Are RNase-, DNase-, pyrogen-free tubes sterile? - (Jun/24/2008 )

Hi,

I was told by a vendor that her certified RNase-, DNase-, pyrogen-free tubes ("Ax**** brand) are NOT STERILE, and need to be autoclaved. On the other hand, some people in the lab have claimed they have used the tubes as they are off the bag.

Any comments?

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Interesting!

I would think if they have microorgnisms in it, they are not RNase, DNase, pyrogen free.

Why don't you talk with tech rep rather than vendor?

And don't forget to let us know!

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I use them straight out of the bag (using gloves of course), and I've never had any problems. If you were going to do that however, I would recommend either having your own bag unless you really really trust your lab mates!

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I second this. The tubes are in fine condition for routine molecular biology, but to be on the safe side, keep your own stock! I only worry about sterility when doing tissue culture.

Ginger

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I should add that the Axyxxx website that the PCR tubes are NOT labelled explicity Nase-free, DNase-free, pyrogen-free. Somehow the vendor describes it as such, and then put in brackets [NS]. HOwever there are certain tubes that are explicity labelled as sterile.

The eponymous "EppendXXX" brand grades some consumables into PCR clean only and PCR clean+sterile grade. Much more information is available at the website:

PCR clean, sterile grade:
Consumables with this purity grade are
* sterile
* DNase
* RNase
* pyrogen free
* human DNA free
and therefore are recommended for applications with RNA, cell culture and PCR.

PCR clean grade (good enough to be used right out of the bag, as the local vendor claims):
* DNase
* RNase
* human DNA free
"....quality seal which assures customers of the suitability of their Eppendxxx onsumables for direct use in experiments and analysis without the need for further treatment."

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