Featured Plasticware Applications
Laboratory plasticware supports a wide variety of scientific disciplines.
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Culture
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Pharmaceutical Research
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Testing
- Food & Beverage Testing
- Academic Laboratories
- Chemical Laboratories
- Industrial Quality Control
- Forensic Science
- Veterinary Diagnostics
Why Buy Plasticware from LAB SHOP NOW?
- Thousands of laboratory plasticware products in one marketplace
- Premium laboratory brands
- Sterile and non-sterile options
- Detailed polymer compatibility information
- DNase-, RNase-, and endotoxin-free options
- Bulk purchasing programs
- Fast shipping across the USA
- Educational buying guides
- Expert product support
Featured Laboratory Plasticware
LAB SHOP NOW offers an extensive portfolio of laboratory plasticware designed for everyday laboratory operations and advanced scientific applications. Whether you're handling biological samples, preparing reagents, storing chemicals, or performing molecular biology workflows, our plasticware products are manufactured for reliability, consistency, and contamination control.
Centrifuge Tubes
Centrifuge tubes are essential laboratory consumables used for sample preparation, separation, storage, and transportation. Available in a range of capacities and materials, they are designed to withstand high centrifugal forces while maintaining sample integrity.
Available Products
- 0.5 mL Microcentrifuge Tubes
- 1.5 mL & 2.0 mL Microcentrifuge Tubes
- 15 mL Conical Tubes
- 50 mL Conical Tubes
- Self-Standing Tubes
- Screw Cap Tubes
Typical Applications
- DNA/RNA Extraction
- Cell Pellet Collection
- Protein Isolation
- Clinical Sample Processing
- Molecular Biology
Pipette Tips
Pipette tips are designed for accurate liquid handling and are compatible with both manual and automated pipetting systems.
Available Products
- Universal Tips
- Filter Tips
- Low Retention Tips
- Sterile Tips
- Conductive Robotic Tips
- Extended Length Tips
Applications
- PCR
- qPCR
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Culture
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Analytical Chemistry
Sample Vials
Plastic sample vials provide secure storage and transportation of laboratory samples while minimizing contamination risks.
Common Applications
- Sample Collection
- HPLC Sample Storage
- Environmental Sampling
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Pharmaceutical Testing
Laboratory Bottles
Plastic laboratory bottles offer excellent durability, chemical resistance, and reduced breakage compared with glass.
Available Materials
- HDPE
- LDPE
- Polypropylene
- PETG
- Fluorinated HDPE
Typical Uses
- Chemical Storage
- Buffer Storage
- Reagent Preparation
- Sample Collection
Carboys
Large-capacity laboratory containers designed for storage, mixing, and transport of liquids.
Applications
- Water Storage
- Buffer Preparation
- Media Storage
- Chemical Handling
- Process Development
Cryogenic Products
Cryogenic storage products protect valuable biological materials during long-term storage at ultra-low temperatures.
Available Products
- Cryogenic Vials
- Cryo Boxes
- Freezer Storage Systems
- Rack Systems
Petri Dishes
Sterile plastic Petri dishes are widely used for microbiology, environmental monitoring, and cell culture.
Weighing Boats
Disposable weighing boats simplify sample weighing while minimizing cross-contamination.
How to Choose the Right Laboratory Plasticware
Selecting laboratory plasticware involves evaluating the application, material compatibility, sterility requirements, temperature resistance, and regulatory compliance. The following guide will help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Step 1: Define Your Laboratory Application
Start by identifying the intended use.
| Application |
Recommended Product |
| Sample Preparation |
Centrifuge Tubes |
| PCR & Molecular Biology |
DNase/RNase-Free Tubes & Tips |
| Cell Culture |
Sterile Containers |
| Chemical Storage |
HDPE or PP Bottles |
| Media Preparation |
Carboys |
| Cryogenic Storage |
Cryovials |
| Weighing Powders |
Weighing Boats |
| Liquid Handling |
Pipette Tips |
Step 2: Choose the Right Polymer
Different plastics provide different performance characteristics.
Polypropylene (PP)
The most widely used laboratory plastic.
Advantages
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Autoclavable
- High temperature resistance
- Good mechanical strength
Best For
- Centrifuge Tubes
- Pipette Tips
- Bottles
- Sample Storage
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Designed for chemical storage.
Advantages
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Impact resistant
- Lightweight
Best For
- Chemical Bottles
- Carboys
- Waste Containers
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Flexible plastic commonly used for dispensing applications.
