Microcentrifuge tubes are essential lab consumables designed for small-volume liquid handling and centrifugation. These tubes typically range from 0.2mL to 2.0mL capacity, featuring conical bottoms for efficient pellet collection. Common variations include sterile/non-sterile options, PCR-grade tubes, and screw-cap designs for secure storage. Key industry applications include molecular biology (DNA/RNA extraction), clinical diagnostics (sample preparation), and pharmaceutical research (compound storage). Popular subcategories may include: low-retention tubes for precious samples, rack-compatible tubes for high-throughput workflows, and autoclavable tubes for reuse. Materials range from standard polypropylene to specialty polymers for extreme temperatures or chemical resistance.