Flat, single-level microcentrifuge tube racks work fine until the bench gets crowded — then every tube looks the same from above and finding the right one slows everything down. The Heathrow Scientific HS4284A Microtube Rack solves this with a bi-level tiered design that staggers tubes in two rows at different heights, making labels and tube contents visible at a glance without picking anything up.
The front row features a finger slot for one-handed tube removal — no two-handed fumbling or knocking adjacent tubes. Large embossed index numbers across all 20 positions (10mm wells for 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mL tubes) allow fast sample identification. Racks interlock to scale capacity across the bench. Autoclavable polypropylene. Pack of 6 racks per order.
Features and Benefits
Bi-Level Tiered Design - Improved Visibility: Two rows staggered at different heights allow labels and tube contents to be seen from the front simultaneously — no lifting or moving tubes to find the one you need.
Finger Slot for Easy One-Handed Tube Removal: Front-row cutout allows finger-tip tube ejection with one hand — keeps the other hand free for pipettes, caps, or notes during active workflows.
Embossed Index Numbers: Large, molded position numbers across all 20 wells enable fast sample identification and LIMS-compatible position tracking without adhesive rack labels.
Interlocking Design - Scale Capacity: Individual racks interlock side-by-side to create extended rack arrays across the bench — increase capacity from 20 to 40, 60, or 120 positions without separate rack holders.
10mm Wells for 1.0–2.0 mL Tubes: Accommodates standard 1.0 mL, 1.5 mL, and 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tube formats from all major manufacturers in the same well row.
Autoclavable Polypropylene: Withstands standard 121°C autoclave sterilization — racks can be autoclaved between experiments or users without deformation of the bi-level frame or well geometry.
Pack of 6: Six racks per pack — ideal for deploying across multiple bench stations or interlocking into a 60- or 120-position extended rack array from a single order.
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | HS4284A |
| Brand | Heathrow Scientific |
| Material | Polypropylene |
| Number of Wells | 20 per rack (10 front row + 10 rear row) |
| Well Diameter | 10 mm |
| Compatible Tubes | 1.0 mL, 1.5 mL, 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 8.3 x 3.5 x 2.0 in (21.1 x 9.0 x 5.0 cm) |
| Color | Blue |
| Quantity | Pack of 6 |
| Autoclavable | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lb per pack of 6 |
| Country of Origin | China |
Laboratory Applications
High-throughput sample filling and retrieval workflows where tiered visibility and one-handed tube access improve bench efficiency during repetitive pipetting steps
Molecular biology workflows requiring organized benchtop holding of multiple 1.5 mL or 2.0 mL tubes during reaction setup and incubation
Shared labs where interlocked rack arrays provide scalable capacity without individual rack holders or additional bench accessories
Biobanking and sample archiving operations where clear position indexing and efficient tube retrieval from large tube arrays are operational requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What does bi-level mean — are tubes at different heights?
Yes. The bi-level design staggers the front row and rear row of wells at two different heights, so tubes in each row can be seen and accessed without removing the row in front. This is a significant ergonomic improvement over flat single-level racks in high-throughput settings where frequent tube access is required.
How does the interlocking work — do the racks connect end-to-end or side-by-side?
Racks interlock side-by-side (left-right) to create a wider extended array. A full 6-pack interlocked forms a continuous 120-position microtube rack across the bench with a unified alphanumeric grid.
Will 0.5 mL microfuge tubes fit the 10mm wells?
No. The 10mm wells are sized for 1.0–2.0 mL tubes. For 0.5 mL tubes, use the Heathrow Scientific 4-Way Tube Rack (HS29022 series) or Floating Microtube Rack (HS2166), both of which include 8.2mm or 9.3mm wells for smaller tube formats.
How many racks come per order?
Each order at the listed price includes a Pack of 6 identical Blue microtube racks. All 6 can be interlocked immediately for a 120-position bench array, or distributed to individual bench stations or users.
Quality Assurance
Heathrow Scientific manufactures the HS4284A Microtube Rack from polypropylene tested for consistent bi-level geometry, 10mm well diameter accuracy across all 20 positions, and structural integrity through autoclave cycling. Interlocking connectors are tested for reliable repeated engagement.
Academic and Institutional Pricing
LabSupplies.com offers tiered quantity pricing for academic and research institutions. As an authorized dealer, we ship directly from USA inventory.