Selecting the Ideal Cryogenic Storage Vial for Your Laboratory

Have you heard about cryogenic vials? It is a type of small, capped, cylinder container specifically designed to store and preserve samples at extremely low temperatures, reaching as low as -196℃.

Cryogenic vials from laboratory plasticware suppliers are used to accommodate different cell types, including stem cells, microorganisms, primary cells, and established cell lines.

Cryogenic vials come in various forms, making choosing the right one from a lab equipment supplier challenging. But don’t worry! This blog has mentioned some key factors to help you select the ideal cryogenic vial for your needs.

So, let’s get started.

Properties of Cryogenic Vials to Consider

External VS Internal Threads

The cryogenic storage vials come in external and internal threads, and there are certain differences between the two that should be considered.

Most laboratories typically prefer internally threaded vials because they optimize storage space and ensure a better fit in freezer boxes. Instead, externally threaded vials are a much better option because their design minimizes contamination risk, making it more difficult for anything other than the sample to enter the vial.

If you are into genomic applications, external threaded vials are an ideal choice. Conversely, if you are into biobanking or other high-throughput processes, you can choose both types of cryogenic storage vials.

Storage Volume

Cryogenic storage vials from laboratory equipment suppliers are available in a variety of sizes, from 1 mL to 5 mL option.

When choosing cryogenic storage vials, ensure the extra room is available in case the sample expands while freezing.

That’s the reason laboratories generally opt for 1 mL vials for 0.5 mL samples and 2 mL vials for 1 mL samples. To prevent overfilling your vials, use cryovials with graduated markings. This prevents the sample from expanding, which can lead to cracking or leaks.

Screw Cap VS Flip Top

The type of top you choose will depend on whether you will use liquid-phase nitrogen. If you are going to, make sure you opt for screw-capped cryovials, as they prevent accidental damage during mishandling or sudden temperature changes.

However, if you do not use it for liquid nitrogen, prefer a more convenient, easy-to-open option like flip-top vials.

Glass VS Plastic

Cryogenic vials are available in both glass and plastic materials. However, from a safety and convenience point of view, many laboratories now prefer plastic vials over heat-sealable glass ampules.

That’s because glass ampules can develop invisible pinhole leaks during sealing, which can explode when stored in liquid nitrogen.

In the end, these are some of the things that you need to consider when buying cryogenic storage vials from a laboratory equipment supplier.