For those acquainted with laboratory equipment have already heard of the plastic test tube racks. Wooden test tube racks are also quite common, but due to spillage, water and chemical layers on them, it becomes very tough to maintain them. The laboratories even come with racks that are mainly used for keeping the test tubes so that the researchers or laboratorians don’t have to deal with the broken test tubes or get injured. Therefore, in this article, we will share some ideas on the types of the test tube racks like plastic test tube racks. In addition, we will give heads up on the difference between the test tube holder and rack.
Ideas on the kinds of the test tube racks
Test tube racks come in arrays of designs and materials. Some are interlocking, stackable, or slanted. Even some are made especially for drying. Therefore, we will look through to get a brief on that.
Test tube racks made of wood
The first-ever test tub racks that came into the fourth were made of wood. Indeed, that imparts a classy look when kept on the shelf. But here is a flaw that they are not easy to sanitize because of which it becomes the breeding ground of the bacteria. Wooden tubes do suffer from corrosion after a certain time.
Test tube racks made of steel
Test tube racks made of stainless steel are quite hardy and are anticorrosive. Therefore, you don’t have to worry because they stay corrosion free when it comes to sterile or other body fluids. And the best part is that it stays as it is during the autoclave sterilization process without any damage.
Test tub racks Ade of aluminum
The ones made of aluminum are cheaper compared to the rest. But the worst part is that it is not much strong and has the tendency to bend, deform or warp easily when heat, force, or weight is exerted on it.
Durable Plastic Test tube racks
Plastic test tube racks including Nalgene, polypropylene, or acrylic offer a feasible solution when it comes to handling material because of its utmost durability. But yes, again a bit of consciousness is needed while handling the plastic test tube racks because the damage ratio is more compared to the one made of stainless steel.
Test tube racks made of foam
Of course, they are economical in many senses. Also, it can shelter several other types of test tubes and can keep floating in the water. The plastic racks are easily available, and they do not break or crack easily, with time.
Understanding the difference between the test tube racks and holders
The test tube holder is very different from the test tube rack. You can also call the test tube rack the test tube stand. Variations are there in terms of material, composition, size as well as color. Test tube racks are generally used to support multiple test tubes in a standing position. Buy those plastic racks that are impact-resistant and that can also be very easy to assemble.
Test tube holder
The test tube holder is used to support one test tube at a time. Of course, such comes handy when you cannot touch the test tube especially when it is used for holding any acrid chemical or when it undergoes a heat treatment on the Bunsen burner. On top of that, the user has to stand safely while transferring the chemical from one test tube holder to another.
Finally, among different test tube racks, the plastic test tube racks make the most because they are widely used for their disposable characteristics. There are different varieties that you get, including indexed racks, plastic test tube grip racks, no-wire half racks and many other.
