TUBING SERUM VIALS VS MOLDED SERUM BOTTLE VIALS
When customers ask for a 10ml serum vial, we first ask the typical questions of clear or amber vials, non sterile or sterile vials, 13mm or 20mm crimp vials, and lastly, if they need a tubing serum vial or molded serum bottle vial. The question that causes the most confusion is whether the customer needs a tubing serum vial or a molded serum bottle vial. Since both serum tubing vials and molded serum bottles are on the QCVIALZ website, make sure you are aware of the difference before placing an order (we do not give free exchanges or refunds).
TUBING SERUM VIALS ( images B & C above )
A tubing serum vial (shown in images B & C above) is made from long borosilicate glass tube starting material that have rigidly defined wall thickness. The long tubes are then cut to appropriate lengths to make the vial. The advantage to tubing vials is that the wall of tubing starting material is uniform in thickness and the bottom of the vial is flat (vs convex in a molded vial). Tubing vials are the better option for use in lyophilization applications, but are more fragile. QCVIALZ offers tubing style vials from 2ml to 20ml, along with an occasional 30ml tubing vial option.
MOLDED SERUM BOTTLE VIALS ( images A & D above )
Molded serum vials (also known as a molded serum bottle – images A & D above) are made from a molten glass “gob” that is dropped into a mold, compressed, and then released when hardened. Molded serum vials (molded serum bottles) have a thicker wall compared to tubing vials, and usually a slightly convex bottom (vs flat in a tubing vial). There is also a faintly visible vertical seal running along the side of a molded serum bottle. Molded serum vials / molded serum bottles – are more durable than fragile tubing vials. Because of this, larger containers are usually molded serum bottles. QCVIALZ offers molded serum bottles from 5ml to 500ml in both clear and amber.