Brands

<h2 data-section-id="1h8mvlk" data-start="0" data-end="45">What are primary cell culture medium kits?</h2>
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Primary cell culture medium kits are complete, ready-to-prepare culture systems that combine a cell-type-specific basal medium with the supplements required for optimal growth and maintenance of primary cells. Unlike purchasing media, serum, growth factors, and antibiotics separately, these kits provide all components in validated proportions, ensuring that the medium performs as intended for a specific primary cell type.
A typical kit includes a basal medium, a cell-specific growth supplement, an antibiotic component where appropriate, and fetal bovine serum (FBS) or an equivalent supplement when required. The components are designed to be combined directly according to the manufacturer's instructions, reducing preparation errors and improving consistency between experiments.
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<h2 data-path-to-node="5">What you will find:</h2>
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<ul data-path-to-node="6">
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Tissue-specific primary cell culture medium kits
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Specialized growth media for endothelial and epithelial cells
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Workflow systems for thawing, plating, and maintenance of hepatocytes&nbsp;
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Differentiation media for progenitor and stem cells&nbsp;
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Serum-free bioprocessing and cryopreservation reagents
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Targeted fibroblast, smooth muscle, and myocyte growth kits
</li>
</ul>
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<h2 data-section-id="1nip7jz" data-start="1066" data-end="1116">How to choose a primary cell culture medium kit</h2>
&nbsp;
Match the kit to the cell type
Primary cells have highly specialized nutritional and signaling requirements. Kits are available for endothelial cells, hepatocytes, astrocytes, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, stem cells, and many other cell types. Selecting a kit specifically designed for the target cell type is essential for maintaining normal cellular function and morphology.
Serum-containing vs. serum-free formulations
Traditional kits often include FBS as a source of growth factors and nutrients. Serum-free and xeno-free kits replace animal-derived components with defined supplements, reducing variability and supporting applications that require animal-component-free culture conditions.
Complete kit convenience
Most kits provide all major components needed to prepare complete culture medium. This eliminates the need to source multiple reagents individually and helps ensure that supplements are used at the correct concentrations.
Antibiotic inclusion
Many primary cell culture kits include antibiotics to reduce contamination risk during routine culture. However, some specialized formulations, particularly those designed for immune cells and mononuclear cells, are intentionally supplied without antibiotics because these additives can influence cellular responses and experimental outcomes.
Storage and preparation
Kit components are typically stored separately until needed. Basal media and supplements are usually refrigerated, while serum components may require frozen storage before use. Once mixed into complete medium, shelf life is generally shorter than that of the individual components, making it advisable to prepare only the amount needed for near-term use.
Specialized differentiation systems
Some kits are designed not only for maintenance but also for cellular differentiation. These systems may include multiple supplements added sequentially throughout a protocol to guide stem cells or progenitor cells through defined developmental stages.
<h2 data-section-id="dydsco" data-start="3131" data-end="3173">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-section-id="1fljvas" data-start="4061" data-end="4086">Specifications context</h2>
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Primary cell culture medium kits are commonly supplied in a format consisting of a basal medium bottle accompanied by concentrated supplements and serum components that are added directly before use. This approach simplifies preparation while ensuring that all components have been optimized and tested together.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us" title="Contact the expert team at MBP">Contact the expert team at MBP</a> today and get optimized primary cell culture medium kits for your lab.

