Description

A test tube is a round-bottomed container, often narrow and tall. Test tubes come in different volumes. Most often made of glass (in which case they can be heated), test tubes are also available in plastic.

It is possible to seal a test tube with a stopper (made of cork or plastic). For some applications, the application of a simple piece of parafilm is enough.

Uses

Generally a small volume of the sample is placed in the test tube. Reagents are then added to achieve the desired reaction in the test tube.

For mixing, the test tube is often placed on a vortex, or manually shaken by turning upside down (after being closed or covered with parafilm).