When I Shake Tube Some Water Comes Out...

[watertown28]

I have been using the API test items. I have a API master test kit.

I noticed that you are not to put your finger on the top of tube when shaking. I just started doing that because every time I shake the tubes, some of water comes out. Is this normal and if so, does it hurt the test results?

 

[Bignose]

Is that really in the instructions? I can only think that that is so you don't break the glass. Otherwise, I see no reason a finger on the end should affect any results. Assuming you put the right amounts in the tube, when shaking if some liquid comes out, that shouldn't be a big issue either, though -- all the concentrations should still be right.

 

[TrainRek77]

Those instructions, I don't believe are clear. I've come to the conclusion that they want you to use the cap. Instead of using your finger as a cap. I'm sure skin and salt from your finger will give false results.

 

[ZephyrStarPlaties]

You should definitely use the cap for shaking the tube, otherwise skin particles and different amounts of liquid can change the results.

 

[DrRob]

Plus some of the chemicals in the test kits are very unlikely to be good for your fingers.

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

teehee yeah it just means use the cap instead of your finger the wording is dumb though!

 

[watertown28]

teehee yeah it just means use the cap instead of your finger the wording is dumb though!

okay so they just mean use the cap...which I was doing anyways. I still have problems with a little bit coming out no matter how hard I try not to. This stuff is the last stuff I want to sit on my skin to say the least.

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

Yeah I get a little bit as well but if I hold the cap on really firmly it's not so much of a problem!

 

[watertown28]

Yeah I get a little bit as well but if I hold the cap on really firmly it's not so much of a problem!

yeah I realized that most of it comes out after I release the cap from the build up on top... the little pool that forms when you shake.

 

[Bignose]

Plus some of the chemicals in the test kits are very unlikely to be good for your fingers.

good point. There are acids and caustic chemicals in those bottles. I concur that the instructions are probably so that you don't use your finger as the de facto cap.

 

[Hoveringpie]

I find my api test tubes do that aswell so I have started to just tip it upside down and back again a few times it mixes the liquids fine and I have always got accurate results

 

[OldMan47]

The API test kit comes with soft plastic caps made to prevent water coming out of the tube. Once the cap is in place, I hold it there with a finger to prevent it working loose as I shake the tube.
I am going to move this to the equipment section, it is not a scientific question by any stretch.