Frequently Asked Questions

Quality and Value!

Welcome

At NovaBio, we constantly look for ways to serve you better. When you order from us you are getting the BEST QUALITY products for the BEST VALUE!

Thank you for your business.

NEWSLETTER

Home / FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

I have questions about...

Nova Biostorage Plus

When did Nova Biostorage change its name?
--Micronic North America became Nova Biostorage Plus on January 1, 2012. We made this change to reflect our growing product portfolio and our efforts to offer our customers complete, end-to-end sample solutions. The Plus signifies our efforts to add innovative products to our portfolio and to provide the highest quality of customer service.

Do you still carry Micronic products?
--Yes. You can still purchase Micronic tubes, racks, and caps from Nova Biostorage. While Micronic products make up a large portion of our sample storage product segment, we now also carry products for sample collection, traceability, measurement, and automation.

How can I place an order?
--You can now order most products online using your credit card. Orders can be faxed to 724.941.8662 or emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Alternatively, you can call us at 724.941.6411.

Can I shop online without an account?
--If you don’t have an account, you can browse our website and add items to your cart, but you’ll need an account to check out. Creating an account before you start shopping will make purchasing the items in your cart easier and quicker. Plus, if you have an account, you can save items in your cart and return to the site later to purchase them.

Can Nova Biostorage provide a custom tube or piece of equipment to meet our lab’s needs?
--Absolutely. Many products in our current portfolio were developed specifically to meet the needs of a customer. If you are looking for a solution to a specific product, contact us at 724.941.6411 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to discuss a custom solution.

Can our lab have a demo or seminar on a product line?
--Yes. We are always available to host a Webinar or demo products for your laboratory, and are more than willing to give you and your colleagues a full tour of the Nova Biostorage+ product line and how it can benefit your workflow. Contact us at 724.941.6411 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for any questions or to set up a demo.

How do I request a sample?
--Samples are available for many of our consumables. To request a sample, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 724.941.6411. If you aren't sure exactly what you need, our team members can help you determine what will be the best fit for your lab.

What is an SBS-compatible storage rack and how does it differ from a standard storage rack?
--SBS is a laboratory standard that ensures a storage tube rack will meet industry standard dimensions. This ensures they will be compatible with liquid handlers and automated equipment. All Micronic racks are SBS compatible so they will work with all of your equipment that requires a SBS format rack.

What type of environment are the consumables produced in?
--All Micronic products are produced within a clean room environment and are certified RNase-, DNase-, and Pyrogen-free. These products are also available sterile.

BioCision CoolProducts

Why choose a CoolCell over an alcohol-filled cell freezing container?
CoolCell provides a reproducible and consistent -1℃/minute cell freezing rate when placed in a -80℃ freezer. No alcohol means no variability in freezing profiles run-to-run. It also means no on-going expense, no keeping track of freeze cycles in order to replace the alcohol every five runs, no hazardous waste, no pre-cooling, no frozen-stuck lids, and no frosty fingers when removing it from the freezer.

What temperature do I use CoolCell with? 
The CoolCell can be used in a -70℃ to -80℃ environment, including mechanical freezers at -70℃ to -80℃ and dry ice lockers (typically stable at -75℃). The CoolCell will freeze at -1℃ per minute under these conditions. CoolCell should not be used with liquid nitrogen vapor phase freezers because the contents will freeze much faster than -1℃ per minute when in a-150℃ environment.

Can I freeze just a few tubes in the CoolCell, or should all wells be filled?
It is best to fill all 12 wells with the same size vials with equal fill volumes of freezing media. Changes in the payload will result in minor changes in the freezing profile. If you have already used the CoolCell with fewer than 12 vials and had successful results, then it is fine to set up the CoolCell the same way.

Can CoolCell be used for production of large numbers of samples?
Yes, CoolCell’s fast recycle time allows for two freezing runs per shift and CoolCell can handle three times as many samples in the freezer per cycle. This means that the production through-put using CoolCell can exceed an alcohol-container-based process by six-fold.

Does CoolCell accept internally and externally threaded cryovial containers?
Yes, CoolCell should accept any 1ml or 2ml cryovial. It doesn't matter if they are internally or externally threaded.

Can CoolBox be used for (snap)freezing?
Absolutely. CoolBox makes an ideal bench-top snap-freezing system when used with dry ice. Simply place block, pellet, or crushed dry ice in the CoolBox about 2 - 3cm deep and place a CoolRack directly on top in contact with the dry ice. The CoolBox will hold about 200cc of dry ice when the CoolRack is level with the top of the box. When the top of the CoolRack drops about 2cm below the rim it is time to refill. Freezing will last about 3 hours with the CoolBox lid off and up to 6 hours covered.