Primary Cell Culture Medium kits

Flyer

Skeletal Muscle Medium Kit

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Shipping Condition

<h2 data-path-to-node="3">What Are PCR Plates?</h2>
 PCR plates are single-use, thin-wall polypropylene multi-well vessels designed for the thermal cycling demands of PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, and genotyping. The 96-well format (12 columns &times; 8 rows) is the standard for most research and clinical labs; 384-well plates serve ultra-high-throughput applications. Well volumes are 0.2 mL (standard profile) for conventional block cyclers or 0.1 mL (low profile) for fast-block instruments. The skirt &mdash; the rigid plastic border surrounding the well array &mdash; determines automation compatibility, cycler lid clearance, and plate rigidity.&nbsp;
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<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-section-id="1xmdc3x" data-start="0" data-end="87"><a href="https://mbpinc.net/consumables/pcr-consumables/pcr-plates/semi-skirted-plates">Semi-skirted PCR plates: </a>for a balance of plate rigidity and instrument compatibility.</li>
<li data-section-id="y5pq2h" data-start="89" data-end="156"><a href="https://mbpinc.net/consumables/pcr-consumables/pcr-plates/hard-shell-pcr-plates">Hard shell PCR plates: </a>designed with a reinforced plate structure.</li>
<li data-section-id="8t808z" data-start="158" data-end="243"><a href="https://mbpinc.net/consumables/pcr-consumables/pcr-plates/skirted-pcr-plates">Skirted PCR plates:</a> featuring a full peripheral skirt for enhanced handling support.</li>
<li data-section-id="1d0aj4c" data-start="245" data-end="343" data-is-last-node=""><a href="https://mbpinc.net/consumables/pcr-consumables/pcr-plates/non-skirted-pcr-plates">Non-skirted PCR plates:</a> with a compact design for applications requiring minimal plate footprint.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 data-path-to-node="3">How to Choose PCR Plates</h2>
 Skirt Format Fully-skirted plates have a full-height ANSI/SBS-compliant border (127.76 &times; 85.47 mm footprint) and are required for robotic liquid handlers (Hamilton STAR, Tecan EVO, PerkinElmer JANUS) and automated stackers. Semi-skirted plates have a partial skirt providing enough rigidity for multichannel pipetting while maintaining thermal cycler block compatibility across a wider range of instruments. Non-skirted plates have no border and fit virtually any cycler block, including instruments whose compression lids would be obstructed by a full skirt. Well Profile: Standard vs Low-Profile Standard-profile 0.2 mL wells are used with conventional (tall) block cyclers. Low-profile 0.1 mL wells are required for fast-block instruments, including the Applied Biosystems QuantStudio, Bio-Rad CFX96 Fast, and Roche LightCycler 480, where the reduced well depth shortens the thermal path to the sample. Colour: Clear, White, or Black Clear plates allow visual inspection of well volumes and are the default for end-point PCR. White plates increase qPCR sensitivity in bottom-read optical systems by reflecting fluorescence emission back through the detector. Black plates reduce background fluorescence in probe-based assays where cross-well optical interference is a concern. Sealing Compatibility Skirted and semi-skirted plates seal reliably with adhesive films and heat sealers; the rigid skirt supports even film application and reduces edge-well evaporation. Non-skirted plates require cap mats or adhesive seals that adhere directly to the well rim. 
<h2 data-path-to-node="3"> Specifications Context</h2>
 PCR plates are moulded from virgin, low-extractable medical-grade polypropylene; well walls are uniformly thin (typically 0.25&ndash;0.35 mm) to maximise thermal conductivity. ANSI/SBS footprint standard (127.76 &times; 85.47 mm) applies to skirted plates for instrument interoperability. Plates are certified DNase-free, RNase-free, human DNA-free, and PCR inhibitor-free per lot. Cut corners (typically at H1/A12 position) and alpha-numeric well labelling aid plate orientation.Thermo Fisher SuperPlate skirted formats are the leading references for robotic applications; semi-skirted plates from Sorenson and equivalent lines serve the broad research market.&nbsp; 
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Connect with the MBP team </a>today to request a quote and find the perfect PCR plate configuration for your lab's specific needs.

PCR Plates

<h2 data-path-to-node="1"> What Are Skirted PCR Plates?</h2>
 Skirted PCR plates are 96-well polypropylene thermal cycling plates with a full-height plastic border &mdash; the skirt &mdash; surrounding the well array. The skirt raises the overall plate height to match the ANSI/SBS microplate footprint standard (127.76 &times; 85.47 mm external dimensions), creating a uniform grip surface that robotic arms, plate grippers, and automated stackers can handle reliably. They are the required format for liquid-handling automation platforms and high-throughput PCR workflows where consistent plate positioning is critical. Choose fully skirted plates when your workflow involves robotic liquid handling, automated stackers, or plate readers requiring SBS-compliant positioning.
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<h2 data-path-to-node="4">What You Will Find: </h2>
<ul data-path-to-node="5">
<li>
Hard Shell 384-well PCR Plates<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://mbpinc.net/product-category/consumables/pcr-consumables/pcr-plates/hard-shell-pcr-plates/" style="color: #000000;"> </a>&ndash; The industry standard for high-throughput screening and automated liquid handling.
</li>
<li style="color: #000000;">
Hard Shell 96-well PCR Plates &ndash; Combining rigidity with a 96-well format for routine yet high-precision workflows.
</li>
<li style="color: #000000;">
Globe Scientific Full Skirt PCR Plates &ndash; Reliable, automation-friendly plates designed for consistent thermal cycling.
</li>
<li style="color: #000000;">
Full Skirt PCR Plates<a _ngcontent-ng-c3793280901="" target="_blank" rel="noopener" externallink="" _nghost-ng-c3773094726="" jslog="197247;track:generic_click,impression,attention;BardVeMetadataKey:[[&quot;r_98f8600e63dbeb30&quot;,&quot;c_c4e8a23c27447c36&quot;,null,&quot;rc_fa92ce727d8e45fc&quot;,null,null,&quot;en&quot;,null,1,null,null,1,0]]" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://mbpinc.net/product-category/consumables/pcr-consumables/pcr-plates/skirted-pcr-plates/" class="ng-star-inserted" data-hveid="0" decode-data-ved="1" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahgKEwjZx-625v-TAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQsAQ" style="color: #000000;"></a> &ndash; Features a full perimeter skirt for superior stability and easy gripping during automated handling.
</li>
<li style="color: #000000;">
96-well Duo Material PCR Plate&ndash; Engineered with dual-material technology to eliminate plate warping and bowing.
</li>
<li style="color: #000000;">
Skirted 96 Plate, Non-Sterile, Clear Polypropylene<a href="https://mbpinc.net/product/skirted-96-well-plate-28440-5" title="Skirted 96 Plate, Non-Sterile, Clear Polypropylene" style="color: #000000;"> </a>&ndash; A durable and cost-effective solution for high-volume lab processing.
</li>
</ul>
<h2 data-path-to-node="1"> How to Choose Skirted PCR Plates</h2>
 Well Profile: Low-Profile vs Standard Low-profile 0.1 mL wells are the current default for skirted qPCR plates; the reduced well depth minimises dead volume and supports faster thermal ramp rates on fast-block instruments, including Bio-Rad CFX96 Fast, Applied Biosystems QuantStudio, and Roche LightCycler 480. Standard-profile 0.2 mL wells are used with conventional tall-block cyclers and maximise reaction volume capacity. Colour: Clear, White, or Black Clear skirted plates are the standard for visual inspection and top-read fluorescence systems. White plates increase qPCR sensitivity by up to 2-fold on bottom-read optical configurations by reflecting fluorescence emission back through the detector. Black plates reduce inter-well optical crosstalk in probe-based assays where background fluorescence must be minimised. Two-Component vs One-Component Construction One-component (single polypropylene) skirted plates are cost-effective for general use. Two-component designs combine a polypropylene well array with a polycarbonate skirt to eliminate plate warping at high cycling temperatures, enabling precise robotic positioning even after repeated thermal stress. Barcoding Barcoded skirted plates support LIMS integration and automated sample tracking across multi-step workflows. Barcodes are typically laser-etched (permanent) or adhesive-applied; confirm barcode type before integrating with your lab information management system. Cut Corner Orientation A cut corner at the H1 position (standard) or A12 position aids correct plate orientation in cyclers and liquid handlers. Confirm the required cut corner with your instrument's loading specification. 
<h2 data-path-to-node="1"> Specifications Context</h2>
 Skirted PCR plates conform to ANSI/SBS (also called ANSI/SLAS 1-2004) footprint standards: 127.76 &times; 85.47 mm with 9 mm well spacing. Well walls are uniformly thin (0.25&ndash;0.35 mm) virgin polypropylene; maximum well volume with adhesive film seal is 0.2 mL for standard and 0.1 mL for low-profile formats. Certified DNase-free, RNase-free, human DNA-free, and PCR inhibitor-free per independent lot testing. Thermo Scientific SuperPlate are the leading references for demanding automation applications. Last updated: June 2026.
 If you need help picking the right plate for your system, <a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us" style="color: #236fa1;">the MBP team</a> can guide you based on your setup and workflow.

