Centrifuge tubes are used to contain liquids during centrifugation, which separates the sample into its components by rapidly rotating it around a fixed axis.

Most centrifuge tubes have conical bottoms, which help collect any solid or heavier parts of the sample being centrifuged. Centrifuge tubes must also be able to withstand the centrifugal pressure created during their use, and their specifications may indicate the maximum speed at which they can be safely used.