How long will CoolRacks remain at temperature when removed from their source?
CoolRacks adapt rapidly to changing temperature conditions because of their excellent thermal conductivity. When a room temperature CoolRack is placed on ice the temperature of the CoolRack equilibrates to the ice temperature within minutes. Similarly, when removed from the ice, the CoolRack will equilibrate to the new temperature source with which it is placed into contact. If desired, this passive warming or cooling rate can be slowed by placing the rack on an insulated surface and avoiding direct contact with heat conductive materials.

How can I extend the time CoolRack stays at temperature?
Many CoolRack and CoolSink modules can be placed in a CoolBox insulated container for extended ice-free cooling (up to 10 hours) or for keeping samples frozen (up to 7 hours). Replaceable cartridges allow continuous bench cooling and freezing. When using CoolRacks in ice, the use of a ThermalTray platform under the CoolRack module(s) provides a stable solid base that allows <4 ℃ cooling for up to 14 hours with one pan of ice.

Can CoolRacks be used for snap freezing?
Yes, all CoolRacks can be used in dry ice or LN2 for snap-freezing. For optimum freezing rates in 1.5ml conical microcentrifuge tubes, the CoolRack PF series offers a freeze rate equivalent to directly inserting tubes into a dry ice/alcohol slurry. And no alcohol is needed! All tubes will remain upright, organized and indexed. More importantly, standard deviation will be dramatically reduced as all tubes will exhibit identical snap-freezing profiles.

Can CoolRacks be used with Liquid Nitrogen?
CoolRacks are excellent for use with LN2 and will keep samples at cryogenic temperature without liquid contact or tube immersion. Just fill an insulated pan with about 2cm of LN2 and place a CoolRack in. For extended LN2 work, use a deep insulated pan and place a ThermalTray LP under the CoolRack(s) to provide a stable raised platform for easy visibility and access. Fill LN2 up to the table of the ThermalTray LP (about 5cm) and you can add and remove CoolRacks without getting your thermal gloves immersed in LN2. Remember to follow all safety precautions with LN2 - any surface at cryogenic temperatures can freeze skin on contact.

Biomatrica

Coming Soon

BioMicroLab Tube Sorters

What is the cycle time for the XL20 to move a tube from the source rack to the target rack?
--In the sort only mode, the XL20 sorts 900 tubes per hour.
--In the sort and 2D scan mode, the XL20 sorts and scans 500 tubes per hour.
--In the sort, 2D scan, and analytical balance mode, the XL20 sorts, scans, and weighs 200-300 tubes per hour depending on scale settings.

Which 96-tube racks are compatible with the XL 20 tube sorter?
--SBS standard 0.5 ml to 1.4 ml 96-tube racks from Micronic, Matrix, and ABgene. The XL20 and the XL9 can handle multiple tube sizes using rack adapters, but not within the same work list. For example, if your tube sorter is configured for .75 ml Micronic Tubes, you can remove the rack adapters from the platform and then sort 1.4 ml Micronic tubes.

What is the file format of the XL20 work list?
--Comma delimited text file or .csv excel file. Output file integrates with LIMS system.

Can the XL20 work list software handle more than 20 racks?
--Yes, the XL20 dynamically allows adding and removing tube racks to support work lists with more than 20 source racks.

What is the readability of the XL20's integrated analytical balance?
--Maximum readability is 0.0001g.

What is the difference between the XL20 and the XL9?
--The only differences are the number of racks and the physical size. The XL9 can be loaded with up to 9 tube racks while the XL20 holds up to 20 tube racks. The XL9 was developed to fit labs with small sampling requirements and uses only 18” of benchtop space.

What are the XL20 computer system requirements? Standard P4 type of computer with Windows 2000 or Windows XP, Standard USB ports (depending on the modules purchased with your XL20), and one serial port

Can the tube sorters be controlled via ActiveX?
--Yes, the ActiveX Tool Kit helps developers integrate the tube sorters into existing laboratory applications.

BioMicroLab VolumeCheck

What technology does the VolumeCheck use?
--The VolumeCheck’s non-contact sensor utilizes an ultra-sonic emission to detect the distance from the sensor to the surface of the sample in a tube or well plate. To provide volume data, the distance measured is compared to an end-user created look-up table (calibration curve) specific to the plates or tube racks being measured. The VolumeCheck software incorporates the look-up table into the GUI interface so the user can see the volume and measurement data as the sensor reads each tube/well plate position.

How accurate is the VolumeCheck?
--Accuracy of the VolumeCheck depends upon the type of labware being used due to the geometry of different well plates and tube racks. Basically, when enough sample to form a meniscus is present, the VolumeCheck delivers accuracy at +/- 10μL.

