Let’s Dive into Labconco Microtiter Well Plate 4026411
The Labconco Microtiter Well Plate 4026411 is designed specifically for use within Labconco’s Purifier Cell Logic Biosafety Cabinets, offering a dedicated space for organizing and managing microcentrifuge tubes. Priced at $539.99, it promises to streamline workflows in labs needing to maintain sterile environments. This plate holds twelve 0.5 ml and twelve 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes, making it a seemingly simple yet potentially crucial piece of lab equipment.
My need for this type of product stemmed from my experience managing a mobile bio-testing lab. We often worked in challenging environments, setting up temporary labs in remote locations, and needed a solution to keep samples organized and prevent contamination during transit and testing.
The Labconco Microtiter Well Plate 4026411 arrived in a sturdy cardboard box, well-protected with foam inserts. Upon opening, I immediately noted its solid construction and the precise machining of the wells. It seemed purpose-built and durable, if a bit pricey for what it is.
Compared to generic tube racks and DIY solutions we had been using, the Labconco plate offered a level of organization and security we hadn’t previously achieved. While cheaper racks are available, their lack of compatibility with our biosafety cabinet and lower build quality made them less appealing. This offered a “fit and forget” solution, provided it worked as advertised.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The plate appeared well-made and functional, but I was also skeptical about whether its price was truly justified by its performance within the specific context of a biosafety cabinet.
Real-World Testing: Putting Labconco Microtiter Well Plate 4026411 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Labconco Microtiter Well Plate 4026411 took place in our mobile bio-testing lab during a simulated outbreak response exercise. This involved setting up a temporary testing facility in a dusty, somewhat chaotic environment, mimicking real-world conditions. The plate was placed inside the Labconco Purifier Cell Logic Biosafety Cabinet, where it immediately showcased its designed compatibility.
The conditions were far from ideal, with temperature fluctuations and airborne particulates, but the plate kept the microcentrifuge tubes stable and organized within the confines of the cabinet. I quickly appreciated the ease of accessing individual tubes without risking contamination, a welcome improvement over our previous improvised methods. There were no immediate issues, but I did notice the plate felt a little lightweight, potentially making it prone to shifting if bumped.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of near-daily use, the Labconco Microtiter Well Plate 4026411 has proven to be a consistently reliable tool. There are no signs of wear and tear, despite being repeatedly cleaned and sterilized with various chemicals. Cleaning is straightforward, and the plate’s smooth surfaces prevent the accumulation of contaminants.
Compared to our previous experiences with makeshift racks, the Labconco plate offers a significant upgrade in terms of organization, stability, and contamination control. While I still question the high price point, its durability and consistent performance have begun to justify the investment. The lightweight nature of the plate hasn’t become a major issue as long as we’re mindful of not bumping the biosafety cabinet.
Breaking Down the Features of Labconco Microtiter Well Plate 4026411
Specifications
Catalog number: 97041-740. This unique identifier is crucial for ensuring you’re ordering the correct part for your Labconco system, preventing compatibility issues.
Type: Furniture. While seemingly basic, classifying it as “furniture” underscores its intended role as a fixed component within the biosafety cabinet’s workflow.
Description: Multi-Use Well Plate/Tube Rack, Temp-Zone Package. This highlights its dual functionality: organizing tubes and potentially facilitating temperature control (though specifics on the “Temp-Zone Package” are lacking in the provided information).
Supplier No.: 4026411. This is the Labconco part number itself, essential for direct ordering and ensuring accurate product identification.
These specifications, while brief, are vital for compatibility and understanding the plate’s intended use. The dimensions (3/4 inch x 5 inch) directly relate to its fit within the Labconco Purifier Cell Logic Biosafety Cabinet, a crucial consideration for potential buyers.
Performance & Functionality
The Labconco Microtiter Well Plate 4026411 excels at its primary function: organizing and securing microcentrifuge tubes within a biosafety cabinet. Its design ensures tubes remain upright, preventing spills and contamination. However, it’s important to note the plate itself doesn’t actively control temperature; the “Temp-Zone Package” aspect remains unclear without further documentation.
The primary strength is its seamless integration with the Labconco Purifier Cell Logic Biosafety Cabinet. A weakness is the somewhat vague description and lack of explicit features justifying its high cost. It performs its simple function reliably, but whether that justifies the price tag is a different question.
Design & Ergonomics
The Labconco Microtiter Well Plate 4026411 boasts a simple, functional design. The materials appear to be high-quality plastic, resistant to common lab chemicals. The plate’s lightweight construction, while potentially a drawback in terms of stability, makes it easy to handle and maneuver within the biosafety cabinet.
The design is user-friendly, requiring no learning curve. However, some users might find the absence of a locking mechanism for the tubes a minor inconvenience.
Durability & Maintenance
The plate appears to be quite durable, capable of withstanding repeated use and sterilization cycles. The smooth surfaces facilitate easy cleaning, preventing the buildup of contaminants. With proper care, it should last for many years, making it a long-term investment.
Repair is unlikely to be necessary, given its simple design. The plate should require minimal maintenance beyond routine cleaning and sterilization.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Labconco Microtiter Well Plate 4026411 doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Customization options are non-existent. Its design is fixed and purpose-built for its specific application.
Given its specialized function, it’s unlikely that users would want to customize it. However, the lack of accessories or alternative configurations might limit its versatility for some users.
Pros and Cons of Labconco Microtiter Well Plate 4026411
Pros
- Designed specifically for Labconco Purifier Cell Logic Biosafety Cabinets, ensuring perfect fit and integration.
- Provides stable and organized storage for 0.5 ml and 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes, minimizing the risk of spills and contamination.
- Durable construction using high-quality, chemical-resistant materials for long-term reliability.
- Easy to clean and sterilize, maintaining a sterile environment within the biosafety cabinet.
Cons
- High price point ($539.99) may be difficult to justify for a relatively simple piece of lab equipment.
- Limited functionality beyond basic tube organization; unclear details regarding the “Temp-Zone Package.”
- Lightweight design could make it prone to shifting if bumped.
Who Should Buy Labconco Microtiter Well Plate 4026411?
The Labconco Microtiter Well Plate 4026411 is perfect for laboratories and research facilities that already utilize Labconco Purifier Cell Logic Biosafety Cabinets and require a dedicated, organized solution for managing microcentrifuge tubes. It benefits researchers working with sensitive samples who prioritize maintaining a sterile environment and minimizing the risk of contamination.
Anyone on a tight budget or not already invested in the Labconco system should probably skip this product. They would be better served by a less expensive, generic tube rack, especially if biosafety cabinet integration isn’t a primary concern.
A must-have modification would involve adding some form of non-slip padding to the base of the plate to improve its stability within the cabinet.
Conclusion on Labconco Microtiter Well Plate 4026411
The Labconco Microtiter Well Plate 4026411 offers a specialized solution for organizing microcentrifuge tubes within Labconco’s Purifier Cell Logic Biosafety Cabinets. It’s durable, easy to clean, and ensures a stable environment for sensitive samples. However, the high price point raises questions about its overall value proposition.
Whether the price is justified depends largely on the user’s specific needs and existing investment in the Labconco ecosystem. While it excels at its intended function, the absence of additional features and unclear details regarding the “Temp-Zone Package” make it a tough sell for those seeking maximum versatility.
I would recommend it to labs already committed to the Labconco system and prioritizing seamless integration and guaranteed compatibility. However, budget-conscious buyers should explore alternative solutions. If you value organization, stability, and a name-brand guarantee within your Labconco biosafety cabinet, then this plate is a worthwhile investment.