Let’s Dive into VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800
The VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800 are, at first glance, unassuming laboratory essentials. Manufactured by VWR, these borosilicate glass tubes are designed for basic cell culturing and other laboratory applications, offering a sterile and disposable option.
My interest in these tubes stemmed from a need to develop a new method for rapidly assessing microbial growth in soil samples collected from remote environments. Specifically, I needed a container that was durable enough to survive transport, inert enough not to interfere with the microbial growth, and easily disposable in the field.
Upon receiving the VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800, I was immediately struck by their simplicity and apparent robustness. The glass felt noticeably thicker than some of the cheaper test tubes I’ve used in the past.
When considering alternatives, I looked at similar tubes from Kimble Chase and Corning. I opted for the VWR tubes because I found a sale and I’ve generally had good experiences with other VWR products.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic, hoping they would provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for my fieldwork. My expectation was a simple, functional product that lived up to its description, but the price of $399.99 made me question whether these were truly worth the investment.
Real-World Testing: Putting VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800 involved culturing bacteria from soil samples taken during a recent trip to the Mojave Desert. The desert environment presented several challenges, including extreme temperatures, high winds carrying abrasive sand, and limited access to sterile water.
The tubes held up surprisingly well, even when exposed to direct sunlight and fluctuating temperatures throughout the day. Their size (13 x 100 mm) made them easy to handle, and the marking spot allowed me to clearly label each sample with a permanent marker.
I found the 8 mL approximate overflow volume slightly limiting when trying to work with larger sample volumes, but it was manageable. After the first use, I was impressed with the tubes’ resilience and ease of use, which made sample processing significantly faster.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800 have proven to be impressively reliable. The borosilicate glass exhibits excellent resistance to chemical degradation, even after repeated exposure to various solvents and reagents.
Despite being disposable, the tubes display remarkable durability, showing no signs of cracking or structural weakening under normal handling conditions. Cleaning the tubes is relatively easy, although they are intended for single-use applications to prevent contamination.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper disposable tubes, these VWR tubes represent a significant improvement in terms of robustness and consistency. They have exceeded my expectations, providing a level of reliability I had not anticipated from disposable laboratory glassware.
Breaking Down the Features of VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800
Specifications
The VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800 possess several key specifications. The dimensions of the tubes are 13 mm in outer diameter and 100 mm in length, making them suitable for a wide range of culturing applications.
The approximate overflow volume is 8 mL, providing sufficient capacity for small-scale experiments. They feature a 13-415 thread finish, allowing for the use of compatible screw caps (not included) to ensure a secure seal.
These specifications are critical for maintaining sample integrity and preventing contamination. The use of borosilicate glass ensures chemical inertness, while the threaded neck enables airtight closure, essential for anaerobic cultures and long-term storage.
Performance & Functionality
The VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800 perform their primary function of containing and supporting cell cultures admirably. The uniform dimensions and consistent glass quality ensure reliable results across multiple experiments.
The tubes exhibit excellent thermal stability, capable of withstanding autoclaving temperatures without deformation or breakage. A major weakness, however, is the fact that caps are not supplied, requiring an additional purchase.
Despite the lack of caps, the tubes meet my expectations for a high-quality disposable culture vessel. Their robust construction and chemical resistance make them a valuable tool for a variety of laboratory applications.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800 is straightforward and functional. The borosilicate glass provides good visibility of the contents, while the marking spot allows for clear and easy labeling.
The tubes are lightweight and easy to handle, even when filled with liquids. While the design is simple, there is no real learning curve; they are immediately usable by anyone familiar with basic lab equipment.
Overall, the design is practical and effective, prioritizing functionality and ease of use. The lack of included caps slightly diminishes the overall ergonomic experience, requiring an extra step in the experimental setup.
Durability & Maintenance
Given that they are constructed from borosilicate glass, the VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800 are expected to have a decent lifespan under normal laboratory conditions. Although intended for disposable use, the tubes can withstand repeated washing and autoclaving if necessary.
Maintaining the tubes is straightforward, requiring only standard laboratory cleaning procedures. However, they are not unbreakable and should be handled with care to avoid accidental breakage.
Their robust construction suggests they will last a reasonable time, even with repeated use. Ultimately, proper handling and storage will determine their overall longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800 come without any additional accessories, focusing solely on the basic tube. The most significant customization option involves the selection of compatible screw caps.
While VWR offers a range of caps designed to fit the 13-415 thread finish, alternative caps from other brands are also compatible. This allows for some degree of customization based on specific experimental needs.
The absence of included accessories keeps the product simple and focused. The compatibility with a variety of aftermarket caps ensures a degree of flexibility for users with specific requirements.
Pros and Cons of VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800
Pros
- Durable borosilicate glass construction ensures chemical resistance and longevity.
- Standard 13 x 100 mm dimensions are suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Marking spot allows for clear and easy labeling of samples.
- Consistent quality provides reliable results across multiple experiments.
- Threaded neck compatible with a variety of screw caps (not included).
Cons
- High price compared to other disposable culture tubes.
- Caps not included, requiring an additional purchase.
Who Should Buy VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800?
These tubes are perfect for researchers and lab technicians who require consistent, reliable, and chemically resistant culture vessels. They would be valuable in microbiology, biochemistry, and cell biology labs.
Those on a tight budget or needing caps included should probably skip this product. A must-have accessory is a set of compatible screw caps to ensure sample integrity.
Conclusion on VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800
In summary, the VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800 are high-quality laboratory essentials that offer excellent chemical resistance and reliable performance. The high price of $399.99 is difficult to justify given that caps are not included.
While the tubes themselves are excellent, the value proposition is questionable unless the specific properties of borosilicate glass are critical. I would cautiously recommend them, but only to those who prioritize quality over cost and already have a source for compatible caps.
Ultimately, the VWR Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 90H53283-800 are a good product undermined by their price. If you absolutely need borosilicate glass, then these are a solid choice, but be prepared to pay a premium.