Vial

Vials for Diagnostics, Research and Sample Storage

A vial is a small, closable container used to hold, process or store liquid samples and reagents. In laboratories, vials are used for immunoassay testing, sample aliquoting, short-term storage and long-term frozen storage. This range of lab vials covers RIA vials, cryo vials and multipurpose storage vials from brands including Curdia, Tarsons, Accufine, Alpha, Astra Bioscience, Buy Well and Medilytic Biomedicals. Pathology labs, hospital laboratories and research facilities can compare materials, sizes and pack quantities in one place alongside other diagnostics supplies.

 

Types of Laboratory Vials

RIA Vials

RIA vials are small round-bottom tubes originally designed for radioimmunoassay (RIA), a technique that measures hormones, drugs and other substances using a radiolabelled antigen and a gamma counter. Today they are widely used for other immunoassays, serum and plasma aliquots, sample dilutions and general small-volume work. The most common size is 12 x 75 mm, which holds approximately 5 mL. Shorter 12 x 40 mm vials are also made, and 12 mm caps are available to close them.

 

Cryo Vials

Cryo vials (cryogenic vials) are screw-cap polypropylene vials built to withstand ultra-low temperatures. They are used to store cells, serum, plasma and other biological samples in -80°C freezers or in liquid nitrogen. Look for a leak-resistant cap, a writable marking area and a self-standing base. The Curdia cryo vial is one option in this range.

 

Multipurpose Storage Vials

Multipurpose PP vials are general-use containers for storing, transporting and organising reagents and samples at room temperature or under refrigeration. They suit routine laboratory storage where cryogenic performance is not required.

 

PP vs PS RIA Vials: Which Material to Choose

RIA vials are made from polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS). The right material depends on how the vial will be processed and whether the sample needs to be clearly visible.

Property	Polypropylene (PP)	Polystyrene (PS)
Clarity	Translucent	Glass-clear, good for visual inspection
Autoclaving	Autoclavable	Not autoclavable
Chemical resistance	Resistant to most laboratory chemicals and solvents	Suitable for aqueous samples and mild acids or bases; not for organic solvents
Centrifugation	Generally tolerates higher g-force	Lower g-force tolerance; check the rated RCF
Typical use	Work that needs autoclaving or solvent contact; amber PP for light-sensitive samples	Immunoassays and work where clear visibility of the sample matters

 

How to Choose the Right Vial

Selecting laboratory vials comes down to the sample, the process and the storage conditions. Before ordering, check the following:

• Material: PP for autoclaving and chemical resistance, PS for clarity. Choose amber vials for light-sensitive samples.
• Size and volume: 12 x 75 mm is the standard for RIA work and fits common 12 mm racks and counter carriers. Shorter vials suit smaller volumes.
• Closure: press-fit or snap caps for short-term handling, screw caps for transport and frozen storage. Check whether caps are included or sold separately.
• Temperature range: use cryo vials for -80°C or liquid nitrogen storage. Standard RIA and storage vials are not designed for cryogenic use.
• Centrifugation: confirm the manufacturer's rated g-force if the vials will be spun.
• Sterility and purity: choose sterile or certified contaminant-free vials (for example DNase, RNase or pyrogen free) for sensitive bioanalytical work.
• Compatibility: ensure the vial fits your racks, centrifuge adapters, gamma counter or analyser carriers.
• Pack size and documentation: compare cost per vial across pack sizes and ask for lot numbers or certificates of analysis where your quality system requires them.

 

Comparing RIA Vial Brands and Prices

There is no single best RIA vial for every laboratory. Brands differ in material, dimensional consistency, cap fit, clarity and pack size, so the most suitable option depends on your assay, equipment and testing volume. RIA vial prices in India are driven mainly by material (PP or PS), size, whether caps are included, sterility and the number of vials per pack. For high-volume testing, comparing the cost per vial is more useful than comparing pack prices.

For routine laboratory use, Curdia RIA vials in a pack of 500 are a practical bulk option. Each product page lists the pack size, specifications and buyer ratings to help you compare options before ordering.

 

Lab Vials vs Blood Collection Tubes

The term "vial" is often used for blood collection tubes, which are identified by cap colour and contain specific additives:

• Lavender or purple top (EDTA): complete blood count (CBC).
• Red top (plain or clot activator): serum tests such as biochemistry and serology.
• Grey top (fluoride): blood glucose.
• Light blue top (sodium citrate): coagulation tests such as PT.

Always follow your laboratory's tube selection and order-of-draw protocol.

RIA vials and storage vials contain no additives and are not substitutes for these tubes. For blood sample collection, see EDTA blood collection tubes and clot activator tubes.