Sample Vials
Tubes and vials for general collection, storage, and transportation of samples; available in a variety of colors, sizes, volume capacities, and material compositions; may be sterile, non-sterile, and/or autoclavable; may include caps.
The term “vial” is somewhat undefined and is usually described as a small, cylindrical, and flat-bottomed container used to hold liquids. Most sample vials are made of plastic or glass, and include a separate or attached lid or closure. Sample vials are categorized by material and also by their size or specific purpose.
Glass sample vials are categorized by the type of glass used to make them.
- Type I, Class A glass sample vials are made from low-expansion borosilicate glass
- Type I, Class B glass sample vials are made from an alumino-borosilicate glass
- Type II are made from soda-lime glass
Plastic sample vials may be made from a variety of resins, including:
- Polycarbonate
- Polypropylene
- Polystyrene
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Glass sample vials may be clear or amber-colored (to protect the contents from ultraviolet light). Plastic sample vials are available in a range of colors, including amber, natural, and clear resins.
Sample vials may have different types of closures, depending on their use and the material being stored.
- Screw caps
- For both glass and plastic sample vials
- May be closed or open
- Typically made from polypropylene or phenolic resin (with a variety of closure liners, including PE foam, PTFE, cork, tin, etc.)
- Flip-top
- Caps for plastic sample vials may be attached by a tether to the vial itself
- Also called “captive” closures
- Snap caps (external): Both glass and plastic sample vials
- Plug caps (internal): Both glass and plastic sample vials
Globe Scientific 4mL Tube with Screwcap and O-ring for Access™ Analyzer
Self-standing polypropylene tube/vial with cap for use with Beckman™ Access™ Analyzer
Lovibond™ Type 2 Multi-Vials
Lovibond Type 2 Multi-Vials, Includes: Lids, Plastic, Sample Vial, Diameter Inner: 0.39 in., 10mm, Graduations: 5 and 10mL, Quantity: 12 Pack, Shape: Round
Glass Vials, Inc. Glass Sample Vial with TFE-Lined Cap
Flint glass with positive sealing, TFE-lined screw cap
Fisherbrand™ Polyethylene Sample Vials with Hinged Cap
For general-purpose use.
Fisherbrand™ Polystyrene Containers
Ideal for storing dry materials, powders and tablets.
Eisco™ Polypropylene Storage Vial with Screw Cap
Eisco™ Polypropylene Storage Vial with Screw Cap provides leak free storage of liquids, beads, grains or powders and allows visibility of the contents for display or ease of use.
United Scientific™ RIA Vial
Caps and tubes sold separately and are used in radionimmunoassay.
Dynalon™ Tuff Vials
Ideal for leakproof shipping of reagents and buffer solutions, for packaging of serum, veterinary, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceutical and nutraceutical extracts. Dynalon™ Tuff Vials are used with most aromatic compounds and essential oils.
LaMotte™ Caustic Test Kit
Caustic test kit for water boiling, cooling and wastewater.