Simplified laboratory test tube handling device

A simplified assembly for simultaneously opening a plurality of capped test tubes, the test tubes including caps configured to engage over an open end of each of said test tubes, each cap including a circumferential collar engaged about the open end of each of said test tubes and each cap being engaged to the collar by a living hinge at one circumferential position therealong and having a locking nub at an opposite circumferential position therealong which coacts with a slot in the collar for locking the cap to the collar, the assembly comprising a horizontal base from which a rear wall extends upwardly, a pair of vertically spaced apart test tube receiving and aligning shelves extending from the rear wall over said base and having aligned openings therein for aligned positioning of the test tubes vertically beneath a working planar pivotable lid of the apparatus, the working pivotable lid comprising a substantially planar element having a center support member and being slidably mounted to side support members, the bottom planar surface of the planar lid having structure thereon for engaging the locking nub of each cap when in a first position thereof to simultaneously release and open each cap of the plurality of capped test tubes therebeneath and when in a second position thereof, allowing the pivotable lid to pivot upwardly without releasing the caps.