How to Select Chromatography Vials

Choosing the right chromatography vial is essential for obtaining reliable, reproducible results. Factors such as sample volatility, volume, and light sensitivity all affect vial performance and data accuracy. Selecting the correct vial type also helps maximize ROI, prevent sample degradation, and maintain system compatibility. This guide outlines key considerations when choosing chromatography vials for your analytical workflow.

Autosampler Compatibility

For laboratories using autosamplers, it’s critical to choose autosampler vials designed for your specific instrument model. The most common format for liquid chromatography is the 12 x 32mm vial.

• 9mm screw thread vials — The most popular choice for LC applications, offering a wide mouth for easy pipetting and compatibility with most autosamplers.
• Snap cap vials — Provide convenient handling, as the closure can be applied or removed quickly without tools.
• Crimp cap vials — Ideal for minimizing evaporation or meeting chain-of-custody requirements. Crimp closures create the most secure and airtight seal.

Selecting the Right Closure and Cap

Closures and caps are designed to maintain sample integrity and prevent contamination. Your choice depends on the chemical compatibility of the closure material, storage duration, and method requirements.

For long-term or high-integrity storage, solid-top screw vials with PTFE/F217 liners are commonly used. The foam layer provides excellent compression and resealing properties. For example, Chrom Tech’s storage vial systems can be torqued up to 20 lbs of pressure and retain near-original form after decompression, ensuring a durable, leak-free seal.

Sample Size and Recovery

Matching vial volume to your sample size is key to minimizing waste and carryover. Smaller sample volumes can evaporate or adhere to the vial wall, resulting in lower recovery. When working with limited samples or when repeated injections are required, vial inserts help reduce total volume and maximize sample recovery by positioning the sample closer to the autosampler needle.

Material Selection

Chromatography vials are primarily made from either glass or plastic. Each material offers specific advantages depending on the application.

• Type 1 Borosilicate Glass: The industry standard for chromatography due to its chemical inertness and minimal pH shift. These vials are ideal for most HPLC and GC applications.
• Polypropylene (Plastic): An economical option for limited-volume assays or specialized applications such as proteomics. Also available in Polyethylene or TPX formulations, plastic vials offer excellent resistance to breakage and compatibility with certain solvents.

If you’re unsure which material is best suited to your application, contact a Chrom Tech vial specialist for expert recommendations.

Color and Light Sensitivity

Glass vials are available in clear or amber options. Amber glass protects light-sensitive samples from UV exposure, while clear glass is ideal for visible inspection of sample contents during analysis or storage.

EPA/VOA Vials for Environmental Testing

For environmental and regulatory applications, Chrom Tech’s EPA/VOA vials are available in three cleanliness classes:

• Class 1 – Standard: Assembled with liner and closure; not pre-cleaned.
• Class 2 – Pre-Cleaned: Processed using EPA-recommended washing procedures, rinsed with ASTM Type 1 water, oven-dried, and assembled in a contaminant-free environment.
• Class 3 – Certified: Includes all Class 2 cleaning steps plus a Certificate of Analysis from an independent laboratory verifying cleanliness and compliance.

These EPA/VOA vials are essential for trace-level analysis in environmental testing, including groundwater, waste, and volatile organic compound (VOC) monitoring.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the proper chromatography vial involves considering multiple factors—from autosampler compatibility and material type to closure design and regulatory requirements. By evaluating these variables carefully, you can improve reproducibility, reduce sample loss, and ensure accurate chromatographic performance.

Explore Chrom Tech’s complete selection of chromatography vials and closures to find the right fit for your workflow. Our experts can help you identify the optimal vial configuration to meet your laboratory’s analytical needs.