Secondary Tubes in the Laboratory

Secondary tubes

Secondary tubes have played a crucial role in optimising individual processes in medical laboratories. While primary tubes are used as vessels for sample collection and analysis, secondary tubes are the preferred choice for aliquoting and archiving. Through automation, many pre-analytical processes can be standardised and performance can be increased. Being IVD certified (CE marked) the secondary tubes ensure optimal sample integrity for reliable laboratory and in-vitro diagnostics.

With SARSTEDT secondary tubes, you are investing in high-quality consumables for your individual laboratory workflow. Whether with or without an intermediate tray, the secondary tubes are reliable all-rounders in everyday laboratory work - from sampling to archiving. Discover our solutions for the safe and efficient organisation of your pre-analytical laboratory workflow.

Types of Secondary Tubes and their Specific Applications

SARSTEDT secondary tubes are recommended for their universal design as an ideal addition to primary tubes. With their conical intermediate base, these automation-compatible variants are reliably used worldwide for aliquoting serum and plasma samples, and are particularly suitable for small volumes due to a low dead volume (≥ 200µl).

The rounded bottom of the tube simplifies loading the sample carrier.

You can choose between the following sizes:

• 13 or 15 millimetres in diameter

• 75 or 92 millimetres in length

• 2.5, 3.5, 5.0, 6.5, or 10.0 millilitres in volume

For user-friendly sample handling, the secondary tubes with a matching screw cap correspond to a primary container according to ADR (Packaging Instruction P650) and the IATA guideline for sample shipping.The tubes can be centrifuged up to 4,500 x g for ten minutes as well as used for deep freezing, ensuring long-term storage.

Additional Advantages of SARSTEDT Secondary Tubes

SARSTEDT secondary tubes are made with high-quality plastic. Delivered in compact stackable packaging, which help save upto 40 percent storage space compared to alternative variants that you may receive in loose bag. Feeding stacked secondary containers into laboratory automation is thus particularly simple and time-efficient.

For space-saving sample storage, you can purchase our autoclaveable block racks from SARSTEDT which offer the optimal soloution for individual sorting and storing. The block racks are available in nine different colours.

Distinguishing Features of Secondary Tube Types

Secondary tubes can be distinguished by size parameters such as volume, length, and diameter or by their round or flat bottom, with or without graduations.

Tubes with intermediate bases can also be obtained from SARSTEDT with custom printing. In addition to graduations, the label field and/or barcode help prevent sample mix-ups.

For sample storage and archiving there are a range of caps available, the caps protect the contained samples from evaporation and accidental contamination.

The capping solutions include:

• Archive caps with a diameter between 13 to 16 mm

• Archive caps with filters with a diameter between of 13 to 16 mm

• Push caps with a diameter of 13 mm

• Universal caps with a diameter between 13 to 16mm (additional colours available on request)

• Screw caps for S-Monovette® and false bottom tubes intermediate bases in following sizes: 75/13, 92/13, and 92/15 mm

Optimal Handling and Storage of Samples in Secondary Tubes

In everyday laboratory work or medical practice, you can use SARSTEDT secondary tubes for in-vitro diagnostic applications. Just like us, you know what really matters in professional settings.

To make your work routine safer, we are happy to provide you with practical tips on the correct handling and labelling of sample containers as well as information on how to minimise potential risks of contamination and loss of samples when handling hazardous substances.