Lab vials

Introduction

Lab vials are the small containers, typically made of the glass or the plastic, used for the storage, the sampling, and the analysis of the liquids and the solids in the laboratory, and they are used in the chemistry, the biology, the clinical, the pharmaceutical, and the research laboratories. The lab vials are available in various types and sizes, including the screw cap vials, the crimp top vials, the snap cap vials, and the sample vials, with the various volumes, from the micro vials to the large vials, and they are made of the materials, such as the borosilicate glass, the soda-lime glass, and the polypropylene, and they may include the features such as the graduation, the marking, and the septa in the caps, which allow the sampling with the syringes; the lab vials are used for the storage of the samples, for the collection of the samples, for the analysis in the chromatographs and the spectrometers, for the storage of the reagents, for the storage of the standards, for the transport of the samples, and for many other applications, and they are available with the various caps and the closures, which provide the sealing and the protection of the contents; the lab vials are essential consumables in the laboratory. Lab vials are used in the analytical laboratories, in the clinical laboratories, in the pharmaceutical industry, in the research institutions, and for many other applications. With their containers, lab vials are essential for the sample storage and the analysis.

Cryogenic Vial LCRV-T2010

Cryogenic Vial is a 4.0 mL polypropylene vial designed for secure cryogenic storage of biological specimens. Its self-standing format supports hands-free handling during freezing or thaw...

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Standards

ISO 3819:2015-Laboratory glassware-Beakers

ISO 4787:2021-Laboratory glass and plastic ware-Volumetric instruments-Methods for testing of capacity and for use

Complies with the above standards, but is not limited to them.

Features

1. Lab vials for general laboratory storage, sampling and analysis of liquids, solids and biological specimens.

2. Glass or plastic vials with screw caps, available in various volumes (0.5-100 mL), materials and closure types.

3. Suitable for analytical chemistry, environmental, pharmaceutical, food, clinical and research laboratory use.

4. Includes vials, caps (with/without liners), optional septa for autosampler use, and product documentation.

5. Supports sample collection, storage, transport, derivatization and analysis on GC/HPLC autosamplers.

FAQ

Q1: What testing scenarios are these vials mainly applied to?

A: Lab vials are used in analytical chemistry, environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical, food, clinical, and research laboratories for collection, storage, transport, and analysis of liquid and solid samples, serving as the primary container for samples going into analytical instruments (GC, HPLC, LC-MS) or for general sample archival. They support analytical chemistry (GC/HPLC autosampler vials (2 mL, 12x32 mm, with septum caps - standard for gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography; sample is injected directly from vial by autosampler needle; requires proper septum (PTFE/silicone) to prevent coring/leakage), sample preparation (derivatization, extraction, dilution in vials), reagent storage, standard solutions), environmental (water sampling (VOC vials with PTFE-lined septum, no headspace for volatile organics; preserved with acid/bisulfate), soil/sediment samples, wastewater, air sampling sorbent tubes (related but different), sample transport to lab), pharmaceutical (QC sample storage, reference standard solutions, stability samples, dissolution testing samples, content uniformity; sterile vials for injectables (glass vials with aluminum crimp seals - pharmaceutical primary packaging)), food and beverage (food sampling (residue testing, flavor analysis), beverage QC, packaging testing), clinical (blood/urine collection tubes (related but often specific vacutainers), specimen storage, drug testing, toxicology), and research/general (chemical storage, sample archival, reaction vials (small-scale synthesis), culturing (some vials), field sampling). Lab vials come in many types: (1) Autosampler vials: 1.5-2 mL, 12x32 mm (standard) or 15x45 mm, glass or plastic, with screw cap or crimp cap and PTFE/silicone septum - for GC/HPLC. (2) Sample/storage vials: 4-60 mL, glass or PP, screw cap with liner (PTFE, foil, pulp) - for general storage/sampling. (3) Scintillation vials: 20 mL glass/PP, with cap - for liquid scintillation counting (radioactivity). (4) Glass culture vials: sterile, for microbiology. (5) Weighing vials: aluminum or glass, for weighing. (6) EPA/VOA vials: 40 mL glass, PTFE-lined septum, for volatile organic analysis. Materials: Glass (borosilicate - chemical resistance, transparent, inert; Type I borosilicate for critical; amber glass for light-sensitive samples) or plastic (PP - durable, disposable, cheaper; HDPE for general; PTFE for trace metals/corrosive). Closures: Screw cap (most common, reusable), crimp cap (aluminum, tamper-evident, for pharma/autosampler), snap cap (quick, less secure). Liners/septa: PTFE (chemical resistance), silicone (self-sealing, for needle penetration), PTFE/silicone laminate (best for autosampler - PTFE facing sample, silicone for resealing), foil, pulp. This is a consumable product - FAQ focuses on selection, use, compatibility, and quality.

