A cryovial tube is a special plastic tube designed for storing biological samples at ultra-low temperatures, usually in liquid nitrogen.
Some key features of cryovial tubes include:
– Material – Made from polypropylene plastic for durability at freezing temperatures as low as -196°C. Does not become brittle like glass.
– Screw cap – Has an external thread and screw-on cap to provide a tight, leak-proof seal when closed. Prevents sample loss.
– Labeling – Has writing space to label contents using solvent-resistant markers. Allows easy sample identification.
– Size – Available in different volumes from 0.5mL to 4mL. Allows use for small or large sample amounts.
– Shape – Round bottom and tapered sides for easy handling. Standardized sizing allows organized rack storage.
– Sterility – Tubes are sterile and have conical bottoms to minimize material attachment. Keeps sample pure.
– Storage – Used to store biological samples like tissue, blood, cells, and DNA/RNA in liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage tanks.
– Retrieval – Samples can be quickly retrieved by lifting tubes from liquid nitrogen using forceps.
– Temperature – Can withstand ultra-low temperature storage down to -196°C without becoming brittle or leaking.
So in summary, cryovials are special plastic tubes optimized for safe long-term archival storage of biological samples at ultra-low freezing temperatures in liquid nitrogen. The screw-cap seal prevents sample loss.
