making it easier to visually inspect samples and liquid levels, but they have lower resistance to solvents and extreme temperatures.
Sterility and Contamination Control
Sterile centrifuge tubes are typically gamma- or E-beam-irradiated and certified free of RNase, DNase, and pyrogens. These tubes are recommended for RNA extraction, cell culture, and clinical applications where contamination must be minimized. Non-sterile tubes may still be RNase- and DNase-free and are often suitable for routine DNA work and general sample storage.
Cap Design
Attached screw caps help prevent cap mix-ups and sample contamination, especially in high-throughput laboratories. Separate caps can be quicker to open and may be preferred in workflows that require frequent access to samples. If tubes will be used with automated systems, cap dimensions should be verified for compatibility with liquid handling equipment.
Packaging Options
Racked tubes provide convenient organization and allow direct pipetting while the tubes remain in the rack. Bulk-bagged tubes offer a more economical option for laboratories that process large volumes of samples and already have tube storage systems in place.
<h2> Comparing Common Centrifuge Tube Types</h2>
 Microtubes (0.5&ndash;2 mL) are ideal for PCR preparation, microcentrifuge applications, and storage of small sample volumes. They can generally withstand centrifugal forces up to 20,000 &times; g.
Midi tubes (5&ndash;10 mL) are designed for intermediate sample volumes such as culture supernatants and can typically tolerate forces up to 16,000 &times; g.
Sterile 15 mL conical tubes are frequently used for cell pelleting, RNA extraction, and clinical sample processing, with typical ratings between 12,000 and 15,000 &times; g.
Sterile 50 mL conical tubes are commonly selected for larger-volume applications including tissue culture work, density gradient preparation, and large-scale sample processing.
Polystyrene conical tubes in 15 mL and 50 mL formats are often chosen when visual sample inspection is important and solvent exposure is minimal.
<h2> Specifications and Features</h2>
 Polypropylene centrifuge tubes from Globe Scientific and Nest Scientific are manufactured from USP Class VI virgin resin and do not contain plasticizers or processing additives. Sterile products are typically irradiated to achieve a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10⁻⁶. Most 15 mL tubes feature graduation marks at 1 mL intervals, while 50 mL tubes are usually graduated every 5 mL. MBP offers both bagged and racked centrifuge tube formats, including 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes as well as smaller microtube and midi tube options.
MBP supports procurement departments by accepting purchase orders and offering institutional pricing for qualified high-volume customers. <a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the MBP team today</a> for a customized quote.

