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In the world of science, one of the biggest challenges is transporting samples between different locations without damaging or altering their properties. The development of universal transport mediums (UTMs) has been a significant breakthrough in scientific research, especially in the fields of medicine and biology.

UTMs are chemical reagents that are used to preserve and transfer samples (commonly blood, urine, or tissue) from one lab to another, and ensure that they arrive at their destination in a stable and intact condition. They are particularly important in the field of medical and diagnostic research as they can help to prevent contamination, degradation or other changes that can affect the quality and reliability of the samples.

The main advantage of UTMs is their versatility, which means they can be used to preserve many different types of samples. Some of the most common UTMs used in scientific research include RNA and DNA stabilizing agents, preservatives for microbiology samples, and transport media for viruses and bacteria.

One of the most frequently used UTMs is the RNA and DNA stabilizing agent. This UTM is used to stabilize RNA and DNA in samples, even when they are exposed to extreme temperatures or other environmental stresses. This allows researchers to extract genetic material from the samples and perform analysis even hours or days after the samples were collected.

UTMs are also crucial in microbiology research. They help to preserve the viability of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, and maintain their morphology, which allows researchers to accurately identify and culture them for study. Without effective UTMs, microorganisms would rapidly die or change in their physical and biochemical properties, making it difficult to conduct meaningful research.

UTMs are a critical tool in the fight against infectious diseases, as they allow samples to be transported and analysed in a safe and secure manner. In particular, they are widely used in the detection of emerging viruses, such as the Ebola virus and Zika virus, which require swift and accurate diagnosis.

Using quality UTMs will keep your samples preserved and transported in a manner that maintains their integrity, ensuring that you’re achieving accurate and reliable results.

Contact the Interpath Services team to learn more.

Centrifuge tubes are commonly used in scientific laboratories for the collection and separation of materials. Most commonly made from polypropylene, polycarbonate and glass, these tubes come in a variety of different sizes with different sizes to accommodate different volumes of samples.

Designed to withstand high speed and centrifugal force, centrifuge tubes are ideal for a wide range of applications across biological, chemical, and medical research fields. In biology, these tubes are used in experiments that require separating different components of a mixture such as blood cells or DNA. Medical laboratories will also often use them to analyze blood and other body fluids, while chemistry labs use them in the purification of chemicals.

Centrifuge tubes come in different sizes, often ranging from 0.2 mL to 50 mL. The smaller tubes are used for micro-centrifugation, while the larger tubes are used in equipment like floor-standing centrifuges. They are also available in various shapes from cylindrical and conical to even round-bottom tubes.

What are the different types of tubes?

One of the most common type of tubes are ones made from polypropylene, which will often be used in routine research applications as they are durable, resistant to breakage, and can withstand high centrifugal forces. Moreover, they are disposable and do not have to be cleaned after use, which makes them convenient for routine experiments.

Polycarbonate tubes are known for their greater transparency, heat resistance, and chemical compatibility, which make them ideal for use in procedures that require higher temperatures.

Glass centrifuge tubes are ideal for experiments that involve harsh chemicals or compounds. These tubes can hold up to chemical reactions and high temperature, making them suitable for use in high-pressure systems with centrifuges and ultracentrifuges. They are also washable and reusable, but they are fragile and can break easily.

When using centrifuge tubes, it is essential to handle them with the utmost care to avoid cracking or breaking. The tubes should be correctly labelled, and the exact volume of the sample loaded should be followed closely to ensure that the experiment obtains accurate results. The tubes should also be balanced correctly in the centrifuge to prevent them from breaking or unbalancing the machine.

Centrifuge tubes are an essential tool in scientific laboratories and are versatile and useful across various applications. When using them, proper care should be taken to avoid damage and ensure accurate results.

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Laboratory pipettes are important tools used to accurately measure and dispense liquids in the lab. However, the accuracy of a pipette is only as good as the quality and fit of the pipette tips used with it.

Pipette tips are small, disposable attachments designed to fit onto the end of a pipette. They come in various sizes and materials, often made of either plastic or glass, and are uniquely designed to fit specific pipette models and volumes. This specificity ensures that you get precise measurements when dispensing liquid into your samples.

How do you find the right pipette tip?

There are several important factors to consider when choosing pipette tips. Firstly, the fit of the pipette tip must be snug to prevent leakage or inaccuracy. Secondly, the tip should be compatible with the liquid being pipetted, meaning it should not react with the liquid or cause contamination. Thirdly, the tip must be free of debris or defects, as these can negatively impact the accuracy of measurements.

Modern pipette tips have evolved significantly over the years to meet the high demands of scientific research. Today, many pipette tips are made from advanced materials that minimize adhesion and reduce the risk of contamination. Some pipette tips are also designed to repel liquids, making them ideal for viscous or dense liquids. Furthermore, pipette tips with positive displacement technology have been developed for dispensing liquid samples with high accuracy and precision.

It is crucial to find the correct pipette tip for the job that you’re doing, as using the wrong tip can adversely and significantly affect your results. Using the wrong tip or reusing tips multiple times from different jobs can result in cross-contamination and inaccurate results – jeopardizing the validity of your experiments.

A laboratory essential, pipette tips are designed to ensure precise, accurate measurements and prevent contamination, which are crucial in scientific research. By choosing the right pipette tip for your specific needs, you can improve accuracy, save time, and ultimately increase the reliability of your results.

Contact the Interpath Services team to learn more.