Cryovial tubes are a common type of consumable in laboratories, often used in conjunction with frozen storage boxes and racks, and placed in liquid nitrogen tanks. Cryovial tubes are generally made of polypropylene material with good stability; the transparency of the tube body is quite high, making it easy to observe samples. Whether in research laboratories, medical diagnostics, or biotechnology fields, cryovial tubes are indispensable tools that ensure the long-term preservation of biological samples and maintain their activity. In this article, let's learn some tips on how to use cryovial tubes!
Check the Material
Cryovial tubes are generally made of non-cytotoxic plastic materials, roughly divided into PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), and PETE (polyvinylidene fluoride). Among these, PP material has better chemical resistance and temperature stability. In a liquid nitrogen gas environment, it can withstand low temperatures down to minus 196 degrees Celsius, making it a "blind buy" choice.
Check the Specifications
Cryovial tubes generally come in specifications of 0.5ml, 1.0ml, 2.0ml, 5.0ml, etc. Typically, 2.0ml cryovial tubes are widely used. However, the appropriate cryovial tube should be selected based on the amount of sample to be stored.
Check the Structure
Cryovial tubes generally consist of a tube cap and tube body and can be categorized into internal threaded caps and external threaded caps. Internal threaded caps are usually used for biological samples stored in liquid nitrogen. The silicone pad at the mouth of the tube enhances the sealing of the cryovial tube, effectively preventing liquid nitrogen from seeping in. External threaded caps are used for storing samples in refrigerators. External threaded caps are convenient for sample labeling and can reduce the chance of contamination during sample handling.
Why do Tubes Explode?
Poor quality cryovial tubes
Cryovial tube caps are not tightened properly, causing liquid nitrogen to seep into the cryovial tube. When the cryovial tube is taken out of the liquid nitrogen tank, the temperature inside the tube increases, leading to rapid vaporization of the liquid nitrogen from liquid to gas. At this time, the cryovial tube cannot expel the excess nitrogen gas in time. The pressure of the nitrogen gas accumulates rapidly within the cryovial tube, and when the tube body cannot withstand the high pressure generated inside, it ruptures, causing the tube to explode.
How to Solve it?
Try to avoid placing cryovial tubes directly into the liquid phase for storage. Instead, place them in the gas phase or simply store them in a refrigerator for freezing.
You can choose high-quality and well-sealed internal threaded cryovial tubes. Structurally, internal threaded cryovial tubes allow nitrogen gas to escape more easily during vaporization than external threaded cryovial tubes, thus preventing tube explosions.
Tighten the caps of the cryovial tubes during freezing as much as possible.
When using, first check whether the cryovial tube is clean and undamaged. If there are any issues, the cryovial tube should be discarded.
When using a cryovial tube to store samples, place the cryovial tube in the gas phase of the liquid nitrogen or in a refrigerator.
Always use safety protective equipment during experiments. It is recommended to wear lab coats and cotton gloves and work on a safe laboratory bench.