Q2: What standards do these vials comply with?

A: Lab vials follow relevant ISO, ASTM, USP, FDA and GB/T standards including ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 13485 (medical devices - if clinical/IVD), USP <661> (plastic materials of construction), USP <660> (glass containers for pharmaceuticals), USP <381> (elastomeric closures - for septa/liners), FDA 21 CFR (if pharmaceutical primary packaging - cGMP, food contact), ASTM D4396 (standard specification for precleaned glassware for organic analysis? actually EPA protocols), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) protocols for sampling containers (e.g., EPA Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) vials for VOCs, semi-volatiles), and GB/T standards for lab glassware/plasticware. The product complies with applicable material standards (Type I borosilicate glass per ASTM E438/ISO 3585; PP per USP <661>), cleanliness (precleaned/washed options for trace analysis - certified residue-free), sterility (if sterile: gamma/e-beam or autoclaved, SAL 10^-6), and leak-tightness (closure validation). For pharmaceutical primary packaging (injectable vials), follow USP <660> (glass), USP <381> (elastomeric closures), cGMP, and container closure integrity testing (CCIT). For environmental sampling, follow EPA/CLP container specifications (VOA vials with PTFE-lined septum, precleaned, preserved). For autosampler vials, follow instrument manufacturer specifications (size, cap type, septum material - e.g., Agilent, Waters, Thermo use standard 12x32 mm). For food contact, follow FDA 21 CFR 175-179 and EU 10/2011. For regulated labs (ISO 17025, GMP), maintain lot traceability and CoA (certificate of analysis) records. For sterile vials, check expiration date.

Q3: What is the warranty period for vials and key components?

A: Lab vials are consumables/disposables - typically no warranty beyond freedom from defects in materials/workmanship upon receipt (manufacturer warranty against defects, often 1 year from purchase for unopened packaging; sterile vials have sterility expiration (3-5 years if unopened)). The vials, caps, and liners/septa are generally single-use (reusing can compromise cleanliness, sterility, and seal integrity; glass vials can be washed/reused for non-critical work but not for trace analysis or sterile use). Damage from improper use (using wrong cap/septum, over-tightening (breaks vial/cracks cap), autoclaving non-autoclavable plastic, using glass vials with incompatible chemicals (HF etches glass), thermal shock (hot glass + cold liquid), septum coring (dull needle, wrong septum material) is not covered. Sterility expires - do not use expired sterile vials for critical applications. For bulk purchases, inspect shipment for damage (broken vials, crushed boxes) upon receipt and report within warranty period. Septa have a limited shelf life (silicone can degrade/oxidize over years - check manufacturer expiration; PTFE is more stable).

Q4: Is this product difficult to use? Is professional training required?

