DLab DM0506 - 11.2. Centrifuge Tube Cleaning and Sterilization; 11.2.2. PC Centrifuge Tube Cleaning; 11.2.3. Tube Autoclaving

11.2. Centrifuge tube
11.2.1. Please clean and sterilize the centrifuge tube by reference to the following table.
Table 11.2 Conditions for cleaning and sterilization of centrifuge tube O: Yes X: No
Condition Material
PA
PC
PP
Cleaning
Fluid cleaning
Acidic cleaning agent (pH5 or
lower)
X
X
X
Acidic cleaning agent (above pH5)
O
O
O
Alkaline cleaning agent (above
pH9)
O
X
O
Alkaline cleaning agent (pH9 or
lower)
O
O
O
Neutral cleaning agent (pH7)
O
O
O
70℃ hot water
O
O
O
Ultrasonic
cleaning
Neutral cleaning agent (pH7)
O
O
O
Sterilization
Autoclaving
115℃ (0.7kg/cm
2
) 30min
O
O
O
121℃ (1.0kg/cm
2
) 20min
X
O
O
126℃ (1.4kg/cm
2
) 15min
X
X
X
Boiling
sterilization
15-30min
O
O
O
Ultraviolet
sterilization
200-300nm
X
X
X
Gas sterilization
Ethylene oxide
O
X
O
Formaldehyde
O
O
O
PA: polyallomer PC: polycarbonate PP: polypropylene
11.2.2. PC centrifuge tube cleaning
PC material has relatively low chemical stability to alkaline solvent, therefore use of cleaning agent
with pH value of over 9 should be avoided. Some neutral cleaning agents still have pH value of over 9
after being diluted as recommended by the vendor, therefore use of cleaning agent with pH value of 7-9
only is recommended.
11.2.3. Autoclaving of PA, PC and PP centrifuge tube
PA begins softening at the temperature of 120℃, while PC and PP begin softening at 130℃.
Generally, PA may be sterilized for 30 min at 115℃（0.7 kg/cm
2
）, while PC and PP may be sterilized