Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of plastic is used to make Labplas sterile sampling bags?
Labplas products are made with extruded tubes of low density polyethylene (LDPE 0,92 g/cm3). The tube is extruded using the inert gas injection ("clean air", N, Ar, He) production process.
What trace elements of other compounds are most frequently present in the polyethylene resin?
The most commonly found (< 0,5 ppm) trace elements are silver, cadmium, mercury, selenium, nickel and lead.
Are Labplas products sterile?
YES, the polyethylene tube extrusion process occurs at temperatures of between 220°C and 240°C (428°F to 464°F) which ensures their internal sterility. Labplas sterile sampling bags have consistently and successfully tested for sterility after 5 years of shelf life. Specialty insert products, and bags made with flat film, such as Filtra-Bags,are sterilized using Gamma Ray technology at 25kGy. Sterility certificates with production lot specifications are in every case, and additional copies are available upon request.
Are Labplas Sterile Sampling products appropriate for the autoclave process?
NO, the maximum temperature tolerance is 80°C or 176°F.
Can Labplas products be immersed in a laboratory water bath?
Yes, for temperatures of up to 80°C or 176°F.
How do Labplas sterile sampling bags react to cold temperatures, such as liquid nitrogen in a lab environment?
Labplas products tolerate temperatures as low as -100°C or -148°F therefore liquid nitrogen is not appropriate.
Can Labplas sterile sampling bags withstand weak acids and bases?
Yes, for periods of up to 2 weeks.
Are Labplas sampling bags resistant to UV light, radiation and detergents?
YES, the film porosity (VISPORE 40 HEX) is 500 cfm/in2 (ASTM D-737). The plastic can withstand radiation of 1300 MKy. The plastic, with thicknesses ranging from 3 to 6 thsds/in., is very resistant. The polymer also withstands detergents such as ammonium quaternaries, benzalkonium, chlorines and alcohols.
Are Labplas bags permeable to air?
The polymer film permeability (cm2/m2/day/bars) is quite significant; 7 for nitrogen, 20 for O2, 100 for CO2 and 1 for water vapour (water bath).
Can Labplas products be used to sample oil hydro-carbides, detergents, underground water and contaminated soil?
Absolutely, and furthermore, we recommend that you use 4 thsds/in. thickness bags for these applications.
