Small, capped vials designed to withstand ultra-low temperatures; various capacities; may be sterile, non-sterile, and/or autoclavable; includes internally and externally threaded vials; ideal for sample storage in vapor state liquid nitrogen.

Cryogenic storage in the laboratory is used to preserve samples with liquid nitrogen, a method that requires special products that can tolerate low temperatures without compromising the samples. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology defines cryogenics as related to temperatures below −180°C (−292°F).

Cryogenic storage vials, cryogenic storage tubes, and cell culture cryogenic tubes are designed to safely store samples, and may also be used at general cold-storage temperatures.

Cryogenic vials and tubes have some common characteristics. They are made from non-cytotoxic and non-mutagenic plastic resins and are pyrogen-free. They are sold individually or in bulk packaging and in uncapped or non-sterile varieties for less demanding uses. Sterile tubes meet a SAL of 10-6.

Most cryogenic tubes or vials have screw-style closures that ensure the caps stay on in spite of temperature and air pressure changes. Cryo tubes or vials are available with either internal or external threads. Because the caps fit over the outsides of the tubes, external threads help maintain the sterility of samples.

Some cryogenic storage tubes have round bottoms and others are skirted so they can stand alone. Vials may be sized for specific applications, such as those that need to fit inside long tubes or canes during storage.

In addition, many cryogenic storage tubes come with a writing area on the side of the tube for labeling. Color-coding markers and caps also exist to help organize samples by type, researcher, etc.

Special cryogenic storage canisters are used to contain the liquid nitrogen needed for cryogenic storage.