Skirted PCR Plates

Skirted 96 Plate, Non-Sterile, Clear Polypropylene, 25 Plates/Pack

Skirted 96 Plate (28440) by MBP is a full-skirt 96-well clear polypropylene PCR plate, non-sterile. 25 plates/pack. Ships ambient. Contact MBP for thermocycler compatibility details.

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Infrared MicroSterilizer Accessories

<h2>What Are Microbead Sterilizers?</h2>
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Microbead sterilizers are compact benchtop instruments that heat 1.5&ndash;2 mm glass beads to temperatures between 150&deg;C and 300&deg;C inside an insulated chamber, enabling rapid sterilization of metal instrument tips such as forceps, scissors, dissecting needles, and scalpel handles through conductive heat transfer in approximately 15 seconds per cycle. They provide a flame-free alternative to alcohol-lamp sterilization for repeated instrument decontamination in animal surgery, plant tissue culture, microbiology, and pathology laboratories. Because they operate without gas, open flames, or chemicals, microbead sterilizers are suitable for use inside Class II biosafety cabinets and in anaerobic environments where flames are prohibited.
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<h2>What you will find:</h2>
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://mbpinc.net/equipments/autoclave-and-biosafety-cabinets/microbead-sterilizer">Microbead sterilizer series</a>: Benchtop systems designed for rapid and reliable instrument sterilization.</li>
<li><a href="https://mbpinc.net/equipments/autoclave-and-biosafety-cabinets/microbead-sterilizer/microbead-sterilizer-accessories">Microbead sterilizer accessories</a>: Replacement heating elements, refill glass beads, loop holders, and slide dryer attachments to support continuous laboratory operation.</li>
</ul>
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<h2>How to Choose a Microbead Sterilizer</h2>
&nbsp;
Chamber Depth and Aperture Diameter
Two chamber configurations are common: standard-depth units, approximately 8 cm deep, for short forceps tips and dissecting tools, and deep-format models, approximately 15 cm deep, for longer instruments. The aperture diameter determines the maximum instrument width that can be accommodated, so compatibility with commonly used tools should be confirmed before purchase.
Temperature Range and Control
Standard models typically operate at 250&deg;C, which is sufficient for eliminating vegetative bacteria and many spore-forming organisms from instrument tips. Digital models provide precise temperature adjustment and monitoring through electronic controls, making them preferable for applications requiring documented operating conditions. Units capable of reaching 300&deg;C may be selected for specialized high-temperature workflows, although prion deactivation requires dedicated sterilization procedures beyond conventional bead sterilization methods.
Warm-up Time and Duty Cycle
Most microbead sterilizers require a warm-up period of approximately 10&ndash;15 minutes to reach operating temperature. Once heated, they can operate continuously throughout the workday, while insulated housings help maintain safe exterior temperatures during prolonged use.
Biosafety Cabinet Compatibility
Flame-free operation makes microbead sterilizers compatible with Class II biosafety cabinets, provided that adequate clearance is maintained according to the cabinet manufacturer's recommendations. Laboratories should verify that the unit's footprint and heat output align with their specific biosafety setup.
Glass Bead Replacement
Glass beads serve as the primary consumable in these systems and should be replaced periodically as they become discolored or accumulate biological residues. Replacement frequency depends on instrument usage patterns, contamination risks, and laboratory protocols.
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<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
&nbsp;
Glass-bead sterilization at 250&deg;C can eliminate vegetative bacteria and bacterial spores from instrument tips within approximately 15 seconds of contact, according to established laboratory protocols for microbiology and surgical research applications. Operating temperatures should be verified periodically using calibrated thermometers or thermocouples to ensure consistent performance over time. Microbead sterilizers are intended for research use only (RUO) and are not validated as medical sterilization devices under FDA 510(k) or comparable regulatory frameworks. As of 2026, replacement glass beads and accessory components remain widely available to support long-term operation in research laboratories.
A high-quality microbead sterilizer for your laboratory is just one click away. <a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the expert team at Molecular Biology Products Inc. (MBP)</a> today to find the solution that best matches your workflow requirements.

