Are Eppendorf consumables free of RNA?

All consumables certified with "PCR clean" are tested free of human DNA, DNase, RNase and PCR inhibitors. The following applies from our point of view: where no human DNA is detected, there can also be no RNA, which is considerably more unstable.

What is the shelf life of Eppendorf Biopur consumables?

If the Biopur consumables are stored according to the information in the instruction manual they have a shelf life of 5 years. The minimum expiry date is printed on the label of the box.

Are lot specific certificates for the purity grades available in the internet?

Yes, the lot specific purity certificates, so-called Test report, can be downloaded at the certificates homepage .

What is the shelf-life of Eppendorf tubes?

At least 5 years at a storage temperature of +5 to +35 °C. If unopened and properly stored Eppendorf Tubes have shelf-life of 8 Years (standard Eppendorf Quality) or 5 Years on a purity grade (Biopur, PCRclean, Sterile, Forensic DNA Grade, ). Please observe " Instruction for Use" (IFU) for storage condition recommendations: Instruction for Use of tubes IFU of Conical tubes , SafeCode tubes and SnapTec tubes Instruction for Use of 5 mL Tubes IFU of LoBind Tubes

From what material are Eppendorf tubes manufactured?

All Eppendorf Tubes are manufactured from virgin polypropylene. The used polypropylene (PP) fulfils the specifications of the FDA for the use of plastics for foodstuffs. During production, no slip agents, biocides, or plasticizers are used. Colorants are free of biological material, free of heavy metals, and free of melamine. No metal-based dyes are used. Please see General Quality Certificate for epT.I.P.S, Combitips ® advanced, ViscoTip, Tubes, Plates, UVette.

Is there a chemical resistance overview for the individual tube types?

Yes. The Eppendorf Application Note 056 "The Best Material for Original Eppendorf Tubes ® and Plates: Properties and Chemical Resistance of Polypropylene " includes among other things a detailed material stability overview.

Can Eppendorf tubes be frozen at -80 °C?

Yes. Please see Technical Data at the Instruction for Use.

Can autoclaving inactivate bacterial endotoxin contamination in Eppendorf tubes?

No. Bacterial endotoxins (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) are very stable and withstand normal autoclaving at 121 °C. To inactivate LPS, the objects have to be baked at 250 °C, which, of course, is not possible with plastics.

Are the Eppendorf Tubes antistatic?

Eppendorf tubes, including SafeCode tubes and all biobased tube variants, are not produced from antistatic material, i.e. they are basically not antistatic. But it should be noted that the use of antistatic agents during production will destroy or reduce the wettability of the tubes.

Which Eppendorf micro test tubes are free of DNA?

All Tubes designated with purity grade "PCR clean" are free of human DNA, DNase, RNase and PCR inhibitors. Tubes available in the "Biopur" purity grade are additional ATP-free, bacterial DNA-free and pyrogen-free due to the special manufacturing processes and the individual blister-packaging.

What is the best way to label Eppendorf tubes?

Tubes should be clean, free from grease and only labeled on the space provided. Water-resistant felt pens, in black, are the most suitable for this. The writing should be left to dry for at least 2 min.

Do Eppendorf tubes contain heavy metals?

Heavy metal values are available in the general " Certificate of Quality - Tubes - Trace metal ". All the values are below the prescribed limits of the listed DIN norm.

Overview regarding the centrifugation resistance of Eppendorf tubes

Please consult the " Instruction for Use " of the respective Tube.

Are the Eppendorf micro test tubes autoclavable?

Yes, all Eppendorf micro test tubes are autoclavable when open (20 min, 121 °C, 1 bar).

Are Safe-Lock micro test tubes safe for use in the food industry in USA?

The composition of the Safe-Lock micro test tubes (0.5, 1.5 and 2.0 mL) conforms to the specifications of the FDA regulation 21 CFR § 177,1520 "Olefin polymers". Please review the Certificate of Quality of Eppendorf Tubes and note: The suitability of a consumer item for the intended purpose, the influence of the taste and smell of the filled goods and the conformation to limits (e.g. global migration, specific limits and further analytical requirements) must be checked with the manufacturer or user in individual cases.

Are Safe-Lock micro test tubes safe for use in the food industry in Europe?

Safe-Lock micro test tubes are suitable for use in the food industry according to the Food and Consumer Goods Legislation § 5, paragraph 1 no. 1 (food and consumer goods). Please note: The suitability of a consumer item for the intended purpose, the influence of the taste and smell of the filled goods and the conformation to limits (e.g. global migration, specific limits and further analytical requirements) must be checked with the manufacturer or user in individual cases.

Do your Safe-Lock micro test tubes contain polyethylene glycol (PEG)?

No. All our test tubes are made from pure polypropylene. The material does not contain PEG.

In which temperature range can Eppendorf tubes be used?

For temperature range at which various Eppendorf tube formats (Safe Lock, Conicals) can be used, including autoclaving conditions, please refer to the respective "Instruction for Use": Tubes Conical tubes , SafeCode tubes and SnapTec tubes Instruction for Use of 5 mL Tubes LoBind Tubes

To what extent are the amber colored Safe-Lock micro test tubes permeable to fluorescent dyes?

The amber colored Safe-Lock micro test tubes protect from light in the spectrum from 700 nm to the UV spectrum of 190 nm. In the spectrum of visible light (350 - 600 nm) the protection is optimal with lessening intensity. At approx. 550 nm (excitation wavelength for Cy3) the measured deletion is app. 1, meaning that 90 % of the incident light is blocked by the walls of the tube. At 650 nm (excitation wavelength for Cy5) the measured deletion is app. 0.35, meaning that app. 65 % of the incident light is blocked by the walls of the tube. If that is not sufficient, we recommend wrapping the tube in aluminum foil.

Are Eppendorf tubes, plates (also LoBind variants), and pipette tips resistant to 100% acetonitrile?

Eppendorf tubes, plates including LoBind, and pipette tips are resistant to 100% acetonitrile only in room temperature conditions. Above 40°C and prolonged exposure (days) may lead to partial damage and is not recommended. For lower acetonitrile concentrations the resistance parameters will be better so prolonged exposure and higher temperatures may be possible. This must be however tested by the customer.