Polyethylene (PE) Tubing for Research Applications

PE tubing is one of the most commonly used tubing types in laboratory research, offering excellent compound compatibility and low air permeability. Instech's low-density polyethylene (LDPE) formulation and size range are comparable to Intramedic™ tubing at a significantly lower cost.

PE-50 is the most common size, compatible with 22ga swivels, luer stubs, couplers, and PinPorts. BTPE-25 is a custom size designed to mate with 25ga devices. For applications where kinking is a concern, Instech also offers co-extruded PE/PVC tubing with an outer PVC layer for added flexibility.

Specifications

• Sold non-sterile on spools of 30m (98ft)
• Do not autoclave
• Not for human use
• Not recommended for intravascular catheters due to stiffness — polyurethane is preferred for intravascular applications
• Always follow aseptic technique per animal welfare regulations; any tubing implanted in a survival surgery must be sterile

Available Sizes

• BTPE-10 — PE-10, 0.011 × 0.024 in
• BTPE-20 — PE-20, 0.015 × 0.043 in
• BTPE-25 — fits 25ga, 0.018 × 0.036 in
• BTPE-50 — PE-50, fits 22ga, 0.023 × 0.038 in
• BTPE-60 — PE-60, fits 20ga, 0.030 × 0.048 in
• BTPE-90 — PE-90, 0.034 × 0.050 in

Features

• Stiff — maintains shape under pressure
• Good compound compatibility
• Low air permeability

Expert Support

Instech Laboratories provides dedicated application support for research tubing selection and system setup. NBT Ltd distributes Instech products in Israel and provides full local technical support and protocol guidance.

FAQ

What is Polyethylene (PE) Tubing used for in research?

PE tubing is used to connect catheters, swivels, syringes, luer stubs, and PinPorts within infusion and blood sampling systems for rodents. Its stiffness and low air permeability make it well-suited for external fluidic connections where flexibility is not required.

Is PE tubing suitable for intravascular catheters?

PE tubing is not recommended for intravascular use due to its stiffness, which can cause tissue damage and poor catheter performance inside vessels. Polyurethane (PU) tubing is the preferred material for intravascular catheters in mice and rats.

Can Instech PE tubing be autoclaved?

No. PE tubing should not be autoclaved as heat will cause deformation. For implanted applications requiring sterility, the tubing must be sterilized by alternative methods (e.g., ethylene oxide) and all animal welfare aseptic technique requirements must be observed.

Is technical support for Instech Polyethylene Tubing available in Israel?

Yes. NBT Ltd distributes Instech products in Israel and provides full local technical support, tubing selection guidance, and application assistance for infusion and sampling workflows.