Microbead Sterilizer

Slide dryer attachment for 3 slides

B1000-03 by Benchmark Scientific is the BactiZapper™ Slide Dryer Attachment, an aluminum slide holder with a stainless steel clip that secures up to 3 glass slides horizontally for heat-fixing and drying using the B1000 BactiZapper™ Infrared MicroSterilizer. It provides a flame-free alternative to using a Bunsen burner for slide fixation in microbiology workflows. Sold individually.

Manufectuer

Small Airway Epithelial Medium Kit

TM045 by Applied Biological Materials is the Small Airway Epithelial Medium Kit — a low-serum, antibiotic-free formulation (500 mL basal + supplement) for culture and maintenance of small airway epithelial cells, with lot-tested sterility, pH, osmolality, endotoxin, and cell performance. Complete medium stable 30 days post-supplementation.

Collection System

<h2 dir="ltr">What are VTM tubes?</h2>
 VTM tubes are pre-filled, screw-cap polypropylene tubes containing viral transport medium &mdash; an isotonic buffer designed to preserve virus viability and viral RNA between specimen collection and PCR or culture in the lab. The CDC reference formulation (SOP DSR-052) is Hank's Balanced Salt Solution with 2 % heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum, 100 &micro;g/mL gentamicin, and 0.5 &micro;g/mL amphotericin B &mdash; antibiotics that suppress contaminating bacteria and fungi without inactivating the target virus. Most are sold as 3 mL aliquots in a 10 mL or 15 mL conical tube. Buy from this category whenever a respiratory or other virus specimen must travel from the point of collection to a testing laboratory.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What You Will Find:</h2>
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<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Viral Transport Medium (VTM) Tubes &ndash; Medical-grade vials designed to maintain viral viability during transit.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Universal Transport Medium (UTM) &ndash; Versatile, bead-free systems for preserving viruses, chlamydia, and mycoplasma.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">DNA/RNA Shield Collection Tubes &ndash; Advanced tubes that lock in nucleic acid profiles and inactivate pathogens.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Smart Collection &amp; Transport Systems &ndash; High-performance vials and kits for streamlined diagnostic management.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Saliva Collection Kits &ndash; User-friendly funnel and vial systems for non-invasive, high-yield sampling.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Flocked Swab &amp; Medium Combos &ndash; Precision-engineered pairings for maximum recovery and immediate stabilization.</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr"> How to choose VTM tubes</h2>
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Verify the formulation against CDC SOP Confirm the medium follows CDC SOP DSR-052 (HBSS + 2 % HI-FBS + gentamicin + amphotericin B); some lots substitute 1 % bovine serum albumin or fluconazole &mdash; both are accepted variants, but the substitution should be on the certificate of analysis.
Check tube material and IATA compliance For specimen shipping, the primary tube should be polypropylene, screw-capped, and rated to 95 kPa internal pressure per IATA packaging instruction 650. MedSchenker tubes are 100 % polypropylene and 95 kPa compliant.
Match volume to the swab and assay 3 mL of medium in a 10 mL tube is the CDC reference fill for nasopharyngeal swabs; 1 mL or 1.5 mL versions exist for pediatric and difficult-to-collect specimens where dilution must be minimized.
Confirm storage and stability Standard VTM stabilizes respiratory viruses for about 72 hours at 2&ndash;8 &deg;C; some commercial formulations are room-temperature stable for up to six months. The MedSchenker Smart Transport Medium variant maintains organism viability for 96 hours at room temperature. 
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<h2 dir="ltr">Specifications context</h2>
 A VTM tube is defined by its formulation, fill volume, primary container material, screw-cap design, and validated stability window. The MedSchenker line is manufactured by Vectormed (a Vectornate company, headquartered in Mahwah, New Jersey, and manufactured in South Korea), is FDA-cleared and CE-marked, and ships sterile in individual peel-pouch or bulk case packaging. As of 2026, MBP stocks 3.0 mL and 1.5 mL MedSchenker VTM formats and the Smart Transport Medium variant alongside paired flocked swabs.&nbsp; 
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Don&rsquo;t let your viral titers drop. Browse our VTM inventory and hit up the<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us" style="color: #236fa1; text-decoration: underline;"> MBP team </a>for a custom quote today.

