When centrifuging biological agents, what should you do regarding the tubes used?

Using only tubes with stoppers or tops when centrifuging biological agents is crucial for maintaining safety and minimizing risks. Tubes designed for centrifugation are specifically constructed to withstand the forces of spinning while securely containing the sample inside. This prevents spills, contamination, and potential exposure to hazardous materials.

Sealed tubes help keep aerosols and fluids contained, reducing the likelihood of exposure to infectious agents that may be present in biological samples. Additionally, using appropriate tubes minimizes the risk of cross-contamination between samples.

The other options would compromise safety protocols: unsealed cups could lead to spills, cracked tubes may break during centrifugation, and using any available tube disregards important specifications that are designed for safe handling and processing of biological samples. Thus, ensuring only tubes with stoppers or tops are used reinforces best practices in laboratory safety.