Best For
- Wash Bottles
- Squeeze Bottles
Polystyrene (PS)
Crystal-clear material suitable for biological applications.
Best For
- Petri Dishes
- Tissue Culture Plates
- Cell Culture Products
Polycarbonate (PC)
Strong and transparent material.
Best For
- Carboys
- Storage Containers
- Large Bottles
PETG
Excellent clarity with good chemical resistance.
Best For
- Media Bottles
- Bioprocess Containers
- Cell Culture
PTFE
Premium fluoropolymer for highly aggressive chemicals.
Best For
- Chemical Handling
- High-Purity Applications
Step 3: Sterile or Non-Sterile?
Choose laboratory plasticware based on your application's contamination control requirements. Selecting the appropriate sterility level helps maintain sample integrity and supports reliable laboratory results.
Sterile Plasticware
Recommended for:
- Cell Culture
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmaceutical Laboratories
- Microbiology
Non-Sterile Plasticware
Recommended for:
- General Chemistry
- Sample Collection
- Storage
- Educational Laboratories
- Routine Laboratory Work
Select sterile products whenever contamination could affect experimental accuracy, and non-sterile products for routine laboratory procedures where sterility is not required.
Step 4: Consider Temperature Requirements
Not every plastic performs well at high or ultra-low temperatures.
| Material |
Typical Temperature Performance* |
| PP |
Suitable for many high-temperature laboratory applications and repeated autoclaving (follow manufacturer limits). |
| HDPE |
Good for cold storage and many routine ambient applications. |
| LDPE |
Best for low- to moderate-temperature dispensing applications. |
| PS |
Intended for room-temperature biological applications; avoid high heat. |
| PC |
Good dimensional stability over a broad temperature range (verify sterilization compatibility). |
| PETG |
Commonly used for room-temperature and refrigerated storage; generally not intended for repeated autoclaving. |
| PTFE |
Excellent high-temperature and chemical resistance. |
*Note: Always verify the manufacturer's published temperature limits and sterilization recommendations for the specific product before use.
Step 5: Verify Chemical Compatibility
Always select plasticware that is compatible with your chemicals.
Suitable for:
- Acids
- Bases
- Buffers
- Alcohols
- Biological Solutions
- Water-Based Samples
Some aggressive solvents and oxidizing chemicals may require specialized materials such as PTFE or fluorinated containers. Always consult the manufacturer's chemical compatibility information before use.
Product Purchase Criteria
Before purchasing laboratory plasticware, evaluate the following factors.
1. Polymer Material
The choice of polymer determines chemical resistance, durability, transparency, flexibility, and sterilization compatibility.
2. Autoclavability
If products need to be sterilized in-house, verify that both the container and closure are designed for autoclaving according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Chemical Compatibility
Confirm compatibility between the plastic material and all reagents, solvents, disinfectants, or cleaning agents used in your workflow.
4. Sterility
Choose sterile products for contamination-sensitive workflows.
Look for:
- Gamma Sterilized
- SAL Validation (where applicable)
- Individually Wrapped Options
5. DNase/RNase-Free Certification
Essential for:
- PCR
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- RNA Research
6. Endotoxin-Free Certification
Important for:
- Cell Therapy
- Cell Culture
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- Biotechnology Research
7. Leak-Proof Performance
For storage and transportation, consider:
- Screw Cap Design
- Seal Quality
- Thread Precision
- Closure Material
- Pressure Resistance
8. Temperature Resistance
Consider both storage and process temperatures.
Examples include:
- Refrigeration
- Freezer Storage
- Cryogenic Storage
- Autoclaving
- Elevated Process Temperatures
9. Product Traceability
For regulated laboratories, look for products that offer:
- Lot Numbers
- Manufacturing Traceability
- Quality Documentation
- Certificates of Conformance (where available)
10. Sustainability Considerations
Many laboratories are working to reduce waste and improve sustainability.
