Cryo Tubes (0.5–10 mL) for Cryogenic Sample Storage

Cryo tubes for secure storage of biological samples under ultra-low temperature conditions.
Designed for −80 °C freezers and vapor-phase liquid nitrogen environments commonly used in cryogenic sample preservation.
For pricing details or configuration consultation, please contact our team.

Not sure which cryo tube configuration fits your workflow?
Read our Cryo Tube Selection Guide for practical guidance on volume selection, thread design, and sealing options.

Have any questions?

Product Details

Product Info

Kelabscience cryo tubes are designed for the secure, long-term storage of biological samples under ultra-low temperature conditions commonly encountered in laboratory and biobanking workflows. Manufactured from medical-grade polypropylene, these tubes provide reliable performance for routine −80 °C storage and vapor-phase liquid nitrogen environments.

A range of standard nominal volumes is available to support different sample types and storage requirements. Multiple configuration options—including internal or external thread designs, optional O-ring sealing, and various base formats—allow cryo tubes to be selected according to handling preferences, storage duration, and workflow needs.

Cryo tubes are produced with controlled molding tolerances to ensure consistent dimensions and dependable sealing across standard production batches. Clear graduations and designated writing areas support routine sample identification and laboratory documentation. Sterile and non-sterile options may be available depending on configuration.

For cryogenic applications, the recommended working volume is lower than the nominal tube capacity to allow sufficient headspace for thermal expansion during freezing. Cryo tubes are intended for use in −80 °C freezers and vapor-phase liquid nitrogen storage. Liquid-phase liquid nitrogen immersion is not recommended unless explicitly specified.

Packaging formats, sealing components, sterility, and cap color availability may vary by volume and configuration. For specific application requirements or non-standard configurations, please contact us for further discussion.

Cryo tubes are part of our broader range of cryogenic storage products designed for laboratory and biobanking applications.

Specification

Base SKUs

The following configurations represent the standard, long-term supply formats for routine cryogenic storage workflows.

SKU Code* Product Description Nominal Volume Recommended Working Volume
CT-05 Cryo Tube 0.5 mL ≤ 0.4 mL
CT-15 Cryo Tube 1.5 mL ≤ 1.2 mL
CT-20 Cryo Tube 2.0 mL ≤ 1.6 mL
CT-50 Cryo Tube 5.0 mL ≤ 4.0 mL
CT-100 Cryo Tube 10.0 mL ≤ 8.0 mL

*SKU codes are used for internal reference and quotation purposes.

Design & Configuration Options

(Available depending on application and storage requirements)

Thread & Closure Design

  • Internal thread – Compact profile suitable for space-efficient storage and reduced external ice formation

  • External thread – Robust sealing design suitable for routine handling and long-term storage

Closure options

  • Screw cap

  • Hinged (attached) cap


Sealing Configuration

  • With O-ring – Provides enhanced leak resistance for long-term cryogenic storage

  • Without O-ring – Suitable for routine storage applications

O-ring availability may vary depending on volume and thread design.

Base Design

  • Freestanding – Self-standing design for stable bench handling

  • Conical bottom – Facilitates complete sample recovery

  • Flat bottom – Stable positioning in racks and storage boxes

  • Hexagonal base – Anti-rolling design to improve handling safety

Sterility

  • Sterile

  • Non-sterile

Packaging

Standard packaging formats may include:

  • Bulk packaging

  • Racked packaging

Packaging configurations may be adjusted to support inventory management and procurement practices.

Professional Notes

Cryo tubes are manufactured from medical-grade polypropylene suitable for ultra-low temperature storage applications.

The recommended working volume is lower than the nominal tube capacity to allow sufficient headspace for thermal expansion during freezing.

Cryo tubes are designed for storage at −80 °C and vapor-phase liquid nitrogen conditions. Liquid-phase liquid nitrogen immersion is not recommended unless explicitly specified.

Dimensional tolerances, sealing components, and packaging formats are controlled across standard production batches to ensure consistency.

Configuration Availability & Scope Clarification

The specifications above summarize the standard cryo tube configurations supplied for routine laboratory and biobanking workflows.

Cryo tubes are supplied as standard in polypropylene (PP), which is widely used for cryogenic storage due to its chemical resistance and low-temperature stability.

Variations in thread design, sealing configuration, base design, sterility, packaging format, or cap color may be discussed for specific applications upon request.

Cryo tubes with nominal volumes above 10 mL, containers intended for liquid-phase liquid nitrogen immersion, or products designed for chemical-resistant or high-pressure applications are not part of the standard product range.
For such requirements, please contact us to discuss availability and application details.

FAQ

What is the difference between internal and external thread cryo tubes?

Internal and external thread designs mainly differ in external profile and handling preference. Internal thread tubes have a more compact exterior, which can be beneficial for high-density storage. External thread tubes are often easier to open and close when wearing gloves. Sealing performance depends on the overall tube design, including proper closure and the presence of an O-ring, rather than thread type alone.

Can these cryo tubes be used in liquid nitrogen storage systems?

Cryo tubes are designed for storage at −80 °C and for use in vapor-phase liquid nitrogen environments, which are commonly used in cryogenic storage systems. Direct immersion in liquid-phase liquid nitrogen is not recommended unless the specific configuration is explicitly specified for such use.

What working volume should be used for cryogenic storage?

For cryogenic storage, the recommended working volume is lower than the nominal tube capacity. Allowing sufficient headspace helps accommodate thermal expansion during freezing and reduces the risk of leakage or tube deformation.

Are the cryo tubes sterile and suitable for molecular biology applications?

Sterile and non-sterile options may be available depending on configuration. When supplied as sterile, cryo tubes are suitable for routine molecular biology and laboratory storage applications. Availability of sterility, as well as DNase/RNase-free specifications, may vary by product configuration.

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