I just unpacked my new Sorvall Cell Washer Plus and there is a warning not to use plastic tubes. We have been using plastic tubes in our old Sorvalls for years. I called their customer support and I was told that this does not leave a dry cell button so plastic should not use. Now I have 2 concerns; do I want a washer that does not leave a dry cell button and if I do will the plastic tubes be OK. Has anyone had this experience?

We've always used glass tubes...didn't know plastic was ok for bb...

I too was under the impression that plastic tubes were not approved for use in blood bank.

I understand that using polystyrene is OK for Blood Bank. Here is a vendor that carries them:

http://wescottlabs.com/genlab/consumables/glc-ptt.php

You could contact them and see if they would give you a couple sample tubes and you could validate them against yours and see if you get a clear button and no breakage.

We have been using polystyrene for several years with good results. The main difference discovered during validation was a difference in spin times during centrifugation. If spun too long the roll-off is VERY difficult.

We have used polystyrene for years.  I was having issues with this cell washer not always decanting saline successfully during the wash.  Tech support said the motor's designed to run with a full load of 12 tubes.  We started doing that (using blank tubes as needed) and no problems since.

We have used polystyrene for years.  I was having issues with this cell washer not always decanting saline successfully during the wash.  Tech support said the motor's designed to run with a full load of 12 tubes.  We started doing that (using blank tubes as needed) and no problems since.

 

Good to know. Thanks.

Can anyone share their validation plan for sorvall cellwasher 2 Plus? We also use plastic tubes.

I need to purchase a new cell washer.  Will you share pros and cons to what you are using so I can make the best decision.

 

we only use glass tubes in our bb.

We have the Helmer UltraCW.  We love it; no cons that I can think of.