Consumables & Plastics

Consumables & Plastics Frequently Asked Questions

Which pipette tips should I choose? Universal, filtered or low-retention?

Universal-fit tips are designed for most standard pipette brands. They're a flexible everyday choice. Filtered (barrier) tips add an aerosol barrier. This is for PCR, RNA/DNA and contamination-sensitive work. Low-retention tips shed viscous or precious liquids cleanly for really accurate recovery. Ocon Chemicals stocks all three. And they stock them all across common volumes. From 10µl to 1000µl. Racked, bulk or sterile.

What's the difference between Luer lock and Luer slip syringes?

A Luer lock syringe has a threaded tip. It screws the needle or the fitting very firmly in place. This prevents it from working loose under pressure. It’s really ideal for secure connections. A Luer slip (slip-tip) syringe holds the needle by friction. This is for quick attachment and removal. Ocon Chemicals supplies both. Sterile and non-sterile. We have them in sizes from 1ml upward with whatever matching needles.

What sizes of sharps container do you supply? And what goes in them?

Sharps containers hold used needles, blades and syringes. They hold any other sharp clinical waste safely too, until its disposed of. They should never take general or soft waste. Ocon Chemicals supplies rigid sharps bins in a large amount of sizes. We supply from small 1.8L units up to 22L. We also supply broken-glass disposal boxes and can arrange collection of full bins. Its important to remember to always replace a bin when it reaches its fill line.

What laboratory tubing do you stock? PVC, silicone or rubber?

We supply PVC, silicone and natural rubber tubing. We have them in a range of bore and wall sizes. Silicone tubing is really flexible, it's very heat-resistant and autoclavable. Its perfect for peristaltic pumps and medical or pharmaceutical use. PVC is clear and economical for general transfer. Rubber is good for vacuum and general lab lines. You should match up the bore, the wall thickness and the chemical compatibility to whatever your application is.

Are your sample and specimen containers sterile? And what sizes are available with ye?

Ocon Chemicals stocks sterile specimen containers and non-sterile sample and specimen containers. They come in polypropylene and polystyrene. We have from around 40ml up to larger volumes and they come with leak-resistant screw caps or hinged caps. These kind of sterile, individually sealed containers are good for clinical, urine and stool samples. They’re also good for microbiology. Non-sterile pots are great then for general storage and transporting. A lot of them come with plain or write-on labels.

What are weigh boats? And should I choose antistatic ones?

Weigh boats (weighing boats and dishes) are disposable trays for weighing powders and samples on a balance. They then transfer them cleanly with very little residue. Antistatic versions reduce the static cling. This can make fine powders scatter or stick. Reducing this can improve weighing accuracy. Ocon Chemicals has plenty square and diamond-shaped polystyrene weigh boats and dishes. We have them all in several sizes Both standard and antistatic.

What is Parafilm? And what is it used for in the lab?

Parafilm is a very flexible and self-sealing thermoplastic film. It’s used to seal flasks, tubes, plates and beakers against moisture loss and airborne contaminations. It stretches and wraps awkward shapes and then it peels away cleanly. It really is a lab staple for short-term storage. And for protecting cultures and samples. Ocon Chemicals supplies Parafilm M in all the standard roll widths and lengths.

Why buy laboratory consumables and plastics from Ocon Chemicals?

Ocon Chemicals is an Irish, family-run supplier since 1981. We stock a really wide range of everyday lab consumables. We stock pipette tips, syringes, tubing, bottles, sample containers, weigh boats, autoclave bags and caps. We work with trusted brands and we sell our own label. Order online for fast delivery all over the island of Ireland. Get a quote for bulk pricing. You can rely on our ISO 9001-accredited, REACH-compliant service. Reach out today and use our knowledgeable local support.

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Consumables & Plastics Frequently Asked Questions

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