Here are some key points about lab glass capillary tubes:
Size and Shape: Capillary tubes are extremely narrow and cylindrical in shape. They come in various lengths and diameters, depending on the specific application.
Material: They are made from borosilicate glass, which is heat-resistant and chemically inert, making it suitable for a wide range of laboratory procedures.
Uses:
Blood Sampling: Capillary tubes are commonly used in medical and biological laboratories for blood sampling, especially for small animals or infants.
Microscale Experiments: In chemistry and biology, capillary tubes are used in microscale experiments for measuring small volumes of liquids, performing chromatography, and handling microscopic samples.
Viscosity Measurements: They are used in viscosity measurements, where the flow of a liquid through the capillary tube is used to determine its viscosity.
Handling: Capillary tubes are fragile due to their small size, so they require careful handling to prevent breakage.
Sealing: They can be sealed at one end using a flame or heat source, creating a closed micro-container for small samples or reactions.
Disposable vs. Reusable: While some capillary tubes are disposable and meant for single-use applications, others are reusable and can be cleaned and sterilized for repeated use.
Safety Considerations: When using capillary tubes for blood sampling or handling potentially hazardous substances, appropriate safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and using proper disposal methods, should be followed.
Overall, lab glass capillary tubes are essential tools for precise volume measurements, microscale experiments, and specialized laboratory procedures that require handling small quantities of liquids or samples.