Preservation tubes are used to store and preserve biological samples like blood, saliva, or tissue samples. These tubes are designed to keep the contents sterile and prevent contamination, allowing the samples to be stored for extended periods. The design of preservation tubes is essential to ensure that the samples are well protected from degradation and maintain their integrity for future analysis.
1. Material
The material used to make preservation tubes is an important design feature. The material should be sterile, durable, and chemical-resistant. Common materials used in the production of preservation tubes are polypropylene and polystyrene. Polypropylene is known for its robustness, while polystyrene is highly transparent, allowing the contents of the tube to be easily visible during analysis.
2. Internal Coating
The internal coating of the preservation tube is critical for preventing contamination and degradation of the sample. The coating is typically made of silicone or another substance that prevents the sample from sticking to the inside of the tube. This is important as it helps to prevent loss of sample material and ensures accurate analysis.
3. Cap Design
The cap design is an important aspect of preservation tube design as it is responsible for sealing the tube and ensuring that it remains sterile and secure. The cap should be easy to open and close, providing a tight seal to prevent contamination. The cap design also includes features that allow for easy labeling and identification, and can be color-coded to help users identify different samples.
4. Graduation Marks
Preservation tubes often have graduation marks printed on the outer surface of the tube. These marks indicate the volume of the sample inside the tube, which is useful for accurate measurement and analysis of the sample. The graduation marks should be clear and visible, and the volume should be easy to read, even for small volumes.
5. Shape and Size
The shape and size of preservation tubes are essential design features. The tube should be easy to handle, stackable, and fit in standard laboratory racks. They should also be available in different sizes and shapes to cater to different sample volumes and equipment requirements. For example, some preservation tubes may be conical in shape to facilitate easy sample recovery and prevent contamination.
6. Sterilization
Preservation tubes must be sterilized before use to ensure that the samples remain free from contamination. Some preservation tubes are pre-sterilized using ethylene oxide gas or gamma radiation, while others can be autoclaved or sterilized using UV radiation.
7. Barcode Compatibility
Many preservation tubes are designed to work with barcode scanners to facilitate easy tracking and identification of the sample. The barcode needs to be easily readable and should not be obscured by the cap of the tube. Barcode compatibility ensures that the tube and the sample can be easily identified and traced throughout the testing process.
8. Tamper-Evident Seals
Tamper-evident seals are becoming a common design feature in preservation tubes. These seals indicate if the tube has been opened or tampered with, providing an added layer of protection for both the sample and the user.
These elements help to ensure that the sample remains in perfect condition during storage and analysis. By designing preservation tubes to meet the demanding needs of scientists and medical professionals, we can preserve and protect the integrity of the samples, ensuring that accurate testing and analysis can be carried out, providing valuable insight into a wide range of biological applications.