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Step 3Consumables.
Although you will probably only ever need to buy one centrifuge (certainly, if this one ever dies I will not be buying a new one), there is an on-going expense in centrifuging.
Most obviously, there are the tubes that contain the samples.
In larger centrifuges, for testing larger samples, these tubes can be glass, and relatively easy to clean.
Microfuge tubes, however, are always made of plastic (typically polypropylene). This makes them resistant to almost everything you are likely to put in them, but cheap enough to be disposable. They can be purchased sterile, and they are so small and awkward to clean (they only hold around 2ml) that it is considered easier and cheaper to throw them out instead of cleaning them.
Because of the company's market dominance, the tubes are also known as Eppendorf tubes (in the same way that vacuum cleaners are called Hoovers in the UK).
You will also need to transfer liquids and from the tubes.
The cheapest option is to use dropper pipettes like the one pictured. They are easy to use, fairly easy to clean of soluble samples, and cheap enough to throw away after using biological or toxic samples (such as blood).
You may be able to scrounge both tubes and pipettes from a local hospital, university or high school, but they are usually available on sites like ebay. Pipettes may also be available from hobby and craft stores, as they are used by people who mix their own paints and perfumed oils.
Samples will need stored, and the way you store them depends on what it is and how much there is, but small samples of almost any liquid or powder can be stored in a 35mm film cannister, especially the translucent white variety with the tight-fitting lids. Ask at any photo-developing shop and they will give you bags-full for free.
Most obviously, there are the tubes that contain the samples.
In larger centrifuges, for testing larger samples, these tubes can be glass, and relatively easy to clean.
Microfuge tubes, however, are always made of plastic (typically polypropylene). This makes them resistant to almost everything you are likely to put in them, but cheap enough to be disposable. They can be purchased sterile, and they are so small and awkward to clean (they only hold around 2ml) that it is considered easier and cheaper to throw them out instead of cleaning them.
Because of the company's market dominance, the tubes are also known as Eppendorf tubes (in the same way that vacuum cleaners are called Hoovers in the UK).
You will also need to transfer liquids and from the tubes.
The cheapest option is to use dropper pipettes like the one pictured. They are easy to use, fairly easy to clean of soluble samples, and cheap enough to throw away after using biological or toxic samples (such as blood).
You may be able to scrounge both tubes and pipettes from a local hospital, university or high school, but they are usually available on sites like ebay. Pipettes may also be available from hobby and craft stores, as they are used by people who mix their own paints and perfumed oils.
Samples will need stored, and the way you store them depends on what it is and how much there is, but small samples of almost any liquid or powder can be stored in a 35mm film cannister, especially the translucent white variety with the tight-fitting lids. Ask at any photo-developing shop and they will give you bags-full for free.
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