<h2 data-section-id="155qizo" data-start="0" data-end="33">What Are All Centrifuge Tubes?</h2>
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The All Centrifuge Tubes collection includes the complete range of tube sizes commonly used in research, clinical, and laboratory environments. These tubes range from small 0.5 mL and 1.5&ndash;2 mL microtubes used in microcentrifuge applications to 5 mL and 10 mL midi tubes for intermediate sample volumes, as well as 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes designed for cell culture, density gradient preparation, and larger-volume sample processing. They are available in polypropylene (PP) for enhanced chemical resistance and temperature tolerance or polystyrene (PS) for improved optical clarity.
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What you will find:
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<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/consumables/centrifuge-tubes/all-centrifuge-tubes/microcentrifuge-tubes" title="Microcentrifuge Tubes">Microcentrifuge Tubes</a> &ndash; Precision-engineered for small-volume sample preparation.
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<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/consumables/centrifuge-tubes/all-centrifuge-tubes/screw-cap-tubes" title="Screw Cap Tubes">Screw Cap Tubes</a> &ndash; Secure, leak-proof closures for long-term storage and transport.
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<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/consumables/centrifuge-tubes/all-centrifuge-tubes/15ml-and-50ml-centrifuge-tubes" title="15ml &amp; 50ml Centrifuge Tubes">15ml &amp; 50ml Centrifuge Tubes</a> &ndash; Standard conical bottom tubes for large-volume processing.
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<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/consumables/centrifuge-tubes/all-centrifuge-tubes/midicentrifuge-tubes-5ml-and-10ml" title="Midicentrifuge Tubes (5ml &amp; 10ml)">Midicentrifuge Tubes (5ml &amp; 10ml)</a> &ndash; The perfect bridge for intermediate sample sizes.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/consumables/centrifuge-tubes/all-centrifuge-tubes/microtubes-box" title="Microtubes Box">Microtubes Box</a> &ndash; Durable storage racks for organized sample management and protection.
</li>
</ul>
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<h2 data-section-id="1f93yys" data-start="914" data-end="963">How to Choose From All Centrifuge Tube Formats</h2>
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Volume and Rotor Compatibility
Selecting the correct tube size is essential for safe and efficient centrifugation. Microtubes ranging from 0.5&ndash;2 mL are designed for microcentrifuges, while 5&ndash;10 mL midi tubes fit compatible benchtop centrifuge rotors. Larger 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes are commonly used in clinical and research centrifuges. Always verify rotor compatibility before introducing a new tube format into your workflow.
Sterility Requirements
For sensitive applications such as RNA extraction, cell culture, and clinical diagnostics, sterile tubes certified free of RNase, DNase, and pyrogens are recommended. Non-sterile tubes can provide a cost-effective solution for routine DNA analysis, protein assays, and general sample storage where sterility is not critical.
Material Selection
Polypropylene tubes offer excellent durability, can be autoclaved at 121 &deg;C, and resist many laboratory chemicals and solvents. Polystyrene tubes provide superior transparency, making it easier to monitor liquid levels and sample contents, although they are less resistant to heat and solvents.
Packaging and Inventory Planning
Microtubes are commonly available in pack sizes ranging from 500 to 1,000 units, while 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes are often supplied in cases of 500. Laboratories with consistent usage may benefit from establishing recurring purchase orders to ensure uninterrupted supply.
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<h2 data-section-id="urfo3f" data-start="2395" data-end="2433">Compare Centrifuge Tube Size Groups</h2>
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Microtubes (0.5&ndash;2 mL) are primarily used for PCR preparation, microcentrifuge applications, and storage of small sample volumes. These are typically manufactured from polypropylene and are available in pack sizes of 500&ndash;1,000 units.
Midi tubes (5&ndash;10 mL) support intermediate-volume centrifugation and supernatant collection. They are commonly made from polypropylene and supplied in packs ranging from 100&ndash;500 units.
15 mL conical tubes are widely used for cell pelleting, RNA isolation, and clinical sample processing. They are available in both polypropylene and polystyrene formats and are generally packaged in cases of 500.
50 mL conical tubes are designed for larger-volume workflows, including tissue culture, density gradient preparation, and sample processing. Like 15 mL tubes, they are available in polypropylene and polystyrene and are commonly sold in cases of 500.
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<h2 data-section-id="1ezckh3" data-start="3318" data-end="3348">Specifications and Features</h2>
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Globe Scientific and Nest Scientific centrifuge tubes are manufactured from USP Class VI virgin polypropylene or polystyrene resin and are certified free from detectable RNase, DNase, and pyrogens. Sterile products are irradiated using gamma or E-beam methods to achieve a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10⁻⁶. MBP offers both racked and bagged formats for 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes, along with dispenser-box options for selected microtube product lines that support efficient use in high-throughput laboratory environments.
For procurement teams, MBP accepts purchase orders and offers institutional pricing for bulk and high-volume purchases. <a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-ushttps://mbpinc.net/contact-us" title="Contact the MBP team" style="color: #236fa1;">Contact the MBP team</a> today to learn more

