Centrifuge tubes are essential items for the isolation, stratification or density-gradient separation of samples when using centrifuges and microcentrifuges. They find multiple applications throughout biology (especially cell culture and microbiology), chemistry, clinical healthcare and the wider industrial environment.

Centrifuge tubes are specially constructed to withstand very high relative centrifugal forces (RCF), some types up to 20,000xg RCF.

Plastic centrifuge tubes may be manufactured from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, PPCO (polypropylene copolymer), polycarbonate or polystyrene.  Polypropylene andPPCO tubes are autoclavable and provide excellent chemical resistance combined with good mechanical strength. Polycarbonate, PET and polystyrene offer exceptional optical clarity and disposability. Plastic tubes are also manufactured in tinted versions to protect light-sensitive samples.

Centrifuge tubes are also produced from glass, especially borosilicate. Glass centrifuge tubes offer the advantages of reusability and durability, plus good thermal and chemical resistance with low extractables.

Centrifuge tubes range in capacity typically from a few milliltres up to 50mL. Centrifuge tubes may be supplied with plastic caps, which can be leakproof, screw-threaded, plug seal or push-on.  Some centrifuge tubes may also require a suitable adaptor for compatibility with specific rotor models.

Centrifuge tubes come in a range of shapes and styles, including round bases for general purpose applications, or conical bases to permit easier sample or pellet retrieval after spin-down. Others can be self-standing with a flat base.  Centrifuge tubes may also be graduated with a write-on patch for easy labelling and identification, and many intended for cell culture applications are supplied sterile.