Evaluate:
- Recyclability (where programs exist)
- Packaging Efficiency
- Reusable Options
- Material Optimization
- Supplier Sustainability Initiatives
Plastic Selection Quick Guide
| Application |
Recommended Material |
| Centrifuge Tubes |
Polypropylene (PP) |
| Pipette Tips |
Polypropylene (PP) |
| Chemical Bottles |
HDPE or PP |
| Wash Bottles |
LDPE |
| Petri Dishes |
Polystyrene (PS) |
| Media Bottles |
PETG or PP |
| Carboys |
Polycarbonate (PC) or PP |
| Cryogenic Storage |
Polypropylene (PP) |
| Highly Corrosive Chemicals |
PTFE (where appropriate) |
Expert Tip
Don't select plasticware based only on price. The right polymer, sterility level, chemical compatibility, and temperature performance can significantly improve sample integrity, reduce contamination risks, and extend the reliability of your laboratory workflow. Investing in application-appropriate plasticware often reduces overall costs by minimizing product failures and repeat testing.
Common Challenges & Best Practices
Laboratory plasticware is used in virtually every scientific workflow, from sample collection and molecular biology to chemical storage and bioprocessing. While plastic consumables are designed for convenience and performance, selecting the wrong material or using products outside their intended application can lead to contamination, sample loss, chemical incompatibility, or compromised results.
Understanding the following challenges and best practices will help improve laboratory efficiency, protect valuable samples, and maximize product performance.
✓
Challenge 1: Selecting the Wrong Plastic Material
Not all laboratory plastics have the same physical and chemical properties. Choosing an unsuitable polymer can result in chemical attack, deformation, reduced clarity, or premature failure.
Best Practice
Select the polymer based on your application:
- Polypropylene (PP): General laboratory use, centrifuge tubes, sample storage
- HDPE: Chemical storage and transport
- LDPE: Wash bottles and dispensing applications
- Polystyrene (PS): Cell culture dishes and microbiology products
- PETG: Media bottles and bioprocess applications
- PTFE: Highly corrosive chemicals
✓
Challenge 2: Cross-Contamination
Improper handling or reuse of disposable plasticware can introduce contaminants that affect analytical accuracy, cell viability, or molecular biology workflows.
Best Practice
- Use sterile products for contamination-sensitive applications.
- Keep products sealed until use.
- Avoid touching critical surfaces.
- Follow aseptic handling procedures.
- Dispose of single-use products after use.
✓
Challenge 3: Chemical Incompatibility
Certain solvents and reagents can cause plastics to swell, crack, discolor, or lose mechanical strength.
Best Practice
- Verify chemical compatibility before use.
- Consult manufacturer compatibility charts.
- Use PTFE or fluorinated containers for highly aggressive chemicals when appropriate.
- Avoid storing incompatible solvents in standard plastics.
✓
Challenge 4: Temperature Limitations
Exposure to temperatures outside the product's intended range may cause deformation, brittleness, or loss of performance.
Best Practice
- Choose products specifically designed for refrigeration, freezing, cryogenic storage, or sterilization.
- Follow manufacturer recommendations for maximum and minimum operating temperatures.
- Avoid repeated sterilization of products not intended for autoclaving.
✓
Challenge 5: Sample Loss Due to Adsorption
Some biological molecules can bind to plastic surfaces, reducing sample recovery and affecting analytical results.
Best Practice
- Use low-retention tubes and pipette tips for proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids.
- Select products designed for molecular biology or proteomics when sample recovery is critical.
✓
Challenge 6: Poor Seal Integrity
Improperly fitted caps or low-quality closures can result in evaporation, leaks, or contamination during storage and transport.
Best Practice
- Select products with precision-molded threads and compatible closures.
- Verify leak-resistant performance for transport applications.
- Replace damaged caps immediately.
✓
Challenge 7: Inconsistent Product Quality
Variations between manufacturing batches can affect dimensions, fit, and performance.
Best Practice
Purchase laboratory plasticware from manufacturers that provide:
- Consistent manufacturing processes
- Lot traceability
- Quality documentation
- Regulatory compliance
- Reliable supply continuity
✓
Challenge 8: Environmental Impact
High volumes of disposable plasticware contribute to laboratory waste.
Best Practice
- Choose reusable products where appropriate.
- Optimize ordering to reduce excess inventory.
- Recycle eligible plastics through approved laboratory recycling programs.
- Select suppliers with sustainability initiatives and responsible packaging practices.
Shop by Application
LAB SHOP NOW organizes laboratory plasticware by scientific workflow, making it easier to find products that match your application rather than simply browsing by product type.
Molecular Biology
Precision plasticware for DNA, RNA, PCR, sequencing, and genomics workflows.
Recommended Products
- PCR Tubes
- Microcentrifuge Tubes
- Filter Pipette Tips
- Low-Retention Tubes
- Sample Storage Vials
Cell Culture
Sterile plasticware designed to maintain aseptic conditions and support healthy cell growth.