Accuracy can further be influenced by the following conditions:
• Differences in labware such as conical, v-shaped, or flat-bottom well plates and tubes
• Droplets on the wall of a tube or well
• Air bubbles in sample
• Plate-to-plate dimensional variations

What is the minimum volume the VolumeCheck can detect?
--This depends on the type of consumable and sample being measured. For example, the VolumeCheck will detect lower volumes in a PCR plate than in a flat bottom plate because it takes less sample volume in a PCR plate to form the meniscus.

Will I need rack or plate adapters?
--The VolumeCheck can inspect 24, 48, and 96 well plates and tube racks, but you may need well plate rack adapters for well plates less than 41mm in overall height. Also, if you use both deep well and shallow well plates, you will need a VolumeCheck rack adapter for the shallow well plate to be read at the same level as the deep well plate.

Can I integrate VolumeCheck with my lab’s robotic arm or LIMS system?
--Yes, if you purchase the VolumeCheck ActiveX tool kit, it provides full programming flexibility for LIMS and robotics integration.

How fast is the VolumeCheck?
--The low speed VolumeCheck scans one rack in approximately three minutes. The high speed VolumeCheck models scan approximately one plate or rack 45 seconds. Speeds vary based on customer sensor settings.

Custom Freezer Racks

Coming Soon

ForensiX

What are the benefits of ForensiX products?
--ForensiX DNA sampling products have been tested in practice and are easy to use. The unique process of drying of cotton swabs in a dedicated storage carton eliminates DNA degradation, one of the biggest risks in forensic sampling. Furthermore, each storage box is secured with three distinctively labeled, tamper-proof seals, allowing an uninterrupted chain of evidence.

Do DNA samples in ForensiX containers require cooling?
--No. With Forensix products, transport, storage, and archiving are all possible at room temperature.

Hamilton ML600

How does a Diluter work?
--The Microlab 600's Dual Syringe Diluter configuration uses two syringes to create up to a 1:50,000 dilution in a single step, drastically reducing preparation time and wasted buffer. The diluent washes the tubing between each sample, minimizing carryover.

What can I do if I am getting corrosion and crystallization in my syringe(s) and valve(s) from my saline/salt based solutions?
--Salts, including saline are as rough or rougher on the Microlab 600's than concentrated acids. When you are finished using the instrument, flush the system thoroughly and remove the syringes, valve, and tubing so the components can air dry.

How tight should fittings on the valve be?
--The fittings should only be finger tight or 13 ounce inches. Over tightening the fitting is a leading cause of premature valve failures.

When will the valve need to be replaced?
--The Microlab valves may last for several years depending on use. Eventually they need to be replaced from normal wear and tear. Below are common signs the valve needs to be replaced: 1. The instrument is drawing fluid from the incorrect side of the valve. 2. The instrument becomes less accurate and or precise (changes in the coefficient of variation). 3. The tip of the probe is dripping. 4. An air gap forms at the tip of the probe.

How often should I calibrate my Microlab 600?
--Every user has different applications and requirements, but, as a general rule, calibrate the instrument on the same interval used for analytical balances. (Generally once or twice per year)

What is the recommended preventative maintenance schedule for the Microlab 600 instruments?
--The maintenance schedule is determined by the frequency of use and the types of solvents being used. For instruments in production environments where they are used all day every day, the instruments should be serviced at least once every year. For less frequently used instruments, service is recommended every 1-2 years. Regular service includes cleaning of the internal components, adjustment of the motors, etc and is necessary for the proper, accurate, and continuous operation of the instrument.

Hamilton Screw Cap Decapper

Coming Soon

LabCollector Software

What are the system requirements for LabCollector?
--LabCollector works on virtually any OS with web server capabilities (with PHP and mySQL), including MacOS X 10.2.6 and higher. The most common operating systems our users have are Windows2000/XP and Linux.

Will LabCollector have the tools needed for my application?
LabCollector comes with a set of predefined data analysis tools and modules that you can adapt to your applications with custom fields and search filters. You can also create enitrely custom modules as needed. Predefined modules include the Strains & Cells Module, Plasmids Module, Microarrays Module, Samples Module, and many more.

Do I need to purchase all modules?
--Select modules are provided and you can purchase additional modules as needed. You can purchase additional modules at any time if you expand or modify your labwork in the future.

Can I use LabCollector on a single computer? Can I install it on a web server?
--YES to both. You can run it on your own computer. You access LabCollector using your internet browser either on the same computer or on a remote computer. You can install LabCollector on any server that you can access. For speed purposes, we recommend you install it locally on a computer connected to your local network, but you can also host it on any web hosting provider and access it over the internet.