All Centrifuge Tubes

<h2 data-section-id="132783j" data-start="0" data-end="34">What Are Microcentrifuge Tubes?</h2>
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Microcentrifuge tubes are small-volume polypropylene or low-binding polypropylene vessels available in 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, and 2.0 mL capacities. They are designed for use in fixed-angle and variable-speed microcentrifuges and are commonly used for sample preparation, DNA and RNA isolation, protein purification, enzyme reaction setup, and cryogenic sample storage. Depending on the application, these tubes are available with either hinged snap caps or threaded screw caps that help protect samples from leakage, contamination, and evaporation during centrifugation and storage.
Microcentrifuge tubes are essential consumables in molecular biology, biochemistry, clinical chemistry, proteomics, and genomics laboratories. Among all formats, the 1.5 mL snap-cap tube remains the most widely used microcentrifuge tube in routine molecular biology workflows.
Use 1.5 mL snap-cap polypropylene tubes for general molecular biology applications, 2.0 mL tubes for bead-based extraction and precipitation workflows, screw-cap tubes for volatile or valuable samples, and low-binding tubes for dilute proteins or nucleic acids.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
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<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
0.5mL, 0.6mL, 1.5mL, 2.0mL, 5.0mL (for small-volume to high-volume applications)
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</ul>
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<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Tubes only: Snap-cap, one-hand use
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O-ring caps: Leak-proof, secure seal
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Sterile: RNase/DNase-free for sensitive work
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Non-sterile: Cost-effective for general use
</li>
</ul>
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<h2 data-section-id="1yp6iwa" data-start="1166" data-end="1204">How to Choose Microcentrifuge Tubes</h2>
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Volume: 0.5 mL / 1.5 mL / 2.0 mL
&nbsp;0.5 mL tubes minimize dead volume for concentrated or precious samples and fit compact block heaters. 1.5 mL is the universal format compatible with virtually all microcentrifuge rotors, heating blocks, and automated liquid handlers. 2.0 mL provides extra headspace for vortex mixing and bead-based extraction protocols; the slightly wider diameter is also compatible with most 1.5 mL rotor slots.
Cap Style: Snap Cap vs Screw Cap
Snap-cap microcentrifuge tubes feature hinged lids that allow quick one-handed operation and are preferred for high-throughput laboratory workflows involving frequent pipetting.
Screw-cap tubes equipped with O-rings or sealing rings provide a hermetic seal capable of withstanding centrifugal forces up to 20,000 &times; g. These tubes are recommended for volatile reagents, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, and long-term storage at ultra-low temperatures. Laboratories requiring enhanced sample security often select screw-cap formats for valuable or irreplaceable specimens.
Standard vs Low-Binding Polypropylene
Standard polypropylene microcentrifuge tubes are suitable for most routine laboratory applications. Low-binding polypropylene tubes are designed to reduce sample adsorption to tube walls and are particularly beneficial when working with dilute proteins, low-concentration nucleic acids, or single-cell samples where maximizing recovery is critical.
Bottom Geometry: Conical vs Self-Standing
Conical-bottom tubes concentrate pellets at the tip of the tube, improving sample recovery and simplifying resuspension after centrifugation.
Self-standing tubes feature a flat base that allows them to remain upright without a rack, making them convenient for sample handling, labeling, and storage. While they offer greater bench-top convenience, pellets may form slightly off-center compared with traditional conical-bottom designs.
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<h2 data-section-id="11skgd4" data-start="3407" data-end="3446">Compare Microcentrifuge Tube Formats</h2>
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Snap-cap conical polypropylene microcentrifuge tubes are available in 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, and 2.0 mL capacities. Rated to approximately 16,000 &times; g, they are the standard choice for molecular biology, PCR preparation, nucleic acid extraction, and enzyme reaction workflows.
Screw-cap polypropylene tubes with O-rings are offered in 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL formats with either conical or flat-bottom designs. These tubes can withstand centrifugal forces up to 20,000 &times; g and are commonly used for volatile samples, cryogenic storage, and biobanking applications.
Self-standing screw-cap microcentrifuge tubes are available in 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, and 2.0 mL capacities. Featuring sealing rings and flat-bottom construction, they provide stable rack-free storage and are often used in color-coded sample management systems. These tubes are typically rated up to 20,000 &times; g.
Amber polypropylene microcentrifuge tubes are available with either snap caps or screw caps in 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL sizes. Designed for light-sensitive compounds, they help protect samples from light exposure while supporting centrifugation up to approximately 16,000 &times; g.
Dispenser-box snap-cap microcentrifuge tubes are commonly available in 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL formats and are packaged for convenient bench-top dispensing. They are ideal for high-throughput laboratories that process large numbers of samples and require efficient access to consumables.
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<h2 data-section-id="1jl751w" data-start="4881" data-end="4906">Specifications Context</h2>
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Globe Scientific microcentrifuge tubes are manufactured from USP Class VI virgin polypropylene and are certified RNase-free, DNase-free, and non-pyrogenic by lot under ISO 9001:2015 quality management standards. Nest Scientific microcentrifuge tubes are similarly manufactured to USP Class VI specifications and are available in self-standing formats with six cap color options for simplified sample organization.
Standard packaging configurations include 500 tubes per case for snap-cap formats and 500 tubes per case supplied in 50-tube packs for screw-cap variants. As of 2026, MBP stocks both dispenser-box snap-cap tubes and screw-cap microcentrifuge tube formats, with bulk purchasing options available for high-volume laboratories.
Achieve consistent results with secure, medical-grade centrifugation vessels. <a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us" title="Contact Molecular Biology Products Inc." style="color: #236fa1; text-decoration: underline;">Contact Molecular Biology Products Inc.</a> for a quote to upgrade your workflow.

