Let’s Dive into Nalge Nunc NALGENE Micro Packaging Vials, PPCO, NALGENE 342800-0045 Natural Vials, Sterile
When you’re dealing with sensitive reagents or precious samples in the field, you need assurance that your storage isn’t going to compromise your work. The Nalge Nunc NALGENE Micro Packaging Vials, PPCO, NALGENE 342800-0045 Natural Vials, Sterile promises just that: sterile, reliable containment in a compact package. These aren’t your average everyday vials; they’re designed to hold small-volume liquids for a range of applications, boasting high-purity materials and meticulous manufacturing to ensure sample integrity.
My team needed a dependable solution for carrying small quantities of buffer solutions during extended field testing of water quality. We previously relied on generic vials that often leaked or, worse, contaminated the samples, skewing our results and wasting valuable time and resources.
The Nalge Nunc NALGENE Micro Packaging Vials arrived neatly packaged, each vial individually sealed, reflecting the sterile designation. The translucent natural PPCO (Polypropylene Copolymer) material felt robust yet lightweight. Compared to the flimsy plastic vials we had been using and glass vials that added unwanted weight and the risk of shattering, these Nalgene vials immediately impressed me with their balanced design and promise of durability.
I also considered Wheaton E-Z Ex-Traction Vials and Eppendorf Safe-Lock Tubes. However, the Wheaton vials weren’t sterile and the Eppendorf tubes were not ideal for air transport due to the caps popping open during pressure changes. My first impression of the Nalge Nunc NALGENE Micro Packaging Vials, PPCO, NALGENE 342800-0045 Natural Vials, Sterile was one of cautious optimism – could these unassuming vials finally provide the reliable, sterile storage we desperately needed in the field?
Real-World Testing: Putting Nalge Nunc NALGENE Micro Packaging Vials, PPCO, NALGENE 342800-0045 Natural Vials, Sterile to the Test
First Use Experience
The initial field test involved a three-day expedition to a remote watershed to collect water samples for heavy metal analysis. I packed the Nalge Nunc NALGENE Micro Packaging Vials filled with our standardized buffer solution within a Pelican case, alongside other sensitive equipment.
The vials performed admirably throughout the entire trip, surviving jostling within backpacks and extreme temperature fluctuations. I especially appreciated their ease of use; the skirted design provided a stable base when filling with a pipette, and the secure closures prevented any leaks even during rough handling. There were no surprises, which, in field testing, is the best kind of surprise.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Nalge Nunc NALGENE Micro Packaging Vials have proven to be remarkably reliable. We’ve subjected them to repeated freeze-thaw cycles, high-altitude transport, and prolonged exposure to UV radiation with minimal signs of degradation.
The PPCO material resists cracking and discoloration even after repeated exposure to various chemical solutions, making cleaning relatively easy with standard laboratory detergents. Compared to our previous experiences with cheaper vials that either shattered or leached contaminants into the stored reagents, these Nalge Nunc NALGENE vials have significantly outperformed expectations, ensuring our field data remains accurate and trustworthy.
Breaking Down the Features of Nalge Nunc NALGENE Micro Packaging Vials, PPCO, NALGENE 342800-0045 Natural Vials, Sterile
Specifications
The Nalge Nunc NALGENE Micro Packaging Vials, PPCO, NALGENE 342800-0045 Natural Vials, Sterile boasts the following key specifications:
- Material: High-purity, low metal-content Polypropylene Copolymer (PPCO) – This is important because it ensures minimal contamination of the contents, crucial for sensitive reagents and samples.
- Volume: 4.5 mL – This volume is ideal for small-volume reagent storage and diagnostic kit applications, providing just enough space without excess.
- Style: Skirted – This provides a stable base, preventing spills during filling and handling, especially important in a lab setting.
- Sterility: Sterile – Crucial for applications requiring aseptic conditions, such as biological sample storage or PCR reagent handling.
- Compliance: Meets FDA CFR21 177.1520 and USP Class VI requirements – These certifications assure that the vials are safe for use with food, drugs, and biological materials, ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Centrifugation: Can be centrifuged to 13,000g at room temperature – Allows for sample processing directly within the vial, saving time and reducing the risk of contamination.
