Let’s Dive into Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505
The Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505 are essential lab consumables, designed for quick and efficient blood sample collection and hematocrit determination. These tubes, manufactured by Kimble Chase, are heparinized to prevent clotting and precisely sized for accurate results, making them a staple in medical and veterinary settings. They come packed in vials for easy dispensing, and the included snap-lock caps ensure the remaining tubes stay pristine.
My line of work often brings me in contact with field-based veterinary teams, and I was looking for a reliable and cost-effective solution for blood sample collection that could withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Traditional phlebotomy methods can be cumbersome in remote locations, and these capillary tubes seemed like a practical alternative. I was drawn to the Kimble Chase brand’s reputation for quality and the heparinized feature to preserve the samples in the field.
Upon unboxing, the tubes felt sturdy for their size, and the plastic vial was surprisingly robust, providing good protection. The tubes themselves are made of soda-lime glass and have a very fine bore. The vial’s snap-lock cap was a welcome feature, ensuring the remaining tubes stayed secure, even after multiple openings and closures.
I considered using other capillary tubes from different brands, but I opted for the Kimble Chase 505 primarily due to its reputation for accuracy and its heparinization, which is critical for my application. Some tubes lacked heparin, which meant using additional vials for storage. The other option that was available was a set of plastic hematocrit tubes, but my team finds that the glass tubes provide better accuracy.
Initially, I was hopeful but also a bit cautious about the glass construction, as I feared they might be fragile. The packaging and tube quality, however, quickly dispelled my concerns, leaving me feeling confident that these tubes would perform well in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505 was during a veterinary outreach program in a rural, mountainous region. We used the tubes to collect blood samples from livestock to assess their overall health. The tubes performed admirably, even in the slightly dusty and windy conditions.
The heparinized coating was effective in preventing blood clotting, allowing us ample time to seal the tubes and store them properly for later analysis. Filling the tubes was straightforward; the blood wicked into the tube easily thanks to the fine bore of the tube. The narrow dimensions of the tubes made handling the tiny samples easy.
Initially, I was concerned about the fragility of the glass in a bustling clinic environment, but with careful handling, we experienced minimal breakage. The black line at 60mm served as a useful visual aid for estimating sample volume, enhancing the speed and efficiency of the collection process.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505 have proven to be highly reliable. We’ve used them in various conditions, including hot, humid environments and cooler, dry climates, and they’ve consistently delivered accurate results. Very little degradation has been observed in the samples we collect in the field.
The tubes have shown no signs of deterioration or breakage, and the plastic vials have held up well, protecting the remaining tubes. Maintaining the tubes is simple; we ensure they are stored in a clean, dry environment to prevent contamination. Compared to previous experiences with less reliable capillary tubes, the Kimble/Kontes tubes have significantly reduced the number of rejected samples, saving time and resources.
Breaking Down the Features of Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505
Specifications
The Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505 boast the following key specifications:
- Material: Heparinized soda lime glass ensures biocompatibility and prevents blood clotting. The use of glass rather than plastic means there is no reaction with the sample.
- Volume: 15µL is the ideal volume for microhematocrit testing, which is enough to test the sample without requiring a large blood draw. This small volume is extremely beneficial in veterinary work when the animal’s health may be fragile.
- Length: 75mm is a convenient length for handling and centrifuging, balancing ease of use with sufficient sample volume. The tubes are also easy to load into the centrifuge.
- Inner Diameter (I.D.): 0.5mm facilitates rapid capillary action and precise sample collection. This means that the collection is quick and painless for the animal.
- Marking: A black line at 60mm offers a visual reference for volume estimation. This line makes volume measurement simple.
- Packaging: Plastic vials with reclosable snap-lock caps provide secure storage and dispensing. This ensures that the remaining tubes remain pristine after opening the package.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the accuracy and efficiency of blood testing procedures. Heparinization ensures sample integrity, while the precise dimensions optimize capillary action and ease of use.
Performance & Functionality
The Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505 excel in their primary function: efficiently collecting and preserving blood samples for microhematocrit testing. The capillary action is strong, ensuring quick and easy filling.
The heparinized coating effectively prevents clotting, preserving the integrity of the blood sample for accurate analysis. The tubes meet and exceed expectations, offering reliable performance in diverse field conditions.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505 features a simple yet effective design, optimized for ease of use and accuracy. The soda-lime glass construction ensures biocompatibility and sample integrity, though caution is advised due to the glass material.
The small size and smooth surface make the tubes easy to handle, even with gloved hands, though some dexterity is required. There’s virtually no learning curve; anyone familiar with basic lab procedures can use these tubes effectively.
Durability & Maintenance
While the Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505 are made of glass and require careful handling, they are reasonably durable for their intended purpose. The tubes are designed for single use and do not require extensive maintenance beyond ensuring they are stored in a clean, dry environment.
Given the single-use nature of the product, repair is not applicable. Proper storage and gentle handling are key to maximizing the lifespan of the tubes before use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505 are primarily a standalone consumable, and do not come with a huge number of additional accessories. While the tubes themselves offer no customization, they are compatible with standard microhematocrit centrifuges and tube sealants.
Common accessories used in conjunction with these tubes include microhematocrit readers, centrifuges, and sealing clay or caps. These tubes are compatible with equipment from various brands, making them versatile for different laboratory setups.
Pros and Cons of Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505
Pros
- Heparinized coating ensures accurate results by preventing blood clotting.
- Precise dimensions facilitate rapid capillary action and accurate sample collection.
- Convenient packaging in plastic vials with reclosable caps protects unused tubes.
- Cost-effective solution for routine blood testing.
- Easy to use with minimal training required.
Cons
- Glass construction makes them susceptible to breakage if mishandled.
- Single-use design contributes to waste.
Who Should Buy Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505?
The Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505 are perfect for:
- Veterinarians needing to collect blood samples from animals in the field or in a clinic setting.
- Medical professionals performing routine hematocrit tests.
- Researchers conducting blood-related studies.
- Laboratories seeking a reliable and cost-effective blood collection solution.
These tubes might not be ideal for individuals requiring non-glass alternatives or those working in environments where even careful handling is impossible.
Must-have accessories for optimal use include a microhematocrit centrifuge, a tube sealant (clay or caps), and a microhematocrit reader.
Conclusion on Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505
The Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505 are a reliable and cost-effective solution for blood sample collection and hematocrit determination. Their heparinized coating, precise dimensions, and convenient packaging make them a valuable tool for medical, veterinary, and research professionals.
Considering their performance and reliability, the price of $27.99 is justified. I would personally recommend these tubes to anyone seeking a dependable and accurate blood collection method.
Invest in the Kimble/Kontes Microhematocrit Capillary Tubes, Kimble Chase 505 today and experience the benefits of reliable and accurate blood testing!