Eppendorf SB3 Series Modular Tube Racks

Overview

The Eppendorf SB3 Series Modular Tube Racks are precision-engineered laboratory support systems designed for secure, organized, and ergonomic handling of a wide range of standard and specialty tubes across routine benchwork, clinical diagnostics, and cell culture workflows. Unlike generic plastic racks, the SB3 series employs high-impact, autoclavable polypropylene with chemically resistant, low-binding surfaces—ensuring dimensional stability under repeated sterilization cycles (121 °C, 20 min, saturated steam) and compatibility with common solvents including ethanol, isopropanol, and diluted acids/bases. Each rack is calibrated to maintain consistent tube alignment and vertical orientation, minimizing cross-contamination risk during pipetting, centrifugation, or incubation. The modular architecture enables seamless integration into automated liquid handling platforms via standardized footprint dimensions (e.g., ANSI/SLAS microplate-compatible base geometry), supporting walk-away workflows in GLP-compliant environments.

Key Features

• Chemically inert, autoclavable polypropylene construction certified for ≥500 sterilization cycles without warping or surface degradation
• Integrated anti-slip rubber feet and reinforced perimeter walls to prevent lateral displacement during centrifuge loading or transport
• High-precision molded cavities with ±0.15 mm tolerance on inner diameter—ensuring snug retention of tubes across specified diameter ranges without excessive compression
• Stackable design with interlocking alignment pins (SB3/1–SB3/6) enabling stable vertical stacking up to six units; stack height remains within ISO 8655-compliant pipette access envelope
• UV-transparent material formulation (200–400 nm) permitting real-time visual inspection of tube contents without removal
• Traceable lot numbering and CE marking per Directive 93/42/EEC (Medical Devices) where applicable for clinical sample handling

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SB3 series accommodates tubes conforming to internationally recognized dimensional standards: SB3/1 supports 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes (DIN EN ISO 10993-5 compliant); SB3/2 accepts standard clinical blood collection tubes (13 × 75 mm to 16 × 100 mm, ASTM E1933-20); SB3/3 is optimized for 50 mL conical centrifuge tubes meeting ISO 13485:2016 dimensional tolerances; SB3/4–SB3/6 align with tissue culture tube specifications per Corning® and Sarstedt® OEM drawings (e.g., SB3/4: Ø12.0 ±0.2 mm × 100 mm length). All models comply with EU RoHS 2011/65/EU and REACH SVHC screening requirements. Rack labeling includes permanent laser-etched product codes (e.g., “SB3/4”) and batch identifiers traceable to manufacturing records per ISO 9001:2015 Clause 8.5.2.

Software & Data Management

While physically standalone, the SB3 series integrates natively with LIMS and ELN platforms via standardized barcode symbology (Code 128, GS1-128). Each unit ships with a unique serialized QR code affixed to the base, scannable by handheld readers (e.g., Zebra DS2208) to auto-populate rack metadata—including model number, sterilization history, and last calibration date—into validated electronic lab notebooks (e.g., LabArchives v6.12+, Benchling ELN v2024.2). Audit trails generated during rack assignment or reuse are timestamped and digitally signed in accordance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Subpart B requirements for electronic records.

Applications

• High-throughput sample preparation in clinical chemistry labs (e.g., serum separation, aliquoting prior to LC-MS analysis)
• Cell culture maintenance workflows requiring simultaneous handling of multiple tissue culture tube formats (SB3/4–SB3/6)
• Quality control testing of raw materials in pharmaceutical manufacturing (ICH Q5A/Q5B compliance contexts)
• Biobanking operations where long-term tube integrity and positional fidelity are critical for sample retrieval accuracy
• Teaching laboratories requiring durable, reusable alternatives to disposable cardboard racks under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited instruction protocols

FAQ

Are SB3 racks compatible with robotic grippers used in automated liquid handlers?
Yes—base dimensions adhere to ANSI SLAS-1-2004 specifications; cavity spacing matches standard 96-well plate pitch (9 mm center-to-center), enabling direct integration with Hamilton STAR, Tecan Fluent, and Opentrons OT-2 gripper profiles.
Can SB3/3 racks be used in refrigerated centrifuges operating at –20 °C?
Yes—the polypropylene formulation maintains structural integrity and impact resistance down to –40 °C per ASTM D792; no embrittlement observed after 72 h exposure at –20 °C.
Is there documentation available for ISO 13485 traceability of individual racks?
Each SB3 unit carries a laser-etched lot number linked to full manufacturing documentation (material certificates, injection molding validation reports, and dimensional inspection logs) accessible via Eppendorf’s authorized distributor portal upon request.
Do SB3 racks meet USP requirements for sterile compounding environments?
While not classified as “sterile devices,” SB3 racks are validated for terminal sterilization and routinely deployed in ISO Class 5 hoods per USP Section 5.3.2; end-user validation of sterility assurance level (SAL 10⁻⁶) is required prior to use in CSP preparation.