A: Use is straightforward for lab personnel. No professional training required for basic use, but proper selection (material, cap, liner) and technique (for autosampler, sterile work) is important. We provide product documentation. Proper use (select appropriate vial (material: glass (borosilicate for most organics, aqueous; amber for light-sensitive; plastic (PP) for general/disposable, trace metals (avoid glass leaching), HF (use PTFE/PP); volume: match to sample and instrument (2 mL autosampler standard, 40 mL VOA, etc.); closure: screw cap (general, reusable), crimp (pharma, tamper-evident), snap (quick); liner/septum: PTFE (chemical resistance, no needle penetration), silicone (needle penetration, reseals), PTFE/silicone laminate (autosampler - best of both), foil/pulp (general storage)), sample preparation (fill vial appropriately: for autosampler, fill to 80-90% (needle reaches sample; too little = no injection; too much = no headspace, pressure issues); for VOC analysis: fill completely (no headspace) to prevent volatile loss; for headspace GC: leave headspace (typically 1:1 ratio); do not overfill screw vials (expansion), cap closure (screw cap: hand-tight (do not over-tighten - can crack glass vial or strip cap); crimp cap: use decapper/crimper to seal aluminum cap (proper crimp = no rotation, no gaps); ensure liner/septum is seated correctly (not folded, damaged)), labeling (label vial with sample ID, date, analyst; use labels compatible with solvent (some labels dissolve in organic solvents; use solvent-resistant labels or write directly on glass with marker), for autosampler: place in tray in correct orientation (cap up, septum intact; check for bubbles), storage (store at appropriate temperature (room temp, 4 C, -20 C, -80 C - verify vial material rating; glass is fine at most temps; PP becomes brittle below -20; for cryo use cryovials, not general lab vials), protect light-sensitive samples in amber vials or dark cabinet; store volatile samples with proper septum and upright), use in instrument (for GC/HPLC: verify septum integrity (dull needles cause coring - replace needle; coring = pieces of septum fall into sample, cause blockage/injection issues); for headspace: verify vial can withstand pressure (headspace vials are thicker glass, crimp-sealed; do not use regular screw vials for high-temp headspace (can leak/explode)), post-use (dispose of single-use vials properly (broken glass = sharps; chemical residue = hazardous waste; recycle clean glass if possible), for reusable glass vials: wash with detergent, rinse with DI, acid wash for trace metals, bake (for organics), but never reuse for critical trace analysis or sterile work), maintenance (for users: no maintenance for disposable vials; for crimpers/decappers: lubricate/adjust periodically), safety (GLASS HAZARD (glass vials can break - handle carefully; broken glass = sharps, dispose in broken glass container; do not use chipped/cracked vials (can fail under pressure/heat), CHEMICAL (samples may be hazardous (solvents, acids, toxic compounds) - wear PPE (gloves, goggles, lab coat); work in fume hood for volatile/toxic samples; verify vial material compatibility (HF etches glass - use PTFE/PP; strong bases at high temp etch borosilicate; some solvents attack PP), PRESSURE (headspace vials under pressure at high temp - use only rated headspace vials with proper crimp seal; do not heat regular screw vials (can leak/rupture); do not overfill), CONTAMINATION (for trace analysis: use precleaned certified vials; do not touch inside of vial or septum with fingers (oil, contaminants); use gloves; for sterile work: use sterile vials, work in biosafety cabinet, do not touch rim/septum), SEPTUM CORING (autosampler needles can core PTFE/silicone septa - use sharp needles, proper septum (PTFE/silicone laminate), replace vial if septum is damaged; coring causes injection problems and contamination), WASTE DISPOSAL (vials with chemical residue are hazardous waste - do not throw in regular trash; collect and dispose per EHS regulations; empty vials with no residue may be recycled/regular trash per local rules), do not autoclave plastic vials unless rated (PP can be autoclaved (121 C) but may deform; HDPE cannot; check manufacturer), do not use damaged septa (leaks, contamination), for pharmaceutical injectable vials: follow cGMP, container closure integrity, do not reuse, for field sampling: follow chain-of-custody procedures, proper preservation (acid, bisulfate, cold), and holding times) are important for proper lab vial use.

Q5: What is the typical lead-time for order delivery?

A: Standard models require 7-30 working days. In-stock units can ship within 3-7 working days. Custom configurations or large built-to-order systems may require additional time, and we confirm the exact schedule before order confirmation.

Q6: Is regular calibration required? What is the recommended calibration cycle?

