Cryovials & Tubes

Cryovials and Tubes are essential lab consumables used for the safe storage, transport, and preservation of biological specimens, reagents, and chemical solutions. Designed to withstand extreme temperatures, mechanical stress, and chemical exposure, these containers ensure sample integrity across a wide range of research, clinical, and industrial workflows. Whether freezing cell cultures or storing DNA, high-quality cryovials and tubes are vital for reliable, contamination-free sample management.

Why Cryovials and Tubes Are Essential

Proper sample containment is critical to scientific accuracy and safety. Cryovials and laboratory tubes offer secure, sterile environments for valuable specimens during freezing, centrifugation, and storage. They protect sensitive materials from degradation, cross-contamination, or leakage—ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enabling reproducible results. Used in biobanking, diagnostics, pharmacology, and environmental research, these tools are indispensable for long-term storage and precise sample tracking.

What Are Cryovials and Tubes?

Cryovials and tubes are cylindrical, often graduated containers made from chemically resistant plastic (typically polypropylene) or borosilicate glass. Cryovials are specifically engineered for ultra-low-temperature storage (down to -196°C in vapor-phase liquid nitrogen), while laboratory tubes may be used for short- or long-term sample holding, mixing, or transport. They are available in screw-cap or snap-cap formats, sterile or non-sterile, and in a variety of volumes (0.5 mL to 50 mL).

Types of Cryovials & Tubes

Cryovials

Best for: Ultra-low temperature storage of biological samples.
Cryovials are specialized tubes designed to store cells, tissues, DNA, or serum under cryogenic conditions without risk of breakage or contamination.

Key Features:

• Withstand temperatures down to -196°C.
• Internal or external thread options for secure sealing.
• Sterile, RNase/DNase-free, and pyrogen-free.
• Graduated with writing area and color-coded caps.
• Leak-proof, pressure-resistant, and autoclavable.

Applications:

• Biobanking and cell culture preservation.
• Long-term storage of DNA, RNA, serum, and proteins.
• Vaccine and therapeutic sample archiving.
• Transport of clinical samples between labs.

Microcentrifuge Tubes

Best for: Small-volume sample preparation and processing.
Also known as Eppendorf tubes, these are commonly used for sample spinning, incubation, or short-term storage.

Key Features:

• Snap-cap or screw-cap closure.
• Ranges from 0.2 mL to 2.0 mL volumes.
• Suitable for centrifugation up to 20,000 x g.
• Graduated with frosted labeling surface.
• Compatible with thermal cyclers and incubators.

Applications:

• PCR and enzyme reaction setups.
• DNA/RNA isolation workflows.
• Sample dilution and assay prep.
• Molecular biology and genomics labs.

Centrifuge Tubes (Conical Tubes)

Best for: Mid- to large-volume sample processing.
Centrifuge tubes, typically in 15 mL or 50 mL sizes, are designed for spinning, mixing, and storage of liquid samples.

Key Features:

• Conical or round-bottom formats.
• Polypropylene construction for chemical resistance.
• Screw-cap with leak-proof sealing.
• Sterile, autoclavable, and freezer-safe.
• Printed graduations and writing space.

Applications:

• Tissue homogenate prep and reagent mixing.
• Centrifugation of blood or culture media.
• Buffer or reagent storage.
• Sample aliquoting and transport.

Storage Tubes

Best for: General-purpose sample storage and organization.
These tubes come in various volumes and cap styles for flexible use in both cold and ambient conditions.

Key Features:

• Available in bulk or racked formats.
• External or internal threading.
• High clarity for visual inspection.
• Resistant to cracking under low temperatures.
• Can be barcoded or labeled for tracking.

Applications:

• Sample aliquoting for assays.
• Short-term cold storage in fridges or freezers.
• Diagnostic test prep.
• Archival of environmental or clinical samples.

When to Use Cryovials & Tubes

• When storing or freezing biological specimens such as cells, serum, or DNA.
• For centrifugation, incubation, or mixing during molecular workflows.
• When preparing small aliquots for experiments or shipping.
• In biobanks, diagnostic labs, and research institutions.
• During clinical sample collection, labeling, and short-term holding.

How to Use Cryovials & Tubes

1. Choose the correct size and material for your sample type and storage conditions.
2. Label tubes clearly using cryo-compatible markers or labels.
3. Add sample using sterile pipettes or transfer tools.
4. Secure cap tightly to avoid leakage or contamination.
5. Store in appropriate racks or boxes at required temperatures (e.g., -20°C, -80°C, liquid nitrogen).

Key Features of Cryovials & Tubes

• Sterile, RNase/DNase-free materials for contamination-free storage.
• Leak-proof closures ensure sample integrity in freezing or centrifugation.
• Temperature-resistant construction supports a full range of storage conditions.
• Clear graduations and writable areas for accurate identification.
• Available in bulk or racked packaging for workflow efficiency.

Benefits of Cryovials & Tubes

Cryovials and lab tubes protect the integrity of valuable biological and chemical samples throughout every stage of storage, processing, and transport. Their design ensures sterility, security, and ease of handling, while compatibility with automation and labeling systems supports high-throughput and regulated workflows. Whether used in hospitals, research labs, or pharmaceutical facilities, these tools enable reliable results and safe sample archiving.

How to Choose the Right Cryovials & Tubes

• Determine required storage conditions (e.g., cryogenic vs. refrigerated).
• Select volume size based on sample amount and centrifugation needs.
• Choose cap style: internal thread for tight seal; external for easy access.
• Ensure sterility and certification (RNase-/DNase-free, ISO, CE) for clinical use.
• Check compatibility with racks, storage boxes, and centrifuges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What’s the temperature limit for cryovials?
A: Most cryovials can be used down to -196°C in vapor-phase liquid nitrogen. Always confirm manufacturer guidelines.

Q: Can cryovials be autoclaved?
A: Yes, many cryovials are autoclavable, but confirm the material (usually polypropylene) and cap seal design.

Q: Are these tubes compatible with centrifuges?
A: Microcentrifuge and conical tubes are designed for centrifugation. Always verify max RCF/G-force ratings.

Q: What’s the difference between sterile and non-sterile tubes?
A: Sterile tubes are free of microorganisms and ready for sensitive sample handling. Non-sterile options are better for general use.

Q: How should I label cryovials?
A: Use cryo-compatible labels or permanent markers designed to withstand low temperatures and moisture.

Related Products

• Labels & Film: Cryogenic labels and sealing film for safe storage tracking.
• Weigh Boats & Pipette Tips: For precise sample handling before tube filling.
• Freezer Storage Boxes & Racks: Organize and protect cryovials during long-term storage.
• Lab Centrifuges: Compatible instruments for spinning conical and microcentrifuge tubes.

Protect your specimens with high-quality cryovials and lab tubes from MedicalEx. Built for performance in the harshest lab environments, our sterile, leak-proof containers are trusted across clinical, academic, and biopharma labs. Shop now for reliable storage and peace of mind.