glaskapsel

Glaskapsel, literally a glass capsule, is a small sealed container made of glass used to hold liquids, powders, or other substances for storage, measurement, or administration. In laboratory and pharmaceutical contexts, glass capsules provide a chemically inert, transparent enclosure that allows visual inspection of contents and protects them from environmental exposure. The term is used in Swedish to describe various glass-made enclosures, including ampoules or small vials, depending on form and sealing method.

Construction and materials: Glass capsules are typically made from borosilicate or soda-lime glass. They are colorless or amber to protect light-sensitive contents. Capacities range from fractions of a millilitre to several millilitres, and many are designed to be sealed by fusing the glass at the neck (ampoule-style) or by mechanical closure in the case of cap-like capsules. The glass provides chemical resistance and an impermeable barrier against gases and moisture.

Usage: In laboratories, glass capsules are used to store reference standards, reagents, or samples that require a hermetic seal. In medicine, sterile glass ampoules are used to contain injectable solutions and are opened by breaking the neck just before use. Glass capsules are valued for chemical resistance and impermeability, but are fragile and susceptible to breakage; handling requires protective equipment and proper disposal.

History and alternatives: Glass capsules have been used for centuries, particularly before the widespread adoption of plastic containers. Today they are often replaced by plastic vials or prefilled syringes for many applications, though glass capsules remain in use for certain chemicals, volatile compounds, or high-purity standards, where inertness and impermeability are essential.