Rack for Micro Centrifuge Tubes

Quick Answer: A microcentrifuge tube rack is a bench rack with rows of small holes that hold microcentrifuge tubes, the snap-cap tubes commonly of 1.5 or 2 ml, upright during pipetting and sample processing. It keeps tubes in order and stops them rolling or tipping when caps are opened.

Keeping Small Tubes Upright and Ordered

Microcentrifuge tubes are the workhorse of molecular and biochemistry labs, used for DNA and protein extractions, enzyme reactions and sample storage. They are light and tapered, so they fall over easily; a rack holds each one so its cap can be flicked open with a thumb while the other hand holds the pipette.

Racks for these tubes come as simple one-piece grids, as racks whose lid doubles as a storage box, and as flip racks with a different hole size on each face. This listing is the general rack, while the ABS version is specified by material. Match the hole size and number of positions to the tubes you use, including 0.5 ml tubes if needed.

A useful habit is to give each sample a row and each protocol step a column, so the rack itself shows how far every sample has progressed. When a protocol involves several incubations, a rack that also fits a water bath or freezer saves moving tubes between holders.

Applications

• Plasmid mini-preps and genomic DNA extractions
• Setting up restriction digests and ligations
• Holding protein samples before gel loading
• Aliquoting enzymes, primers or antibodies for freezer storage

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Wipe the rack after each session to remove dried buffer, which can make holes too tight.
• Keep separate, labelled racks for radioactive or hazardous work.
• Find out whether the plastic tolerates autoclaving before sterilising the rack.
• Keep acetone and chlorinated solvents away, since they attack many rack plastics.

Why Choose LabEquip

Molecular biology, biochemistry and biotechnology teaching labs put one of these racks at every bench position. LabEquip supplies them in the Biology Lab Products range, and class-set quantities can be requested on the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size tubes does a microcentrifuge tube rack hold?

Most racks are made for the standard 1.5 and 2 ml microtubes, which have a similar outer diameter. Some racks add smaller holes for 0.5 ml tubes, while 0.2 ml PCR tubes need a dedicated PCR rack.

Can tubes be stored in the rack in a freezer?

Short-term, yes, if the rack plastic tolerates cold. For long-term frozen storage a lidded freezer box with a numbered grid is safer, because an open rack does not protect tubes from knocks or frost.

How do I open microtube caps safely?

Keep the tube in the rack and open the cap by pushing up on the tab with a thumb, pointing it away from your face. For hazardous samples, spin the tube briefly first so no liquid sits under the cap, which reduces aerosols.

Is a floating rack better than a bench rack?

A floating rack is designed for water baths and holds tubes at a set depth. A bench rack is sturdier for pipetting and storage. Many labs keep both and move tubes only when they go into a water bath.

How should the rack be cleaned?

Wash in warm water with lab detergent, rinse and air dry. For DNA or RNA work, wipe with a nuclease-decontaminating solution. Autoclave only if the rack is made of an autoclavable plastic such as polypropylene.

Why do some racks have letters and numbers moulded on them?

Grid markings let you record the position of every sample, so you are not relying only on handwriting on tiny tubes, and another person can follow your work.

Last Updated: September 2026