Cryovial tube is a cylindrical container designed for the storage of biological materials at low temperatures. They are typically made of polypropylene and have a screw cap.
The key to a good seal is having the same material for the cap and tube. Different materials will shrink and expand at different rates, which can lead to gaps that might contaminate the sample inside.
Size
Cryovial tubes are designed to store biological material at extremely low temperatures. They are autoclavable, preventing contamination and providing a safe storage environment. They are made from polypropylene, which is an excellent material for storing samples at cryogenic temperatures. They are also available in a variety of sizes to suit your application.
The rounded design of the caps and base allow for one-handed opening. This makes it easy to load and remove the caps when pipetting. Additionally, the star-foot bottom on these Maxxline cryo tubes prevents them from shifting while in transit or during freezer storage. These features make it easier to work with these tubes, reducing the risk of sample leakage and contamination.
Material
A cryogenic tube has to be constructed of a material that can endure the extreme physical stress associated with the freezing and thawing process. Most materials break down at these extremely low temperatures but polyethylene has been formulated to withstand the stress of multiple freezing and thawing cycles without degradation.
The caps and tubes are made from the same material with the same coefficient of expansion which enhances the positive seal between cap and vial at different temperatures. This prevents gaps and leakage that could otherwise compromise sample security.
Safety
Using the right safety equipment in the laboratory is crucial to minimizing the risk of contamination. For instance, when working with frozen sections of potentially infectious human or animal tissue, it is important to use a tuberculocidal hospital disinfectant before and after handling the tissues. Similarly, it is also important to use disposable knife blades and to sterilize the cryostat before and after using it with different solutions for staining.