Cryovials: A Complete Guide
Cryovials are small, sealable tubes specifically designed for the cryogenic storage of biological samples at ultra-low temperatures, including liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees Celsius. They are one of the most fundamental consumables in any cryopreservation programme, used across IVF clinics, biobanks, pharmaceutical research laboratories, stem cell facilities, and veterinary practices worldwide.
A cryovial must maintain a hermetic seal at cryogenic temperatures, resist thermal shock during freeze-thaw cycles, and be compatible with the cryoprotective agents used in the preservation protocol. Material, closure design, and volume are critical selection criteria that vary by application.
Cryolab supplies CBS High Security cryogenic tubes trusted by IVF laboratories and biobanks for the reliable storage of biological samples at -196 degrees Celsius.
Types of Cryovial
Standard Cryovials
Polypropylene screw-cap tubes typically available in 0.5ml, 1.0ml, 1.8ml, and 2.0ml volumes. Standard cryovials are used across biobanking, cell line storage, stem cell preservation, and general research applications. They are compatible with liquid nitrogen vapour and liquid phase storage and fit standard cryogenic storage rack systems.
High Security Cryogenic Tubes
High security cryovials use a hermetically sealed ionomeric resin construction rather than a screw cap, eliminating the risk of liquid nitrogen ingress into the vial during storage or retrieval. This is critical in clinical IVF and reproductive medicine applications where cross-contamination between samples is a regulatory concern. The HFEA recommends closed carrier systems for the storage of human reproductive material.
Cryogenic Straws
Thin plastic straws used primarily in IVF for the cryopreservation of sperm, oocytes, and embryos. Straws offer a very low sample volume format ideal for vitrification and are stored in goblets and canes within liquid nitrogen tanks.
Barcoded Cryovials
Cryovials with pre-printed or laser-etched barcodes for integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Essential in high-throughput biobanking environments where sample tracking and chain-of-custody documentation are critical quality requirements.
Cryovial Products from Cryolab
Cryolab supplies CBS High Security cryogenic tubes for IVF and reproductive medicine applications requiring the highest standards of sample protection and cross-contamination prevention.
 | CBS High Security Sterile Tubes CBS High Security Sterile Tubes are hermetically sealed cryogenic storage tubes designed to eliminate the risk of liquid nitrogen ingress and cross-contamination between samples. Available in multiple colours for easy visual identification, they are used in IVF laboratories and reproductive medicine facilities requiring closed carrier cryogenic storage systems compliant with HFEA guidelines. |
Expert Perspective: Paul Hague, Cryolab
Paul Hague has spent over 40 years at the forefront of cryogenic science and reproductive medicine. He introduced the controlled-rate freezer to Professor Robert Edwards — the Nobel Prize-winning pioneer of IVF — and has attended 42 consecutive ESHRE annual meetings, more than any other delegate in the congress’s history.
“After 40 years supplying IVF laboratories across the world, I can tell you that the smallest components cause the biggest problems. A cryovial failure is not an inconvenience — it is the loss of something irreplaceable. Quality at the consumable level is not optional.”
— Paul Hague, Director, Cryolab
How to Select the Right Cryovial
Material
Most cryovials are made from polypropylene, which maintains structural integrity across the full temperature range from -196 degrees Celsius to +121 degrees Celsius. High security cryovials use ionomeric resin for enhanced hermetic sealing at cryogenic temperatures.
Closure Type
Screw-cap cryovials are the standard for most research and biobanking applications. High security hermetically sealed tubes are recommended for IVF and any application where cross-contamination risk must be eliminated. The HFEA specifically recommends closed carrier systems for human gamete and embryo storage.
Volume
Cryovial volume should match the sample volume for the intended application. 1.8ml and 2.0ml are the most common sizes for cell line and biobank applications. Smaller volumes (0.5ml) are used for precious or low-volume samples. IVF straws are a separate format with much smaller volumes suited to individual embryo or oocyte storage.
Labelling and Traceability
For clinical and regulated biobank applications, cryovials must be labelled in a way that survives cryogenic temperatures. Cryogenic-rated labels or laser-etched barcodes are recommended. Colour-coded cryovials aid visual identification in the storage tank and reduce the risk of sample mix-up during retrieval.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryovials
What is a cryovial?
A cryovial is a small, sealable tube designed for the cryogenic storage of biological samples at ultra-low temperatures including liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees Celsius. Cryovials are used across IVF, biobanking, stem cell research, pharmaceutical research, and veterinary medicine.
What are cryovials made of?
Most cryovials are made from polypropylene, which remains stable across the full cryogenic temperature range. High security cryogenic tubes use ionomeric resin for enhanced hermetic sealing. Both materials are chemically inert and compatible with standard cryoprotective agents including DMSO and glycerol.
What is the difference between a cryovial and a cryogenic straw?
A cryovial is a rigid tube with a screw cap or hermetic seal used for cell line, stem cell, and biobank sample storage. A cryogenic straw is a thin plastic tube used primarily in IVF for the storage of sperm, oocytes, and embryos in very low volumes. Both are forms of cryogenic sample container but are used in different applications and storage systems.
Can cryovials be used in liquid nitrogen?
Yes. Cryovials are specifically designed for use in liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees Celsius. Screw-cap cryovials should be stored in the vapour phase to prevent liquid nitrogen ingress through the cap thread. High security hermetically sealed cryogenic tubes can be stored safely in both liquid and vapour phase.
What size cryovial do I need?
The most common cryovial sizes are 1.0ml, 1.8ml, and 2.0ml for general biobanking and cell line storage. Smaller volumes (0.5ml) suit precious or low-volume samples. For IVF embryo and oocyte storage, straws rather than cryovials are the standard format.
What are high security cryovials used for?
High security cryogenic tubes are used in IVF and reproductive medicine where cross-contamination between samples must be prevented. The hermetic seal eliminates liquid nitrogen ingress into the vial, which can carry viral or biological material between samples stored in the same tank. The HFEA recommends closed carrier systems for human gamete and embryo storage in the UK.