A: Lab vials are disposable consumables - no calibration required. However, for critical applications (trace analysis, pharmaceutical QC, environmental compliance), verify each lot upon receipt: inspect packaging integrity, check cleanliness certification (precleaned vials have CoA for residue levels), check sterility expiration (if sterile), and perform fit check with caps/instrument. For analytical methods, vial quality can affect results (background contamination, adsorption, leaching) - include vial blanks in method validation (run empty vial blanks to check for contamination; check analyte adsorption to glass/PP for certain compounds (e.g., proteins adsorb to glass, some organics adsorb to PP)). For autosampler use, verify septum quality (coring test) and vial dimensions fit instrument. For storage equipment (refrigerators, freezers) holding vials: calibrate/monitor separately. Vials themselves are single-use, no recalibration. For GMP/pharmaceutical use, include vial lot qualification in method validation (extractables/leachables per USP <661>/PQRI, container closure integrity).

Q7: Are supporting consumables universal?

A: Lab vials are somewhat standardized (2 mL autosampler vials 12x32 mm are universal across Agilent, Waters, Thermo, etc.; 40 mL VOA vials are standard EPA format), but caps, septa, and liners must match vial thread/finish (screw thread sizes: 8-425 for 2 mL autosampler, 13-425 for 4 mL, 24-400 for 40 mL; crimp sizes: 11 mm for 2 mL, 20 mm for headspace), septa/liners (PTFE, silicone, PTFE/silicone - specific to cap size; universal if size matches), crimpers/decappers (specific to cap size (11 mm, 13 mm, 20 mm) - use matching tool), vial racks/trays (specific to vial size and instrument), and labels (solvent-resistant, cryo) are available from lab supply companies. Vials and caps from different brands are generally compatible if same size/thread, but for critical autosampler use, OEM or certified compatible is recommended (dimension tolerances can affect autosampler handling). Long-term consumable cost: vials are single-use (cost $0.05-$2 each depending on material/sterile/certified); ongoing purchase for sample analysis.

Q8: Can I customize parameters or supporting accessories?

A: Customization includes volume (0.3 mL (micro-insert for 2 mL vial), 1.5/2 mL (autosampler), 4 mL, 8 mL, 15 mL, 20 mL (scintillation), 30 mL, 40 mL (VOA), 60 mL, 100 mL+), material (glass: Type I borosilicate (clear), amber (light-sensitive), soda-lime (cheaper, less resistant); plastic: PP (polypropylene, autoclavable, durable), HDPE (general, flexible), PTFE (Teflon, for HF/trace metals, expensive), COC (cyclic olefin copolymer, high clarity)), closure (screw cap (PP, phenolic, with liner), crimp cap (aluminum, with septum, for pharma/headspace/autosampler), snap cap (PE, quick), septum (PTFE/silicone laminate, PTFE only, silicone only, butyl rubber (for pharma injectables)), liner (PTFE, foil, pulp, rubber), finish/sterility (non-sterile (general), sterile (gamma/autoclave, for clinical/cell), precleaned/certified (for trace organic/metal analysis - CoA, baked/acid-washed), RNase/DNase-free (molecular biology), pyrogen-free), shape (round bottom, flat bottom (self-standing), conical (micro-inserts)), packaging (bulk (bags, non-sterile), racked (in 96/100-place trays, for autosampler), pre-capped (convenient), certified clean (individual wrap)), accessories (micro-inserts (for small sample volumes in 2 mL vials), vial racks/trays, crimpers/decappers, caps/septa (bulk), labels (solvent-resistant, cryo), filling beads (for headspace), certifications (CE, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, FDA, USP, EPA/CLP compliant, sterile expiration), language and documentation. Additional caps, inserts, and accessories can be ordered separately.

Q9: Does the purchase include on-site installation and commissioning service?

A: Standard delivery includes lab vials, caps (attached or separate), and product documentation (CoA if certified/sterile). On-site installation is NOT applicable for consumable vials (no installation - open package and use). On-site training is not included for standard orders. For GMP implementation or analytical method setup: consulting can be arranged at additional cost (vial selection, extractables/leachables, container closure integrity, autosampler compatibility). Always inspect shipment for damage, verify certifications/expiration, and use within expiration for sterile/certified vials.

