14 tech notes about product quality characteristics

At Micronic, advancing scientific research to enhance quality of life is our corporate goal. To achieve this goal one of our main initiatives is the quality of our products. To sustain high product quality, we elaborately test and research our products and publish the results in tech notes. In the table below you can find a clear overview of our tech notes and which quality characteristics are being tested. To learn more about the premium quality of the different Micronic labware and equipment we have separated them in three different categories. The different categories are: preparation and analysis of samples, traceability of samples, and storage of samples. Within these categories we list what tests have been done to show for example the bead-beating performance of Micronic labware. Find all the different tech notes below.

Labware & Equipment Quality Characteristics

Preparation and analysis of samples

The tech notes below indicate the quality of Micronic labware during specific sample preparation and sample analysis tasks such as bead-beating or centrifugation. The notes also describe the quality of the Polypropylene of the tubes. Learn more about all the tech notes below.

Research centers and other laboratory facilities normally use small sample volumes for reasons such as storage space, limited sample availability, and so on. For this reason, it is extremely important to utilize a low binding tube in order to recover the maximum amount of sample. Micronic tubes are proven to be 98% more efficient for use in proteomics or other fields of protein research.

There are several steps researchers can take to minimize the likelihood of their data being compromised by leachates. One of them is to make sure that there are no extractables present in the sample tubes they use. This test demonstrates a complete absence of organic contaminants in the samples extracted from the  Micronic Polypropylene sample storage tubes.

Isolating and separating suspensions and liquids is a common practice in chemistry, biology, biotechnology, clinical medicine and other life sciences. During these procedures, laboratory centrifuges expose samples against high relative centrifugal forces. Results show that Micronic products can withstand these centrifugal forces without damage, deformations or leakage.

Bead beating is a homogenization process used to break up (lyse) samples to extract the DNA, RNA and proteins contained within the cells. Samples are placed in tubes with the appropriate grinding beads and subjected to high energy mixing. The beads impact the sample, eventually breaking it down on the cellular level releasing sub cellular contents. Using Micronic tubes it is guaranteed that only your sample will break down, not your tubes!

One of the tests that can be done to identify COVID-19 in a patient is the RT-qPCR test. With the global outbreak that is still at large, it is of utmost importance that tests can be performed as quickly and efficiently as possible. In this Tech note, a COVID-19 RT-qPCR testing workflow has been visualized. It is explained what steps can be taken in RT-qPCR testing workflow and how Micronic products can be used to accelerate the process.

Traceability of samples

The tech notes depicted below show what Micronic does to improve and optimize the traceability of samples. Next to testing the quality of our 1D and 2D barcodes on both the sample storage racks and tubes, we also show how you can use cap color coding as a traceability method. Read more about the tech notes below.

During the collection, processing and storage of samples, sample traceability is crucial. While most laboratories use 1D and 2D barcodes on sample tubes to ensure traceability of samples, cap color inspection will further promote the tube identifica­tion process.

Micronic’s 100% quality control on all 2D codes in combination with the optimal parameter settings ensure that the Micronic 2D Data-Matrix codes fall within the highest classification according to the AIM-DPM Quality Guideline. This also applies for the Micronic 1D rack barcodes which fall within the highest quality classifications.

Micronic laser-etched 2D Data-Matrix codes can be read after extreme abrasion and submerging into several chemicals. The excellent results of the Mi­cronic 2D Data-Matrix codes confirm the capability of mechanical and chemical resistance guarantee­ing reliable sample identification after short or long-term storage.

Storage of samples

The premium labware from Micronic can also be stored for longer periods of time in ultra-low temperatures. In the tech notes below, an example of long-term sample storage is given and the freeze-thaw stability of our labware has been tested. Next to that the durability of Micronic equipment and the sealing quality of our labware is tested among other things. Read through below to find out about all the tech notes.

Finding the ideal sample storage tubes for ultra-low temperatures can be difficult considering the diverse range of tubes available on the market. Micronic routinely conducts research on the stability of its products in low, ultra-low and cryogenic temperatures. A frequent stability analysis ensures a safe and reliable recognition of Micronic products among its customers.

Micronic Screw Cap tubes and Push Cap tubes with Micronic TPE Push Caps have an excellent freeze-thaw stability showing no weight loss. In addition, the constant seal of Micronic Push Caps without popping off during the freeze-thaw process proves the high-standard and reliability of Micronic prod­ucts compared to competition.

The Generation R Study utilizes tens of thousands of Micronic tubes and caps during its ongoing research for the last 15 years. Since the data collection is still in process and growing, the number of collaborating research groups in and outside the Netherlands is expected to increase in the coming years. Micronic is proud to be part of this successful and extremely important project by supplying reliable sample storage labware to preserve the integrity of valuable samples.

When using Micronic racks which are based on the ANSI-SLAS standards for storage racks instead of 2” cryo boxes, you can increase the number of stored samples by a maximum of 116%. In addition, Micronic racks are provided standard with a laser-etched 1D barcode on the side, ensuring the traceability of your samples.

Sealing integrity is highly important to preserve samples against contamination, evaporation, and integrity loss during short and long term storage. Micronic regularly conducts research on its cap sealing properties. This way, Micronic is able to offer the highest quality products in the market. The tests are done under different circumstances. A vacuum test was conducted and several evaporation tests were conducted.

The excellent durability of Micronic tubes, caps and equipment after extensive capping and decapping guarantees the reliability of Micronic products in any lab situation. Micronic Screw Cap and Push Cap tubes resisted up to 100 times electrical and manual capping and decapping without any damage of the tubes and caps.