If I purchase one license do I need to purchase additional licenses for other computers in my lab network?
--No. LabCollector is a network software, so one copy running on a web/Intranet server should serve all computers on your lab.

Laboratory Labels

Coming Soon

MeCour Thermal Blocks

Coming Soon

Micronic

Do I really need sterile (gamma irradiated) product?
--The majority of labs that order sterile product are working with cell lines. Our standard offering of certified RNase-, DNase-, and Pyrogen-free products are perfect for the majority of laboratory applications.

What is the probability of receiving duplicate barcodes?
--Our barcodes are always produced sequentially so there will never be a duplicate code.

What type of QC is performed on the tubes and barcodes?
--All barcodes are read before leaving manufacturing to ensure readability. Our tubes are also approved by the FDA and U.S. Pharmacopeia to ensure they pass the highest quality standards.

MicronPlus Sealing Solutions

How are MicronPlus products different than other sealing films?
--The adhesive on conventional seal films often contaminates needles and clogs auto-samplers, causing you to waste time and samples. MicronPlus seal films feature adhesive-free well coverage, preventing problems with contamination or clogging. Plus, with PTFE sealing films, there will be no coring and one film fits all applications.

What benefits do silicone mats offer over dimpled mats?
--Properly fitting dimpled mats onto a rack or plate can be difficult, but MicronPlus silicone mats offer an easy firm seal. These scored silicone mats are also easy to pierce and reseal after the needle is removed for a reliable, leak-proof seal. Finally, silicone mats save well volume when compared to mats where dimples consume important well volume.

What is the difference between the PTFE and polypropylene seal films?
--The main difference between the materials is the temperature at which they are to be used. The polypropylene material has a firm seal from -40°C to +120°C, whereas the blue PTFE material retains a firm seal down to -80°C. PTFE material is also slightly easier to pierce and thus is ideal with auto-samplers.

Does it matter what color PTFE seal film I choose?
--The colors reflect different solvent and chemical resistance, with blue providing standard DMSO resistance, which will work for most applications. For applications where superior solvent resistance and chemical compatibility is required, the white or black sealing film may be more appropriate.

What applications are appropriate for your seal films?
--The PTFE pattern adhesive seal film can be used for almost any application, including auto-samplers, PCR or qPCR, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, -80°C storage, crystallization, metal probe piercing, and plastic pipette piercing. The polypropylene film is recommended for general purpose sealing, -40°C storage, or metal probe piercing.

Can I use any mat or film at any temperature?
--PTFE films with blue adhesive can be used at -80°C to +120°C; PTFE films with white or black adhesive from -75°C to +125°C polypropylene films from -40°C to +120°C; silicone mats and silicone patches from -70°C to +120°C.

Which MicronPlus seal films work with auto-samplers?
--We recommend PTFE films, which require only 0.5lb force to pierce. With this material, there will be no coring or clogged needles.

Are custom products available?
--Absolutely! If a sufficient quantity is ordered, many products can be produced in various colors and formats. Contact us to discuss your application.

Picodrop

Does UV light emitted by the Picodrop Spectrophotometer damage nucleic acids?
--The key factor is amount and intensity of UV exposure. Through empirical testing, most users have agreed that the dose we give a sample is sufficiently small in terms of UVA,UVB, and UVC so that no significant damage to nucleic acids occur. It is important to note that the unique Picodrop Cyclo Olefane pipette tip blocks 99% of the most harmful UVC radiation below 230nm.

How do you improve reproducibility?
--Many factors affect reproducibility including sample homogeneity, temperature variation, and pipetting technique. To reduce unknown variables, check calibration monthly using PCAL or other standards. For concentrations below 30ng, using the same tip will reduce background. It is also important to wipe excess liquid off the outside of tip.

How often does Picodrop need recalibrating?
--Unlike competitors, the Picodrop auto-calibrates itself using a calibration constant that is registered on the pcb. Since the instrument has no moving parts, the calibration will remain constant. We do recommend checking the absolute absorbance value monthly using the wavelength standard. The standard should show 46ng/ul+/-2.5ng. If the value is low or the reproducibility is too variable, we recommend cleaning the holder and lenses.

What is the life of the flash lamp?
--At average user rates, a lamp will last for at least 7 years.

Is there any cross contamination between samples?
--No, there is zero risk for contamination since the bottom of the tip does not touch anything during measurement. However, it is good procedure to wipe the outside of the tip gently with a tissue before placing it in the pipette holder, especially when measuring viscous protein solutions.

Scinomix

Coming Soon

TubeWriter

Coming Soon

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *