Storage Vial

Quick Answer: The Storage Vial is a small screw-capped plastic storage vial, typically polypropylene, used to hold small volumes of samples, aliquots, stock solutions and reagents in racks, refrigerators and freezers.

Where a Plain Screw-Cap Vial Fits

Storage vials sit between microcentrifuge tubes and bottles. They are sturdier than a snap-cap microtube and their screw cap reseals cleanly many times, yet they are small enough to rack in dozens. That makes them a practical home for aliquots of buffers and stains, retained reference samples, small solid samples such as seeds or soil sub-samples, and specimens kept in alcohol in biology teaching collections.

The difference from the Storage Vial With O-Ring is the seal. In this plain vial, the cap seals plastic against plastic at the rim and thread. The O-ring version adds an elastomer ring in the cap that fills small gaps, giving better resistance to leakage and evaporation during freezing, transport and long storage. For samples used within days or weeks, kept upright in a rack or a refrigerator, the plain vial does the job and has one less part to clean.

Polypropylene, the usual material for vials of this type, generally resists aqueous solutions, alcohols and dilute acids and alkalis. When aqueous samples are frozen, leave headspace in the vial, as water expands on freezing and can push the cap or split the wall.

Applications

• Splitting a stock solution into aliquots so the main stock is not opened repeatedly.
• Keeping retained samples of liquids in a refrigerator for later re-testing.
• Holding seeds, soil sub-samples or small insects in alcohol for teaching collections.
• Moving small samples between labs inside a closed rack or box.

Care & Handling

• Fill aqueous samples no more than about three-quarters full before freezing.
• Tighten the cap firmly by hand only; overtightening can strip the thread or crack the cap.
• Keep vials upright in a rack or box so liquid does not sit against the plastic-to-plastic seal for long periods.

Specifications

Why Choose LabEquip

Biology teaching labs, research groups and quality-control labs keeping retained samples are the usual buyers of plain storage vials, often by the hundred. Where samples will be frozen for months or shipped, the Storage Vial With O-Ring is the safer seal, and glass screw cap vials suit solvent-based samples. Browse the Lab Glassware category or request a quote from LabEquip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a storage vial and a storage vial with O-ring?

Both are screw-capped plastic vials. The O-ring version has an elastomer ring in the cap that gives a tighter seal against leaks and evaporation, which matters for frozen storage and shipping. The plain vial seals plastic against plastic and suits routine storage in racks and refrigerators.

Can the storage vial be used in a freezer?

Polypropylene vials are commonly kept in −20 °C freezers, but check this vial’s temperature rating before storing it at −80 °C or colder. Leave headspace for expansion, and let frozen vials thaw before unscrewing the caps.

Can samples be stored in liquid nitrogen in this vial?

Not by immersion. Liquid nitrogen can seep past a screw cap into a vial held in the liquid phase and then expand violently as the vial warms, which can make it burst. Use vials rated for liquid nitrogen, stored in the vapour phase or in protective sleeves.

Is the vial suitable for alcohol-preserved specimens?

Polypropylene generally resists ethanol and isopropanol, so it is a common choice for small specimens kept in alcohol. Close the cap firmly and check the level from time to time, as alcohol can slowly evaporate through a plastic-to-plastic seal over long periods.

Can the vials be autoclaved?

Polypropylene vials are generally autoclavable at 121 °C, but check the rating of this vial first. Autoclave with the caps loosened or off, and tighten them only after the vials have cooled.

How should the vials be labelled?

Label the vial body rather than only the cap, because caps can be swapped when several vials are open. Use a marker or label that tolerates the storage conditions, such as cold, condensation or alcohol, and include the sample name, date and your initials.

Last Updated: September 2026