0.2 mL PCR 8-Tube Strips, Thin-Wall PPC, Natural — Caplugs® Evergreen (214-3456-080)
These 0.2 mL thin-wall PCR 8-tube strips are molded from Polypropylene Copolymer (PPC) in natural color and packaged 125 strips per bag (1,000 tubes) for high-throughput bench efficiency. The connected 8-strip format is the standard configuration for thermocyclers that accept 8-tube strips or 96-well plate blocks, and the thin-wall construction maximizes thermal transfer between the block and sample for fast-PCR protocols and high-ramp-rate instruments. Tubes ship open-top and accept compatible 8-strip flat or domed caps, sold separately.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number (MPN) | 214-3456-080 |
| Format | 8-Tube Connected Strip |
| Tube Volume | 0.2 mL per tube |
| Wall Thickness | Thin-Wall |
| Material | Polypropylene Copolymer (PPC) |
| Color | Natural |
| Tube Closure | Open top (compatible 8-strip flat or domed cap, sold separately) |
| Sterility | Non-Sterile |
| Pack Size | 125 strips/Bag (1,000 tubes) |
| BPA / Phthalate / Latex | BPA-Free, Phthalate-Free, Latex-Free |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Applications
- Standard PCR and endpoint PCR using thermocyclers configured for 8-tube strips or 96-well plate blocks
- Real-time PCR (qPCR) — PPC's superior optical clarity versus homopolymer PP reduces autofluorescence, supporting cleaner fluorescence signal detection
- One-step and two-step RT-PCR protocols requiring consistent thermal uniformity across all 8 tubes
- High-throughput 8-sample batch screening where the strip format eliminates individual tube handling and ensures repeatable block positioning
- Post-PCR gel electrophoresis preparation — 0.2 mL volume is suited for direct gel loading after amplification
- Short-term sample storage at 4 °C between PCR steps, capped with compatible 8-strip flat or domed caps
- 96-well thermocycler workflows using 12 strips × 8 positions to fill the full plate block
Compatibility
The 214-3456-080 strips are designed for use with PCR thermocyclers that accept the standard 8-tube strip format or 96-well plate blocks from all major thermocycler brands. When using these strips to fill a 96-well block, load 12 strips across 8 positions; any unused wells should be filled with water-loaded strips to maintain thermal uniformity across the block. For qPCR instruments, confirm that your optical module accepts natural (clear) tubes — the PPC material's improved clarity and low autofluorescence make it well suited for fluorescence-based detection through the tube wall. Always verify the strip tube footprint against your specific thermocycler block geometry before transitioning from OEM consumables.
Chemical Resistance
| Reagent / Condition | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aqueous buffers / PCR master mix | Excellent |
| Dilute acids and bases (pH 2–12) | Excellent |
| Alcohols (ethanol, methanol, isopropanol) | Good — compatible for pre-PCR extraction steps |
| Acetonitrile (ACN) | Good — compatible for pre-PCR extraction steps |
| Chlorinated solvents (chloroform, DCM) | Not recommended |
| Aromatic solvents (toluene, xylene) | Not recommended |
Quality & Procurement
Made in USA, these Caplugs® Evergreen PCR tube strips are produced from FDA-compliant, BPA-free, phthalate-free, latex-free PPC resin under ISO 9001 quality management. PPC's copolymer formulation delivers improved optical clarity and cold-temperature flexibility compared to homopolymer polypropylene, making it particularly well suited for fluorescence-based PCR detection and low-temperature sample handling. LabSupplies.com is an authorized dealer and ships from USA inventory, typically same business day for stocking items, with volume pricing available for high-usage laboratories, hospitals, and research institutions purchasing at ten or more bags. A blue color sibling (214-3456-B80) is available for labs that use color-coded tube systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are caps included with these tube strips?
No — the strips ship open-top. Compatible 8-strip flat caps or domed caps are sold separately. Confirm cap style with your workflow before ordering, as flat caps are preferred for most thermocycler lids while domed caps suit certain optical and storage applications.
Are these strips sterile?
No — they are supplied non-sterile. For standard PCR and molecular biology workflows, non-sterile tubes are appropriate, as PCR reagents and thermal cycling provide sufficient amplification selectivity. If sterile tubes are required for your protocol, contact us to discuss alternatives.
What is the advantage of PPC over standard polypropylene for PCR?
Polypropylene Copolymer (PPC) offers superior optical clarity compared to homopolymer PP, which means lower autofluorescence and better signal quality in real-time qPCR instruments that detect fluorescence through the tube wall. PPC also provides improved flexibility at low temperatures and full compatibility with acetonitrile and methanol used in many nucleic acid extraction protocols.
Can these strips be used to fill a 96-well thermocycler block?
Yes — twelve 8-tube strips across 8 row positions fill a standard 96-well footprint. When not running a full plate, fill any empty strip positions with water-loaded strips to ensure even heat distribution across the block and consistent amplification results.