Microcentrifuge Tubes

1.5ml Microcentrifuge Tubes, Sterilized

MC15-S by MBP — 1.5 mL sterilized microcentrifuge tubes; 500 per pack; suitable for aseptic workflows including nucleic acid storage and cell culture sample handling.

Manufacturer

<h2 data-section-id="hcowtr" data-start="0" data-end="45">What Are 15 mL and 50 mL Centrifuge Tubes?</h2>
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15 mL and 50 mL centrifuge tubes are conical-bottom vessels in polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS), the two most commonly used tube formats in research and clinical laboratories worldwide. The 15 mL tube is the standard for cell pelleting, RNA isolation, small-scale protein purification, and clinical sample preparation. The 50 mL tube handles larger culture volumes, gradient preparation, tissue homogenate clarification, and bulk precipitation steps. Both formats from Globe Scientific and Nest Scientific are rated to 12,000&ndash;15,000 &times; g in a supported rotor.
15 mL for cell and molecular workflows under 12 mL; 50 mL for culture volumes, gradients, and any prep where a 15 mL conical runs out of headroom.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
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<ul>
<li>Attached flat top screw cap: Leak-proof, one-hand use</li>
<li>Racked: Pre-organized for high-throughput</li>
<li>Self-standing: Stable skirted base</li>
<li>Sterile: For contamination-sensitive work</li>
<li>Non-sterile: General, cost-effective use</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Bulk: High-volume, economical</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Racked: Organized &amp; ready-to-use</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">PS racked: Extra stability with polystyrene racks</li>
</ul>
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<h2 data-section-id="1j0vxh6" data-start="772" data-end="821">How to Choose 15 mL and 50 mL Centrifuge Tubes</h2>
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Material: PP vs PS
Polypropylene tubes (Globe Scientific, Nest Scientific) are resistant to most organic solvents, stable from &minus;80 &deg;C to +121 &deg;C, and autoclavable. Polystyrene tubes offer greater optical clarity &mdash; the tube wall is transparent enough to read the sample meniscus and assess pellet quality without removing the tube from the rack. Choose PS when visual inspection is a workflow step; choose PP for all other applications.
Sterility Grade
Sterile tubes (gamma- or E-beam-irradiated, RNase-free, DNase-free, non-pyrogenic) are required for RNA work, primary cell culture, and clinical sample handling. Non-sterile, DNase/RNase-free tubes are appropriate and more cost-effective for DNA extractions, protein assays, and general preparative spins.
Cap Style: Flat-Top vs Plug-Seal
Flat-top screw caps (high-density polyethylene, HDPE) provide a flat writing surface for sample labeling and a double-threaded design that reduces cross-threading in high-throughput workflows. Plug-seal screw caps (HDPE or PP) create a secondary internal seal for leak-prone applications. Attached caps come pre-assembled on sterile tubes; separate caps are standard on non-sterile tubes.
Pack Format: Racked vs Bagged