VTM Tubes

<h2 dir="ltr">What are UTM Tubes?</h2>
 Universal Transport Medium (UTM) tubes are pre-filled collection and transport systems containing Hanks' Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) enriched with proteins, a pH indicator, and antibiotics that maintain the viability of viruses, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma for 48 hours at room or refrigerated temperature. They are used in molecular diagnostics, viral culture, antigen detection, and NAAT-based workflows for respiratory, genital, and other clinical specimens. The Copan UTM&reg; (catalog 360C and related) is FDA-cleared and is cited in CDC guidelines as an acceptable transport system for SARS-CoV-2 specimens. Choose UTM tubes over plain saline when the specimen requires extended ambient-temperature stability, viral viability for culture, or compatibility with automated molecular diagnostic platforms validated for UTM matrix.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Pre-filled UTM tubes for viral and microbial specimen transport</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Swab-integrated collection systems for respiratory sampling</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">3 mL and 5 mL Universal Transport Medium tube formats</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Sterile screw-cap tubes for secure clinical handling</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Buffered transport medium for pathogen stabilization</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Nasopharyngeal and/or oropharyngeal compatible sampling systems</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr"> How to Choose UTM Tubes</h2>
 Standard Tube vs. Round-Bottom (UTM-RT) Standard UTM tubes (12 &times; 80 mm, red cap, 3 mL) require swab removal and possible aliquoting before loading onto automated analyzers. The UTM-RT&reg; Round Bottom Tube is engineered for direct loading onto Roche cobas&reg; 5800/6800/8800 platforms without aliquoting or swab removal, saving processing steps in high-volume clinical labs. Choose UTM-RT if your laboratory runs cobas instrumentation at scale.
With or Without Swab Bulk media tubes (tube-only format) suit labs that stock their own swab type. Kit configurations pair UTM tubes with Copan FLOQSwabs&reg; (flocked nylon), which provide 10&ndash;100&times; greater cell elution than rayon or Dacron swabs, directly impacting the sensitivity of downstream NAAT and antigen tests. For nasopharyngeal specimens, the minitip FLOQSwab + UTM combination is the standard validated pairing.
Volume: 1 mL vs. 3 mL Fill A 1 mL fill is used when a higher specimen concentration is needed for sensitive assays or limited-volume extraction protocols. A 3 mL fill is the standard for most NAAT platforms. Using a 1 mL tube on a platform calibrated for 3 mL inputs may cause out-of-range results; always confirm volume requirements with your assay's instructions for use.
Bead Inclusion UTM tubes with 3 glass beads facilitate the release and dispersion of patient material from the swab tip during vortexing, improving homogeneity before aliquoting. For platforms that recommend homogenization (e.g., high-mucosity respiratory specimens), bead-containing UTM is preferred.
Regulatory Status For clinical diagnostic use, confirm that your specific UTM tube carries FDA 510(k) clearance. Copan UTM&reg; (K910043 and subsequent clearances) is FDA-cleared for collection, transport, preservation, and long-term freeze storage of clinical specimens and complies with CLSI M40-A2 standards. Verify product-specific regulatory status before deploying in clinical settings.
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<h2 dir="ltr">Specifications Context</h2>
 UTM contains HBSS supplemented with bovine serum albumin (BSA), sucrose, gentamicin, amphotericin B, and a phenol-red pH indicator. The antibiotic-antimycotic formulation inhibits bacterial and fungal overgrowth without affecting viral, Chlamydial, or Mycoplasmal viability. At ambient temperature (15&ndash;25 &deg;C) or 2&ndash;8 &deg;C, UTM maintains organism viability for 48 hours. For long-term storage of viral isolates, specimens can be frozen at &minus;70 &deg;C or colder; storage at &minus;20 &deg;C is specifically discouraged by Copan because it can result in loss of viral infectivity. UTM-RT has received CE-IVDR compliance marking. As of 2026, Copan UTM&reg; is carried by MBP and is a registered catalog item for institutional procurement customers.
 MBP is a registered vendor for Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Vanderbilt University, and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Direct PO ordering and bulk pricing available.&nbsp;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact MBP</a> &mdash;they&rsquo;ll help you sort out the right UTM setup without second-guessing.

UTM Tubes

Smart Collection System STM30 + AC1100 SCS30-A

SCS30-A Smart Collection System by MedSchenker combines the AC1100 CavSwab™ Allium™ nylon-flocked nasal swab with 3 mL STM30 transport medium — CO-Lock cap, Phenol Red indicator, 96-hour specimen viability at room temperature, electron-beam sterile, FDA listed.

