Beyond Specs: Living with the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 73500 1275, Case of 1000
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 73500 1275, Case of 1000 aren’t exactly the kind of gear you’d strap to your pack for a weekend in the wilderness. These unassuming glass tubes are, however, critical tools in a different kind of survival: the fight against disease, the pursuit of scientific knowledge, and the countless other applications within the realm of microbiology and chemistry. Kimble/Kontes, a name synonymous with quality labware, delivers a product that promises reliability and consistency, qualities that are non-negotiable when accuracy is paramount.
My path to these tubes wasn’t through tactical application, but rather from a consulting project with a small, independent brewery attempting to establish in-house yeast culturing. They needed a cost-effective and reliable solution for small-scale sample preparation and culture maintenance, and the KIMAX tubes seemed like a perfect fit. The initial draw was the reputation of Kimble/Kontes and the promise of borosilicate glass, known for its chemical resistance and thermal stability.
Upon arrival, the sheer volume of 1000 tubes was immediately apparent, neatly arranged in shrink-wrapped trays to minimize breakage and contamination. The glass felt robust, not flimsy, and the uniform dimensions were immediately reassuring. Compared to reusable glass tubes from a previous project, these offered the convenience of disposability, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and saving valuable time on sterilization.
I had also considered using plastic tubes, but the potential for leaching and the lack of thermal resistance ruled them out for this particular application. The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 73500 1275, Case of 1000 were initially exciting, promising a blend of quality, convenience, and affordability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 73500 1275, Case of 1000 to the Test
First Use Experience
The primary testing ground for these tubes was the brewery’s makeshift lab, where they were used to culture various yeast strains under different conditions. We evaluated them for their compatibility with various growth media, their ability to withstand autoclaving, and their overall handling characteristics. The tubes performed admirably, showing no signs of cracking or leaching even after repeated autoclaving cycles.
We also tested their resilience in a simulated outdoor environment, exposing a set of tubes containing water samples to fluctuating temperatures and UV radiation. The borosilicate glass held up remarkably well, showing no degradation or discoloration compared to control samples stored indoors. Using the tubes in the brewery involved exposure to acidic wort samples, alkaline cleaning solutions, and high humidity.
The tubes were easy to use and handle, thanks to their convenient size and shape. No issues arose during the initial use, and the uniform dimensions made them easy to organize in racks and incubators.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of continuous use, the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 73500 1275, Case of 1000 have proven to be remarkably reliable. Breakage has been minimal, and the chemical resistance of the glass has remained consistent. Maintenance is virtually non-existent, as the tubes are designed for single-use disposal, eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization.
Compared to the reusable glass tubes used previously, these disposable tubes offer a significant improvement in terms of convenience and reduced contamination risk. In prior projects, cleaning the reusable tubes thoroughly was always a concern, especially given the limited equipment and resources. The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 73500 1275, Case of 1000 offer a practical and reliable solution, outperforming expectations in terms of convenience and consistency.
Breaking Down the Features of Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 73500 1275, Case of 1000
Specifications
- Size: 12 x 75 mm. This compact size makes them ideal for small-scale culturing and sample storage.
- Volume: 6 mL. This volume is perfect for most microbiology applications, accommodating enough sample volume for analysis without being overly bulky.
- Material: KIMAX-51* borosilicate glass. This type of glass is known for its exceptional chemical durability and resistance to thermal shock.
- Quantity: Case of 1000. The large quantity ensures a steady supply for high-throughput labs or extended projects.
- Kimble No.: 73500 1275. This number is useful for reordering and identification.
- Compliance: Meet ASTM E438, Type I, Class B and ASTM E890 requirements. These standards ensure the tubes meet stringent quality and performance criteria.
These specifications are crucial for ensuring reliable and consistent results. The borosilicate glass ensures that the tubes can withstand repeated sterilization cycles without leaching or degradation, maintaining the integrity of the samples.
Performance & Functionality
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 73500 1275, Case of 1000 perform their intended function admirably. They provide a sterile and chemically inert environment for culturing microorganisms and storing samples. The consistent dimensions and high-quality glass make them a reliable tool for any lab.
The primary strength is their reliability and convenience. A potential weakness might be the lack of markings for volume, requiring the use of separate pipettes or dispensers for accurate measurements. Overall, the tubes meet and exceed expectations in terms of performance and functionality.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 73500 1275, Case of 1000 is simple yet functional. The smooth glass surface is easy to clean, and the round bottom allows for easy mixing of samples. The lightweight design makes them easy to handle and transport.
The tubes are user-friendly, requiring no special training or expertise to use effectively. There is virtually no learning curve associated with using these tubes, making them accessible to both novice and experienced lab personnel.
Durability & Maintenance
The borosilicate glass construction ensures that these tubes are highly durable, capable of withstanding repeated sterilization cycles and exposure to various chemicals. Given their single-use nature, maintenance is virtually nonexistent, saving valuable time and resources. The tubes are designed to last until they are used, providing a long shelf life when stored properly.
Accessories and Customization Options
These culture tubes are inherently simple, and therefore have fewer options for customization. They are compatible with a wide range of standard test tube racks and stoppers. The availability of various sizes and closures provides some flexibility in terms of application.
Pros and Cons of Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 73500 1275, Case of 1000
Pros
- High-Quality Borosilicate Glass: Ensures chemical resistance and thermal stability.
- Disposable: Reduces the risk of cross-contamination and saves time on sterilization.
- Consistent Dimensions: Provides reliable and reproducible results.
- Easy to Use: No special training or expertise required.
- Cost-Effective: Offers excellent value for the money, especially in high-throughput settings.
Cons
- Lack of Volume Markings: Requires separate pipettes or dispensers for accurate measurements.
- Potential for Breakage: Glass tubes are inherently fragile and require careful handling.
Who Should Buy Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 73500 1275, Case of 1000?
These culture tubes are perfect for: microbiologists, chemists, laboratory technicians, brewers, and anyone involved in small-scale culturing and sample storage. They are ideal for applications where sterility and chemical inertness are paramount.
Those who should skip this product include individuals looking for reusable options, as well as labs working exclusively with large-scale cultures. A must-have accessory is a good quality test tube rack for organizing and handling the tubes.
Conclusion on Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 73500 1275, Case of 1000
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 73500 1275, Case of 1000 are a reliable and cost-effective solution for a wide range of laboratory applications. The price of $139.99 is justified by the quality, consistency, and convenience they offer. I would personally recommend these tubes to anyone seeking a dependable and hassle-free solution for small-scale culturing and sample storage.
If you are looking for a trustworthy, consistent, and affordable culture tube, consider giving the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Culture Tubes, Disposable, Borosilicate Glass 73500 1275, Case of 1000 a try! You’ll find that having the right tools can truly make a difference in the quality and efficiency of your work.