Racked tubes (foam or PS rack, 50 &times; 15 mL or 25 &times; 50 mL per rack, 500 per case) allow direct pipetting without removing tubes and enable viewing of graduations without disturbing the rack. Bagged tubes (25 or 50 per bag, 500 per case) offer a lower cost per tube and suit labs with robotic liquid handlers or in-house racking systems.
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<h2 data-section-id="up19i6" data-start="2392" data-end="2431">Compare 15 mL and 50 mL Tube Options</h2>
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Globe Scientific 15 mL polypropylene tubes with flat-top blue caps are available in both sterile and non-sterile formats with attached or separate caps. These tubes can be purchased in racked or bagged packaging configurations, with 500 tubes per case, and are rated to withstand centrifugal forces up to 15,000 &times; g.
Globe Scientific 15 mL polystyrene tubes with red caps provide enhanced optical clarity for visual sample inspection and are available in sterile and non-sterile versions. They are supplied with attached or separate caps, offered in racked or bagged formats, and rated up to 12,000 &times; g.
Globe Scientific 50 mL polypropylene tubes with flat-top blue caps are designed for larger-volume centrifugation workflows. Available in sterile and non-sterile configurations with attached or separate caps, these tubes are supplied in racked or bagged packaging and can withstand centrifugal forces up to 15,000 &times; g.
Globe Scientific 50 mL polystyrene tubes with red caps combine large-volume capacity with excellent transparency for easy sample visualization. They are available in sterile and non-sterile formats, supplied with attached or separate caps, packaged either racked or bagged, and rated up to 12,000 &times; g.
Nest Scientific 15 mL polypropylene tubes are supplied sterile with attached caps and packaged in polystyrene racks containing 500 tubes per case. These tubes are rated to 12,000 &times; g and are commonly used in cell culture, clinical, and molecular biology applications.
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<h2 data-section-id="1jl751w" data-start="3950" data-end="3975">Specifications Context</h2>
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Globe Scientific 15 mL and 50 mL centrifuge tubes are molded from USP Class VI virgin polypropylene or polystyrene, certified RNase-free, DNase-free, and non-pyrogenic by lot. The 15 mL PP tube is rated to 15,000 &times; g; 50 mL PP tubes to 15,000 &times; g in a supported rotor. Graduated markings on 15 mL tubes read every 1 mL (with sub-milliliter graduations below 1 mL); 50 mL tubes every 5 mL. Globe Scientific is ISO 9001:2015 certified. As of 2026, MBP stocks flat-top (blue cap) and plug-seal (red cap) variants in PP and PS, with sterile and non-sterile options available.
Ensure your high-speed separations remain consistent and safe by choosing tubes built for extreme RCF ratings. <a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us" style="color: #236fa1; text-decoration: underline;">Contact the Molecular Biology Products Inc. team</a> for a quote.

15ml & 50ml Centrifuge Tubes

15mL & 50 mL Centrifuge Tubes

15mL &amp; 50mL Centrifuge Tubes by MBP. Available in 15 mL (431696) and 50 mL (431697). Contact MBP for material and sterility specifications. Ships ambient.