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Inner box

CavSwab™

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Organism viability

Sample Vial

<h2 dir="ltr">What are Transport Tubes?</h2>
 Transport tubes are sterile, leak-proof screw-cap tubes used for collecting, transporting, and temporarily storing biological specimens from the collection site to the testing laboratory. They span a broad category: empty specimen containers (15 mL and 50 mL self-standing conical tubes), pre-filled saline transport tubes, UTM (Universal Transport Medium) tubes, and specialty specimen vials. All transport tubes share three required attributes&mdash;leak-proof construction, sterility confirmation, and compatibility with the downstream assay's matrix requirements. Choose the transport tube type based on the specimen, the target analyte, and the assay platform it will be processed on. 
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">5 mL transport tubes for routine sample movement</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">10 mL tubes for higher volume biological samples</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Leak-tight screw-cap tubes for secure handling</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Sterile transport tubes for clinical workflows</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Graduated tubes with labeling surfaces for tracking</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Self-standing tubes for easier bench organization</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">How to Choose Transport Tubes</h2>
 Material: Polypropylene (PP) vs. Polystyrene (PS) PP conical transport tubes are chemical-resistant, autoclavable, and certified DNase/RNase-free in molecular-grade formats. PS transport tubes (30 mL translucent format, Globe Scientific) are lighter and less expensive but not autoclavable. For nucleic acid work, DNA/RNA-free certified PP is the standard. For specimen transport requiring centrifugation, PP is preferred due to higher g-force tolerance (PP rated to &ge;10,000 &times; g in most formats). Self-Standing vs. Rack Format Self-standing (skirted-base) conical tubes stand upright without a rack, reducing knock-over risk during aliquoting and transport. Rack-based tubes require a separate holder. Globe Scientific self-standing 50 mL PP transport tubes feature a printed graduation, white frosted writing area, and are available sterile, non-sterile, or metal-free. Sterile tubes are RNase/DNase-free and pyrogen-free per the lot certificate. Sterile vs. Non-Sterile Sterile tubes (ISO 11137 radiation sterilization, SAL 10⁻⁶) are required for culture, NAAT, and any specimen where contamination would invalidate the result. Non-sterile metal-free PP tubes are suited to trace-element analysis and environmental sampling where sterility is not required but metal contamination would interfere. Volume 15 mL tubes are standard for most clinical specimen aliquots, urine transfers, and culture setups. 50 mL tubes are used for higher-volume specimens (24-hour urine aliquots, stool homogenates, bulk transport of tissue homogenates). Globe Scientific 30 mL tubes with integral spoon are designed specifically for fecal specimen self-collection. Media and Additives Empty transport tubes (no fill) are the base format; select a pre-filled tube (saline, UTM, boric acid) based on the specimen type and analyte stability requirements. For nucleic acid targets, pre-filled tubes with DNA/RNA Shield, UTM, or saline are the appropriate formats. 
<h2 dir="ltr"> Specifications Context</h2>
 Globe Scientific self-standing 50 mL conical transport tubes are manufactured from USP Class VI medical-grade PP with a conical bottom skirt for freestanding stability. Printed graduation marks (1 mL intervals) and a frosted writing area are standard features. Sterile versions are individually wrapped and certified RNase-free, DNase-free, and pyrogen-free per lot certificate, consistent with ISO 9001:2015 manufacturing standards. Non-sterile metal-free versions are supplied with a separate natural screw cap and are tested for trace metals via ICP-MS before lot release. MBP's transport tubes catalog includes Globe Scientific and NEST Scientific formats in multiple pack sizes (25/bag and bulk packs of 500). 
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If you need help choosing tube size or matching the right transport format to your workflow,<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us" style="color: #236fa1; text-decoration: underline;"> the MBP team</a> can help you sort it out without overthinking it.

Transport Tube Products

Smart Transport Empty Vial

Smart Transport Empty Vial (STM100-V) by MedSchenker is a sterile, empty 10 mL skirted conical PP tube (16×100 mm) with CQ-Lock screw cap, E-beam sterilized, manufactured under ISO 13485, for bacteriology and routine lab procedures.

Inner Box

Tube

Material

Smart Transport Medium Vial

STM00-A by MedSchenker — FDA-listed, CE-marked viral transport medium vial; 1.5/2/3 mL volumes; 96-hour room-temperature viability; IATA PI650 compliant; 18-month shelf life.

Shelf life

Storage temperature

3.0 mL Screw cap with Tube (50/Pack)

2.0 mL Screw cap with Tube (50/Pack)

1.5 mL Screw cap with Tube (50/Pack)

