Fabrication of a high-capacity rack for microcentrifuge tubes.

Described in this report is a method for the fabrication of a versatile , inexpensive rack for microcentrifuge tubes that offers distinct advantages over conventional plastic racks. In addition to holding a larger number of samples than conventional plastic racks, this rack can also support samples in an ice slurry or shallow water bath. Since these racks take about five minutes to make and cost under a dollar, they may offer a cost-effective alternative to cardboard sample storage boxes . The ideal raw material for a rack should be inexpensive, readily available, easy to manipulate, able to withstand the temperature extremes encountered in the laboratory, including autoclaving, and be chemically inert. Galvanized hardware cloth meets these requirements, although it is not as chemically inert as the plastics used in