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
Fisherbrand™ Polystyrene Sample Vials
High-impact, fast-flow polystyrene single-use sample vials for automated blood cell counters
Thermo Scientific™ National Glass Screw-Thread Sample Vials with Open-Top Caps and Septa
Thermo Scientific™ National Glass Screw-Thread Sample Vials with Open-Top Caps and Septa include shrink-wrapped vials and separately packaged caps and septa.
Thermo Scientific™ SUN-SRi™ High Recovery Vials
Combine large sample capacities while eliminating waste
Thermo Scientific™ SUN-SRi™ VOA Vials, Clear
Clear borosilicate glass
DWK Life Sciences Wheaton™ Glass Sample Vials in Vial File™: PROMO
Vial File provides a compact, easily accessible means of sample storage
DWK Life Sciences KIMBLE™ KONTES™ Conical Vial
KIMBLE™ KONTES™ Conical Vial features a cone-shaped bottom design for improved heat transfer and maximum content retrieval. Threaded outer joint is compatible with standard taper 14/10 microscale apparatus. Available in 10mL capacity.
Qorpak™ Clear Borosilicate Vials, Ultra Clean
Offer maximum visibility
Bel-Art™ Sample Vials, Captive Closure
Friction-fit, captive closures are easy to open and close with a flick of the thumb.
MedSchenker™ Disposable Culture Tube
The MedSchenker™ Disposable Culture Tubes are translucent, hold up to 10 mL of liquid, are practically unbreakable and can withstand high temperatures during testing. They also feature our CQ-Lock™ screw cap, for a secure locking mechanism that ensures safe transport.
Fisherbrand™ Clear Glass Threaded Vials with Closures Attached
General-purpose vials.
Globe Scientific Self-Standing Tubes with Screw Caps
Store and transport biological materials safety