UV Transilluminators Accessories

<h2>What Are UV Transilluminator Accessories?</h2>
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UV transilluminator accessories fall into four functional groups: personal protective equipment (PPE) that guards operators against UV radiation; optical components that improve image quality and camera compatibility; maintenance and consumable parts that sustain instrument performance; and light-conversion accessories that extend the transilluminator's functional range. Together, these accessories make gel visualization workflows safer, more reproducible, and more cost-effective over the instrument's lifespan. PPE includes UV-blocking polycarbonate face shields and safety glasses that block radiation below 380 nm; standard glass lab safety glasses transmit UV and are inadequate. Optical accessories include orange/amber emission filter plates (longpass above 500-580 nm), portable darkroom viewing hoods, and UV-to-blue light converter plates (Visi-Blue style) that place a phosphor layer over UV lamps to emit 460-470 nm blue light, enabling SYBR Safe and GelGreen imaging without purchasing a separate blue-LED instrument. Match each accessory to the transilluminator model (wavelength, viewing surface dimensions, lamp power, and pin configuration) to ensure compatibility before ordering.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What You Will Find:</h2>
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<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
SmartBlue Viewing Glasses for UV and blue light provide high-contrast protection, allowing you to visualize fluorescent bands safely and clearly.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Amber Covers for Transilluminators act as durable, high-clarity replacement shields that ensure a secure viewing experience during gel documentation.
</li>
</ul>
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<h2>How to Choose UV Transilluminator Accessories</h2>
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Personal protective equipment
All operators using open-top UV transilluminators at 254-365 nm require UV-blocking polycarbonate face shields or safety glasses rated to block UV below 380 nm. Orange-tinted polycarbonate viewing glasses - such as Accuris SmartBlue Plus Viewing Glasses - serve a dual function: blocking UV from 302 nm transilluminators and blocking blue-LED light at 470 nm from blue-light systems, while allowing band fluorescence above 500 nm to pass for direct visualization. Arms and forearms require UV-opaque lab coat sleeves during gel cutting.
Emission filters for photography
Orange and amber longpass filter plates (cutoff at 515-580 nm) block the UV excitation source while transmitting the gel-band fluorescence (590 nm for EtBr and GelRed; 525 nm for SYBR Safe and SafeView Safe-Green). For EtBr at 590 nm emission, a 560 nm longpass is standard. For SYBR Safe/SafeView Safe-Green at 525 nm emission, a 500-515 nm longpass provides better signal transmission. Clip-on filter plates attach to handheld cameras or smartphones for photography without a dedicated gel doc system; the amber filter unit in blue-LED transilluminators filters to approximately 580 nm.
Portable viewing hoods
Portable viewing hoods create a contained darkroom environment over the transilluminator surface by blocking ambient room light, enabling gel photography using a handheld digital camera or smartphone with an amber filter without requiring a dedicated gel documentation enclosure. Most hoods include a UV-blocking face shield integrated into the hood opening, a removable bottom panel for placement over the transilluminator, and a felt or light-proof curtain. These are particularly useful for lower-throughput labs that do not justify a standalone gel doc system.
UV-to-blue light converter plates
Converter plates contain a phosphor layer that, when placed on a UV transilluminator surface, absorbs UV emission and re-emits blue light at 460-470 nm. This converts an existing UV system into a functional blue-LED transilluminator for SYBR Safe, GelGreen, and SafeView Safe-Green gels without purchasing a separate instrument. Three sizes are typically available to match standard transilluminator viewing areas; an amber camera filter is required for photography with converter plates.
Filter glass protectors
UV-transmitting filter protectors are thermoplastic (UV-transparent polycarbonate) sheets placed directly on the filter glass surface to protect the costly UV filter from gel cuts, scrapes, and dropped objects during gel manipulation. They are solarization-resistant and maintain UV transmission above 85% for their rated lifespan. Replacing a protector is far less expensive than replacing a cracked filter glass.
Replacement UV lamp tubes
Fluorescent UV lamp tubes are rated at 2,000-5,000 hours and degrade progressively; bands requiring longer exposure times or appearing dimmer at standard settings signal that replacement is needed. Tubes must match the transilluminator's wavelength (254, 302, or 365 nm), wattage (8 W or 15 W), tube length (15-25 cm), and pin configuration (bi-pin G13 is common). Confirm the exact specifications from the transilluminator manual before ordering replacements.
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<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
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UV lamp output intensity is expressed in milliwatts per square centimeter at the filter surface; research-grade transilluminators specify 5-25 mW/cm2 at 302 nm. Replacement tubes should be sourced to match the original lamp's wavelength and pin configuration exactly; using the wrong wavelength (e.g., 365 nm instead of 302 nm) changes dye excitation efficiency and may require different exposure times. Polycarbonate UV shields block over 99% of UV radiation at 302 nm; acrylic-based covers block UV below 380 nm and are used on hinged blocking covers. UV-to-blue converter plates are increasingly popular in labs transitioning from EtBr to safer dyes, as they allow the use of existing UV equipment with new non-mutagenic stains without capital equipment replacement.&nbsp;
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Don&rsquo;t settle for substandard protection. Browse our transilluminator accessories and <a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">hit up the MBP team</a> for a custom quote today.

SmartBlue Viewing Glasses

E4000-VG1 by Accuris are SmartBlue amber-filtered viewing glasses that block 465 nm blue LED emission and 100% of UV for hands-free, eye-protective gel visualization and DNA band excision. Compatible with SmartBlue (E4000), other 465 nm blue LED transilluminators, and UV transilluminators. Works with SYBR Green, SmartGlow, GelGreen, SYBR Safe, and ethidium bromide-stained gels.