Q10: What types of samples are compatible with these vials?

A: Lab vials handle various samples including aqueous solutions (water, buffers, reagents - glass or PP), organic solvents (methanol, acetonitrile, hexane, toluene - glass (borosilicate) preferred; PP may be attacked by some solvents (toluene, xylene) - verify), acids/bases (dilute acids/bases - glass or PP; HF - PTFE/PP only (HF etches glass); concentrated bases at high temp - PP/PTFE (etches glass)), biological samples (blood, serum, urine, saliva, cell culture media - sterile plastic or glass; protein samples may adsorb to glass - use PP or silanized glass), environmental samples (water, wastewater, soil extracts, VOCs - use appropriate vial (VOA for VOCs with PTFE septum, precleaned for trace)), pharmaceutical solutions (APIs, formulations, reference standards - Type I glass, sterile if injectable), food/beverage extracts, and solid samples (powders, granules - wide-mouth vials easier). NOT compatible with: Hydrofluoric acid (HF) in glass (etches glass rapidly - use PTFE or PP vials), strong bases (NaOH, KOH) at high temperature/concentration in glass (etches borosilicate over time - use PP/PTFE or limit exposure), samples requiring high-temperature/pressure (headspace GC at >100 C - use thick-walled headspace vials with crimp seal; regular screw vials can leak/rupture), samples that attack plastic (some organic solvents (toluene, xylene, THF) can swell/weaken PP and HDPE - use glass; verify compatibility), light-sensitive samples in clear vials (use amber glass or wrap in foil; some compounds degrade in light), radioactive samples (need special containment/shielding - not standard vials), and samples larger than vial volume (do not overfill - use larger vial; for autosampler, fill to 80-90%). For GC/HPLC autosampler: use 2 mL vials with proper septum (PTFE/silicone); ensure vial fits instrument tray. For headspace: use 10/20 mL headspace vials (thick glass, 20 mm crimp) - do not use regular vials. For volatile organics (EPA): use 40 mL VOA vials with PTFE-lined septum, fill zero headspace, preserve per method. IMPORTANT: Lab vial fundamentals: (1) What is a lab vial? A small container (glass or plastic) with a closure, used to hold, store, transport, and analyze laboratory samples. Ranges from <1 mL to >100 mL. The most common in analytical labs is the 2 mL autosampler vial (12x32 mm) for GC/HPLC. (2) Materials: - Borosilicate glass (Type I): Gold standard for analytical use. Chemically resistant (acids, solvents, water), transparent, inert, low extractables. Can be amber for light-sensitive samples. Expensive, breakable. - Soda-lime glass: Cheaper, less chemical/thermal resistance. For general non-critical storage. - Polypropylene (PP): Durable, unbreakable, disposable, cheap. Autoclavable (121 C). Good for aqueous, acids, bases. Poor for some organic solvents (toluene, xylene swell PP). Becomes brittle at low temp (<-20). - HDPE: Flexible, good for general storage, squeezable. Not autoclavable. - PTFE (Teflon): Ultimate chemical resistance (HF, strong bases, solvents). Expensive, opaque, for critical/trace use. - COC (cyclic olefin): High clarity, low extractables, for molecular biology. (3) Closures and liners: - Screw cap: Most common. Reusable. Thread sizes standardized (8-425, 13-425, 24-400). - Crimp cap: Aluminum, requires crimper/decapper. Tamper-evident, secure. For pharma injectables and headspace/autosampler. - Snap cap: Quick, less secure. For scintillation, general. - Liner/septum: - PTFE: Chemical resistant, but does not reseal after needle puncture (for storage, no injection). - Silicone: Self-sealing, good for needle penetration, but less chemical resistant, can adsorb analytes. - PTFE/silicone laminate: PTFE facing sample (chemical resistance), silicone backing (resealing). Best