Cryovials

Cryovials are small, sealed containers designed for storing biological materials at cryogenic temperatures. They are commonly made from medical-grade polypropylene, though glass versions exist, and typically range in volume from about 0.5 to 5 milliliters (with 1.8–2 mL being especially common). Closures are usually screw-cap caps with silicone O-rings or snap-cap caps, engineered to provide a leak-tight seal and to be compatible with automated storage systems. Many cryovials feature exterior threading for secure attachment to racks and have labeling areas or space for barcodes.

Sterility and quality control are important attributes of cryovials. They are manufactured sterile and certified DNase/RNase-free and pyrogen-free, often sterilized by gamma irradiation or ethylene oxide. Packaging is designed to maintain aseptic conditions until use.

Storage and handling: Cryovials are used in both liquid nitrogen storage (wet storage) and vapor-phase storage, with temperatures typically around −196 °C or lower. They are built to withstand rapid temperature changes and freeze-thaw cycles, though best practice minimizes these cycles to protect sample integrity. Proper labeling and unique identifiers are essential, as is compatibility with storage racks and cryogenic freezers.

Reusability and usage guidelines: Most cryovials are intended for single-use, with re-sterilization not generally recommended due to potential material degradation. In practice, many laboratories replace vials when sourcing or sterility is uncertain.

Applications: They are widely used in biobanking, cell culture, genetic material storage, tissue samples, and protein samples, serving clinical laboratories, academic research, and industry.

Overall, cryovials provide a compact, sterile, and durable solution for maintaining biological samples at ultra-low temperatures.