Test tube

Test tube is a common piece of laboratory glassware consisting of a finger-like length of glass or clear plastic tubing, open at the top and closed at the bottom.

History

The test tube has been used by chemists for centuries and has come to symbolize chemistry. They are used by biologists in the field to collect samples. The invention of the test tube was key to the development of the scientific method, as it helped to make experiments repeatable and falsifiable.

Uses

Test tubes are often used in laboratories to hold, mix, or heat small quantities of liquid or solid chemicals, especially for qualitative experiments and assays. Their round bottom and straight sides minimize mass loss when pouring, make them easier to clean, and allow convenient monitoring of the contents. The long, narrow neck slows down the spreading of vapors and gases to the environment.

Types

Test tubes come in several sizes, typically from 10 to 20 mm wide and 50 to 200 mm long. The top often features a flared lip to aid pouring out the contents; some sources consider that a necessary criterion for a tube to be considered a "test tube". A test tube with a stopper is often used for temporary storage of chemical or biological samples.

See also

• Beaker (glassware)
• Erlenmeyer flask
• Laboratory glassware
• Petri dish

References

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