for autosampler vials. - Butyl rubber: For pharma injectables (excellent resealing, low permeability). - Foil/pulp: For general dry storage. (4) Autosampler vials (GC/HPLC): - Standard: 12x32 mm, 1.5-2 mL volume, 8-425 screw thread or 11 mm crimp. - Fill: 80-90% (needle reaches; leave small headspace). - Septum: PTFE/silicone laminate (prevents coring, reseals). - Pre-slit septa: For easy needle penetration, but may leak volatile samples. - Micro-inserts: For small sample volumes (<0.5 mL) placed inside 2 mL vial (conical or flat bottom with polymer feet). - Racked: In 96/100-place trays for autosampler. - Wide mouth vs standard: Standard narrow mouth for autosampler. (5) Headspace vials: - For GC headspace analysis (volatile compounds in sample headspace). - Thick-walled glass (withstands pressure at elevated temp, 60-180 C). - 10 mL or 20 mL, 20 mm crimp seal (aluminum cap with septum). - Fill: typically 50% (sample:headspace ratio ~1:1, optimized per method). - Must be properly crimped (no leaks) - pressure builds during heating. - Do NOT use regular screw vials for headspace (can leak/rupture). (6) VOA (Volatile Organic Analysis) vials: - EPA/CLP standard for volatile organic compounds in water/soil. - 40 mL (or 20 mL) glass, 24-400 screw cap with PTFE-lined silicone septum. - Precleaned (certified, baked). - Fill zero headspace (completely full, no air gap) to prevent volatile loss. - Preserved per method (e.g., HCl to pH<2, ascorbic acid for residual chlorine). - Used for EPA 8260 (VOCs by GC-MS), 5021, etc. (7) Scintillation vials: - 20 mL (or 6 mL, 22 mL), glass or PP, with screw cap. - For liquid scintillation counting (radioactive samples in scintillation cocktail). - Low potassium glass (for low background) or PP. - Some have solvent-resistant liners. (8) Common errors: - Wrong material (glass for HF -> etches; PP for toluene -> swells; verify compatibility). - Wrong septum for autosampler (PTFE-only septum cores and does not reseal; use PTFE/silicone laminate). - Overfilling autosampler vial (no headspace -> pressure, injection issues; or underfilling -> needle does not reach). - Over-tightening screw caps (cracks glass vial, strips cap - hand-tight). - Using regular vials for headspace (leak/rupture under pressure - use headspace vials). - Not preserving VOC samples (zero headspace, preservative, cold - volatiles lost). - Reusing vials for trace analysis (contamination - use precleaned certified, single-use). - Touching septum/inside vial with fingers (contamination - gloves, handle by outside). - Dull autosampler needle (cores septum -> pieces in sample, blockage - replace needle). - Using clear vial for light-sensitive samples (degradation - amber glass or foil). - Ignoring sterility expiration (for sterile/clinical work - use within date). - Storing PP vials at -80 C (becomes brittle, cracks - use cryovials for cryo). (9) Choosing the right vial: - Analytical (GC/HPLC): 2 mL 12x32 mm, Type I borosilicate, PTFE/silicone septum, screw or crimp cap. - Headspace GC: 10/20 mL thick headspace vial, 20 mm crimp, PTFE/silicone. - VOC (EPA): 40 mL VOA, PTFE-lined, precleaned, zero headspace. - General storage: 4-60 mL, glass or PP, screw cap with liner. - Sterile/clinical: Sterile Type I glass or PP, tamper-evident, expiration date. - Light-sensitive: Amber glass. - HF/corrosive: PTFE or PP. - Trace metals: PTFE or PP (avoid glass leaching), precleaned, acid-washed. - Small volume: Micro-insert in 2 mL vial, or 0.3 mL vial. - Field sampling: Precleaned, preserved, chain-of-custody compatible. (10) This is a consumable, not an instrument. Features describe product attributes; FAQ covers selection, use, safety, compatibility. No calibration/installation in the instrument sense - addressed as consumable-specific (lot verification, CoA, sterility expiration).