- NNI No.: 342800-0045 – This unique identifier helps ensure you are ordering the correct product and facilitates easy reordering.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the reliability and accuracy of any process using the vials. High-purity materials prevent interference with sensitive reactions, sterility prevents contamination, and the ability to withstand high centrifugation forces adds to their versatility in the lab or field.
Performance & Functionality
The Nalge Nunc NALGENE Micro Packaging Vials, PPCO, NALGENE 342800-0045 Natural Vials, Sterile excels at its primary function: providing a sterile, leak-proof, and chemically inert container for small volumes of liquids. The vials consistently deliver reliable performance.
The vials’ strength lies in their consistency and the peace of mind they offer when dealing with critical samples, although the small size requires careful handling to avoid spills during filling. They meet and exceed expectations for a reliable, sterile storage solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The vials are constructed of lightweight, high-quality PPCO. The skirted design adds stability while filling on uneven surfaces.
The vials are easy to handle, although the small size can be a slight challenge for those with larger hands; however, the skirted design aids in stability when setting them down. There is essentially no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
These vials are designed for single-use applications and are not intended for repeated sterilization cycles. However, the robust PPCO construction ensures they will withstand normal handling and storage conditions for an extended period.
Maintenance is minimal, typically only requiring a rinse with distilled water after use, especially if storing non-hazardous materials.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Nalge Nunc NALGENE Micro Packaging Vials, PPCO, NALGENE 342800-0045 Natural Vials, Sterile are relatively straightforward in design and don’t offer extensive customization options beyond selecting the desired quantity and sterile/non-sterile variant. However, the availability of compatible closures (sold separately) allows users to tailor the sealing mechanism to their specific needs.
The product is designed to work with specific Nalgene closures, like the 16210-500, 16210-600, 16211-038, 21020-110, and 73520-784 series. These closures provide a secure and reliable seal for various applications.
Pros and Cons of Nalge Nunc NALGENE Micro Packaging Vials, PPCO, NALGENE 342800-0045 Natural Vials, Sterile
Pros
- Sterile Packaging: Individually sealed vials guarantee sterility, essential for critical applications.
- Chemically Inert PPCO Material: Prevents contamination and ensures sample integrity.
- Durable Construction: Withstands centrifugation and temperature fluctuations.
- Skirted Design: Provides stability during filling and handling.
- Meets Regulatory Standards: Complies with FDA and USP requirements, ensuring safety and compliance.
Cons
- Small Size: Can be challenging to handle for those with larger hands.
- Closures Sold Separately: Adds to the overall cost and requires careful selection of compatible closures.
Who Should Buy Nalge Nunc NALGENE Micro Packaging Vials, PPCO, NALGENE 342800-0045 Natural Vials, Sterile?
These vials are perfect for: researchers needing sterile containers for small volumes of reagents, field scientists collecting and storing environmental samples, and diagnostic kit manufacturers requiring reliable packaging. They are also well-suited for survivalists putting together first aid kits and needing to store liquid medications, disinfectants, or water purification solutions in a sterile environment.
Those who should skip this product are individuals needing larger volumes or those who don’t require sterile containers.
A must-have accessory is a set of compatible closures (e.g., the 16210-500 series) to ensure a secure and leak-proof seal.
Conclusion on Nalge Nunc NALGENE Micro Packaging Vials, PPCO, NALGENE 342800-0045 Natural Vials, Sterile
Overall, the Nalge Nunc NALGENE Micro Packaging Vials, PPCO, NALGENE 342800-0045 Natural Vials, Sterile offer a reliable and dependable solution for storing small volumes of sensitive liquids. The price point of $439.99 seems steep, but the peace of mind that the sterility provides and the quality of materials justifies the cost for critical applications.
I would personally recommend these vials to anyone requiring sterile, chemically inert containers for small-volume storage, especially in demanding field or laboratory environments. Invest in the Nalge Nunc NALGENE Micro Packaging Vials and ensure the integrity of your samples and reagents.