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Lab Organizers

Plastic Storage Containers

Test Tube Racks

Lab Organizers: Storing for Both Keeps And Disposal

Laboratories require various means to store diverse materials. Researchers work with solids, gases, and liquids requiring concealment and preservation. They may have to dispose of certain materials safely until removal. In today’s laboratory, the most common means of controlling a variety of materials is by placing them in plastic lab storage containers.

Test Tube Racks: Test tube racks, also known as test tube holders are a necessity in the lab.  Clinicians can't afford to spill or break test tubes.  Test tube racks keep the tubes from rolling, spilling and breaking.  Keeping the tubes stationary protects not only your staff, but also your lab equipment.

Choose Plastic or Glass?

Plastic lab organizers are the norm in most labs and medical facilities. The reasons for high degrees of utilization are simple. Plastic is:

• Durable
• Non-corrosive
• Chemically non-responsive
• Washable or disposable
• Manufactured in different strengths, sizes, shapes, and specifications

Such characteristics make them ideal for use in permanent and temporary storage of benign, toxic and hazardous materials.

Evaluating

The term “storage” indicates placing away an item for future use. In laboratories, this can entail preserving an item, e.g., specimens, cultures. However, the term can also indicate keeping an item safe prior to its disposal. In laboratories, plastic lab storage containers store medical waste as well as sharps.

Because of diverse potential applications, any evaluation system must look at the purpose of the container, ensuring:

• Prerequisite characteristics for the intended purpose, e.g., ease of opening and closing, ability to remove all air, sterilization capabilities, disposal nature
• Approval by invested legislative bodies
• Efficiency
• Safety

In all instances, it is essential to verify claims of the containers to ensure they are an ideal match with the intended purpose.

Specific Selection Factors for Plastic Lab Storage Containers

When considering plastic lab storage containers for the lab, always look at the purpose first. Afterward, talk to the manufacturer and/or supplier about other important characteristics including:

• Visibility of contents – transparent, semi-transparent or opaque
• Size, shape, and weight
• Life expectancy of the containers
• Rigid or flexible
• Ancillary supplies required, e.g., locks/seals, labels
• Safety measures and concerns

Do not neglect the practical including maintenance, unit and disposal costs.