Quick Answer: An ABS microcentrifuge tube rack is a bench rack moulded from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic, with holes that hold microcentrifuge tubes upright. ABS makes the rack stiff and resistant to knocks, which suits everyday pipetting, but it is generally not autoclavable.
What ABS Brings to a Tube Rack
ABS is the tough, glossy plastic used for instrument housings and toy building bricks. In a rack it gives straight, rigid walls that do not flex as tubes are pushed in, crisp moulded markings and a smooth surface that wipes clean. It also stands up to dilute acids, alkalis and salt solutions, which covers most spills on a molecular biology bench.
Its limits are heat and certain solvents. ABS softens at temperatures well below those in an autoclave, so this rack is disinfected with ethanol or a mild disinfectant instead. Acetone, esters, ketones and chlorinated solvents can craze or dissolve it, so keep it away from direct spills during phenol-chloroform extraction.
Labs that must autoclave their racks usually choose polypropylene; the general rack for micro centrifuge tubes page describes the other formats. Where autoclaving is not part of the routine, ABS racks keep their shape and markings well through daily use.
Cleaning an ABS Rack
- Disinfect with 70 percent ethanol or a quaternary ammonium wipe.
- Keep acetone, chloroform and other solvents that attack ABS well away.
- Never put the rack in an autoclave, hot-air oven or on a hot plate.
- Store out of direct sunlight, which can fade and embrittle ABS over time.
Specifications
| Material | ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), per title |
| Holds | Microcentrifuge tubes |
| Rigidity | Stiff, impact-resistant plastic (general ABS property) |
| Heat | Generally not autoclavable; disinfect chemically |
| Positions and hole size | Confirm at enquiry |
Applications
- Daily pipetting stations in molecular biology labs
- Sample sorting in clinical biochemistry teaching labs
- Organising reagent aliquots on the bench during kit-based assays
- Holding tubes while samples are prepared for gel electrophoresis
Why Choose LabEquip
Labs that want a stiff, easily wiped rack for routine bench work, and have no need to autoclave it, choose ABS. LabEquip lists it in the Biology Lab Products range; send tube size and quantity through the contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ABS plastic?
ABS stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a tough thermoplastic that combines rigidity with good impact resistance. It is widely used for equipment housings and moulded parts that must keep their shape.
Can an ABS rack be autoclaved?
No. ABS softens below the 121 degrees Celsius used in autoclaves and will warp. Clean and disinfect it with ethanol, a mild detergent or a suitable surface disinfectant.
How does ABS compare with polypropylene for racks?
ABS is stiffer, with a glossier, harder surface, so racks feel solid and markings stay sharp. Polypropylene is more flexible, more resistant to solvents and can be autoclaved, which suits labs that sterilise racks routinely.
Which chemicals can damage an ABS rack?
Acetone, ketones, esters, chloroform and other chlorinated solvents can craze, soften or dissolve ABS. Aqueous buffers, dilute acids and bases and alcohol wipes are generally fine.
Can the rack be used in a freezer?
ABS keeps its toughness better than many plastics in the cold, so short spells in a fridge or freezer are usually acceptable. Avoid knocking a cold rack and let it warm up before washing.
Is this rack suitable for RNA work?
Yes, if kept clean. Wipe it with an RNase-decontaminating solution before use and reserve it for RNA, since the rack cannot be baked or autoclaved to remove RNases.
Last Updated: September 2026
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