Manufacture

SmartBlue™ Replacement Amber Cover

The E4000-AC by Accuris Instruments is a replacement amber filter cover for the SmartBlue™ Blue Light Transilluminator series (E4000, E4100 Mini). Measures 10 × 12 × 0.5 inches; latex-free. Restores blue-light eye protection and gel-viewing performance to the SmartBlue instrument.

Prestained Protein Ladders

<h2>What are prestained protein ladders?</h2>
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Prestained protein ladders are protein molecular weight standards in which each protein band carries a covalent colored dye, typically coupling most bands in blue with two specifically colored bands, often green around 25 kDa and red around 75 kDa, that serve as easily visible reference anchors for quick orientation. Because the dye is visible without staining, the ladder is used to monitor protein migration in real time during SDS-PAGE and, critically, to verify that protein bands have transferred from the gel to the PVDF, nitrocellulose, or nylon membrane before antibody incubation in western blotting.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">PureView&trade; Prestained Protein Ladder for clear visualization of&nbsp; bands in SDS-PAGE</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">SmartCheck&trade; Tri-color Extended Range Plus Protein Marker for broad coverage of protein size&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Opti-Protein Marker for accurate molecular weight estimation of proteins</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Opti-Protein XL Marker for wider range analysis of proteins&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Opti-Protein Ultra Marker for efficient protein separation workflows</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>How to use prestained protein ladders</h2>
&nbsp;
Load prestained ladders directly from the tube without preparation
Most modern prestained protein ladders are supplied in gel loading buffer and are ready to load directly without heating, dilution, or addition of reducing agent, since modifying the formulation can cause dye dissociation or protein aggregation. Following the manufacturer's specific note about preparation avoids introducing variability.
Confirm the ladder's kDa range brackets your target protein's expected molecular weight
Match your target protein's expected size to the ladder's coverage: a mid-range ladder (10&ndash;180 kDa) suits most antibody targets in typical western blot experiments, while a broad-range (10&ndash;245 kDa) or extra-broad (3.5&ndash;260 kDa) ladder is needed when the target protein is very large.
Use the colored reference bands for quick gel and blot orientation
Colored reference bands at fixed kDa positions, typically green at 25 kDa and red at 75 kDa, allow you to orient the ladder pattern on the gel or membrane at a glance without counting all bands from the well, making it fast to identify the bands bracketing your target protein.
Check the manufacturer's MW table calibrated for your specific SDS-PAGE buffer system
Pre-stained ladder proteins have apparent molecular weights that differ depending on the SDS-PAGE buffer system used, such as Tris-Glycine versus Bis-Tris MOPS or MES, because the buffer's pH and composition affect SDS binding and protein charge. Using the manufacturer's annotated molecular weight values calibrated for your specific buffer gives more accurate sizing than a generic table.
Verify western blot transfer by confirming the prestained bands are visible on the membrane
After transfer, all or most prestained ladder bands should be visible on the blot membrane; missing or faint bands in a particular region indicate incomplete transfer in that molecular weight zone, guiding troubleshooting before antibody incubation and detection.
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<h2>Specifications context</h2>
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Prestained protein ladders are loaded at approximately 3&ndash;5 &micro;l per lane for gel visualization during SDS-PAGE, or at 1.5&ndash;2.5 &micro;l per lane for western blot transfer, since less ladder per lane is needed for adequate band visibility on the membrane than for gel visualization. As of 2026, ready-to-load prestained protein ladder formats supplied pre-formulated in SDS-PAGE loading buffer that require no heating, dilution, or reducing agent remain the dominant format for routine SDS-PAGE and western blotting, since preparation-free direct loading eliminates one class of user handling errors.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the helpful team at Molecular Biology Products Inc. (MBP)</a> and find the best prestained protein ladders for your next experiment.

SmartCheck™ Tri-color Extended Range Plus Protein Marker, 13 bands 9-245 kDA, 2x250µl

SmartCheck™ Tri-color Extended Range Plus Protein Marker, 13 bands 9-245 kDA, 2x250ul

SmartCheck™ Tri-color Extended Range Plus Protein Marker (PR5013-TC) by MBP is a pre-stained, ready-to-use SDS-PAGE protein size standard with 13 bands, 9&ndash;245 kDa, and three colors for enhanced reference points. Load 5 &mu;l per lane; no preparation needed. Supplied as 2&times;250 &mu;l (100 lanes). Store at &minus;20&deg;C.

Imaging and Gel Visualization Accessories

SmartDoc Orange photo filter, for imaging Green Stains on Blue Light Illuminators

E5001-ORANGE by Accuris Instruments is an orange PMMA photo filter (12 mm aperture) for the SmartDoc imaging enclosure, blocking ~465 nm blue LED excitation and passing green fluorescent emission from SYBR Green, SmartGlow™, GelStar™, and GelGreen stains for clear smartphone gel documentation. Included with E5001-SDB; sold separately as a replacement or spare.

SmartDoc UV Blocking Mat

E5000-MAT by Benchmark Scientific (Accuris) is the UV Blocking Mat for the SmartDoc gel imaging enclosure, used when the SmartDoc's 19 × 19 cm base sits on a larger UV transilluminator. The mat covers the exposed transilluminator surround to block UV scatter during gel documentation.