Recommended Products
- Cell Culture Dishes
- Media Bottles
- Sterile Tubes
- Pipette Tips
- Storage Containers
Clinical Diagnostics
Reliable sample handling products for hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and pathology departments.
Recommended Products
- Sample Tubes
- Collection Containers
- Cryogenic Vials
- Pipette Tips
Pharmaceutical Laboratories
High-quality plasticware suitable for formulation, quality control, microbiology, and analytical testing.
Recommended Products
- Sample Bottles
- Centrifuge Tubes
- Measuring Containers
- Weighing Boats
Biotechnology
Plasticware engineered for life science research, bioprocessing, and biologics development.
Recommended Products
- Sterile Bottles
- Carboys
- Single-Use Containers
- Sample Storage Products
Environmental Testing
Plastic containers designed for collecting, storing, and transporting environmental samples.
Recommended Products
- Sample Bottles
- Storage Containers
- Wash Bottles
- Collection Vials
Food & Beverage Testing
Laboratory plasticware supporting quality assurance and food safety testing.
Recommended Products
- Sample Containers
- Pipette Tips
- Weighing Boats
- Storage Bottles
Chemical Laboratories
Plastic containers compatible with a wide variety of laboratory reagents and routine chemicals.
Recommended Products
- Chemical Bottles
- Wash Bottles
- Storage Containers
- Dispensing Bottles
Featured Brands
LAB SHOP NOW offers laboratory plasticware from globally recognized manufacturers known for quality, precision, and consistency.
Available Brands
Why Brand Selection Matters
High-quality laboratory plasticware offers more than convenience—it provides consistent dimensions, dependable sealing, certified sterility (where required), reduced contamination risk, and reliable performance across demanding scientific workflows. Choosing established manufacturers helps ensure reproducible results and long-term procurement confidence.
Why Buy Laboratory Plasticware from LAB SHOP NOW?
One Marketplace for All Your Plasticware Needs
From microcentrifuge tubes and pipette tips to carboys and cryogenic storage products, LAB SHOP NOW brings together a comprehensive range of laboratory plasticware from trusted brands in one convenient marketplace.
Fast Shipping Across the USA
Our fulfillment network is designed to minimize downtime and keep laboratories supplied with the consumables they need.
Premium Product Selection
Every product is carefully selected for quality, consistency, and performance to support research, diagnostics, manufacturing, and quality control laboratories.
Competitive Pricing
Whether you are purchasing individual packs or ordering for an entire laboratory, we offer transparent pricing, volume discounts, and excellent value.
Technical Product Expertise
Our detailed product descriptions, material guides, and buying resources help laboratories choose the right plasticware based on:
- Polymer Type
- Chemical Compatibility
- Sterility
- Temperature Resistance
- Application
- Regulatory Requirements
Plasticware Care & Storage
Proper storage helps preserve product quality and sterility.
Storage Recommendations
- Store products in a clean, dry environment.
- Protect sterile products until use.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or excessive heat.
- Keep products in original packaging whenever possible.
- Rotate inventory using first-in, first-out (FIFO) practices.
Sustainability & Waste Reduction
LAB SHOP NOW supports laboratories seeking to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.
Sustainability Initiatives
- Offer reusable options where appropriate.
- Encourage optimized purchasing to reduce waste.
- Source products from manufacturers with sustainability programs.
- Promote efficient packaging and responsible material use.
Sustainability & Waste Reduction
LAB SHOP NOW supports laboratories seeking to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.
Sustainability Initiatives
- Offer reusable options where appropriate.
- Encourage optimized purchasing to reduce waste.
- Source products from manufacturers with sustainability programs.
- Promote efficient packaging and responsible material use.
Related Categories
Enhance your laboratory workflow with complementary products:
- Glassware
- Filtration Products
- Liquid Handling
- Sample Storage & Cold Chain
- Tubing & Connectors
- Caps, Closures & Stoppers
- Single-Use Systems & Bioprocessing
- Laboratory Safety & PPE
- General Lab Supplies & Consumables
- Equipment & Small Instruments
Need Help Choosing the Right Plasticware?
Our laboratory specialists can help you select products based on:
- Application
- Polymer Material
- Sterility Requirements
- Temperature Performance
- Chemical Compatibility
- Regulatory Compliance
- Sample Type
- Budget and Purchasing Needs
English
Spanish
