Reversible Rack

Quick Answer: The Reversible Rack is a two-sided plastic tube rack: each face has a different pattern of holes, so turning it over switches between two tube sizes, typically small 0.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes on one side and 1.5 ml or 2.0 ml tubes on the other.

Two Faces, Two Microtube Sizes

A reversible tube rack is built around microcentrifuge tubes. Racks of this type usually carry 0.5 ml positions on one face and 1.5 ml or 2.0 ml positions on the other, and the user simply flips the rack to the side needed for the work in hand. Many designs also have letters and numbers moulded along the edges, so every position has a grid reference for recording samples.

Of the multi-size racks in this range, the Reversible Rack is the simplest. A universal multi rack covers several tube formats, often including 15 ml and 50 ml conical tubes, on different faces of one body, and a rotatable multi rack turns to bring the needed size forward. When the bench work involves only microtubes, as in PCR set-up, small-volume dilutions or DNA and protein sample handling, a flat two-sided rack takes up less space next to the pipettes and is easy to stack when not in use.

Tube racks of this kind are generally moulded in polypropylene, which tolerates aqueous reagents, alcohols and common bench disinfectants. The one limitation of the flip design is that a face must be emptied before the rack is turned over.

Applications

• Holding microcentrifuge tubes while PCR master mix and templates are dispensed.
• Setting out serial dilutions in labelled rows.
• Keeping sample tubes in grid order while results are recorded.
• Staging and balancing tubes before they go into a microcentrifuge.

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Wipe the rack with 70% ethanol between experiments and let it air-dry; rinse off any bleach solution with water afterwards.
• Use each face only for its intended tube size; forcing larger tubes into small holes stretches them and makes tubes wobble later.
• Keep the rack flat and away from heaters and direct sunlight so it stays straight.

Why Choose LabEquip

Molecular biology and biotechnology teaching labs order reversible racks in class sets so every student station has its own microtube holder. If you also handle 15 ml or 50 ml tubes, compare the Universal Multi Rack 2 or the Rotatable Multi Rack. Other bench items are in the Lab Glassware category; for class-set quantities, contact LabEquip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a reversible rack and a universal multi rack?

A reversible rack has two faces, each for one microtube size, and is flipped to switch between them. A universal multi rack has more faces and usually extends to 15 ml and 50 ml conical centrifuge tubes, so it covers larger-volume work as well.

Which tubes fit a reversible tube rack?

Reversible racks are generally made for microcentrifuge tubes, with 0.5 ml positions on one face and 1.5 ml or 2.0 ml positions on the other. Test one of your own tubes in each face, because tube diameters vary slightly between designs.

Can the reversible rack be autoclaved?

Polypropylene racks are generally autoclavable at 121 °C, but check this rack’s rating before putting it in the autoclave. Lay it flat on a tray during the cycle so it does not warp, and let it cool fully before loading tubes.

How do I disinfect the rack between experiments?

Wipe or spray it with 70% ethanol and let it air-dry. If you use a bleach solution, rinse the rack with water afterwards, since dried bleach residue can contaminate later samples and corrode nearby metal equipment.

Can the rack be used in a freezer or on ice?

It can hold tubes in a freezer or cold room, but polypropylene becomes more brittle when cold, so avoid dropping or bending it while chilled. To keep reactions cold during set-up, stand the tubes in crushed ice or a chilled block rather than relying on the rack.

Why do tubes wobble in some holes?

Each face is sized for one tube diameter. If larger tubes have been forced into it, or tubes of a different design are used, the fit becomes loose. Keep each face for its own tube size and replace a rack whose holes have stretched.

Last Updated: September 2026