Sample vessels and sample bags
Leak-tight PP and PS vessels and sample bags for liquid and solid samples – labellable, in common volumes, sterile versions available.
In the shopApplication
Laboratory sample handling and sample storage
Plastic vessels for sampling, sample storage and archiving in the lab – from samplers and sample vessels through tubes to cryo-capable containers, leak-tight, labellable and sterilisable.
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At a glance
Laboratory sample handling covers the collection, storage, labelling and archiving of biological and chemical samples in suitable vessels. The material defines the operating window: polypropylene (PP) is translucent, well chemically resistant, steam-sterilisable and stays tough down into the freezer range; polystyrene (PS) delivers crystal-clear, dimensionally stable single-use tubes, sample cups and sampling spoons; high-density polyethylene (PE-HD) suits robust storage and supply containers. Decisive for the choice are the sample type, the storage temperature (room temperature, refrigerator at 2–8 °C, freezing down to −80 °C or cryo-storage), the sterilisation method and a leak-tight, labellable closure. We verify suitability and conformity product- and application-specifically – there is no blanket material approval in sample handling.
Product worlds
Suitable products & versions
Test tubes, vials and centrifuge tubes
Clear PS and robust PP tubes for sample collection, centrifugation and archiving.
In the shop
Samplers
Dippers, scoops, sampling spoons and sampling knives for taking samples from containers, silos and drums – sterile and single-use versions available.
In the shop
Cryo accessories
Cryotubes, cryo boxes, grid inserts and cryo labels for storage down into the cryogenic range.
In the shop
Storage jars
Round screw-lid jars in PP and PS for retained samples, solid samples and small parts – tight, stackable and labellable.
In the shopLabelling and assembly
Customer-specific labelling and assembled sample sets from our own production.
See the processWhy Semadeni for Laboratory sample handling and sample storage
Material matched to the sample
PP for autoclavable and freezer-capable samples, PS for crystal-clear single-use tubes and sample cups, PE-HD for robust storage containers – the choice is made by sample and temperature, never blanket.
Leak-tight and spill-proof
Screw and snap closures with a defined seat secure samples against leakage and contamination – important for storage, centrifugation and transport.
Clearly labellable
Matt writing surfaces and customer-specific labelling ensure continuous, abrasion-resistant sample identification.
Freezer- and cryo-capable
PP vessels stay tough down into the freezer range (guide value to −80 °C) and partly to cryo-storage; the concrete suitability must be verified product- and batch-specifically.
Sterilisable where required
PP vessels are generally steam-sterilisable up to 121 °C (standard per EN 285); single-use PS articles are supplied sterile-packed.
Procurement from a single source
Over 8,000 articles from stock, complemented by custom manufacturing from our own Swiss production as well as marking and assembly of sets in Ostermundigen.
Evidence & compliance
Audited processes, documented conformity
Semadeni AG is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, EN ISO 13485, ISO 22000 and ISO/TS 22002-4 and rated EcoVadis Gold (84/100). Data sheets and declarations of conformity are supplied on request, per product and application rather than as a blanket document.
For your supplier file
Typical set-up
Building a sample archive for a diagnostics laboratory
A typical selection scenario: for daily sample intake the choice falls on clear PS tubes with screw caps, because they allow quick visual inspection and automated processing. For long-term freezer archiving, cryotubes and cryo boxes complement the system, and for taking samples at the drum sterile single-use samplers. Which combination works in each case is clarified by sample type, storage temperature and labelling requirement.
- Clear PS tubes with screw cap
- Cryo-capable PP vessels in labelled racks
- Sterile single-use samplers for collection
In detail
Laboratory sample handling: leak-tight, labellable, temperature-stable
From sample intake to long-term archiving, the vessel determines safety and traceability. Semadeni supplies plastic vessels for every stage of the sample chain – samplers, sample vessels and bags, tubes, centrifuge tubes as well as cryo accessories and storage jars – in PP (polypropylene), PS (polystyrene) and PE-HD. Which material works follows from sample type, storage temperature and sterilisation requirement.
Materials and their range of use
Material choice follows the load: PP for sterilisable and freezer-capable samples, PS for clear single-use articles, PE-HD for robust storage containers.
| Material | Indicative temperature window | Transparency | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|
| PP (polypropylene) | around −80 °C to ~121 °C (autoclavable) | translucent | freezer/cryo-storage, sterilisable vessels |
| PS (polystyrene) | room temperature / refrigerator | crystal-clear | single-use tubes, sample cups, single-use samplers |
| PE-HD | up to ~80 °C | opaque | robust supply and storage containers |
The temperature values are orientation guide values; the permissible operating window depends on component, sample and load.
Keep the cold chain unbroken
Safe sample storage stands and falls with continuous temperature control – from the refrigerator at 2–8 °C through freezing to cryo-storage. Freezer-capable PP vessels in labelled racks ease organised removal without unnecessarily interrupting the cold chain.
- Refrigerator range (2–8 °C): leak-tight PP or PS vessels with screw cap
- Freezing (to guide value −80 °C): cold-tough PP vessels, cryo-capable boxes and racks
- Organisation: stackable racks and labelled boxes for quick, low-error removal
Labelling and traceability
Clear, durable identification is the basis of every traceability. Matt writing surfaces allow manual labelling; customer-specific labelling provides abrasion-resistant marks straight from the factory.
Standards reference and conformity
Depending on the application, different requirements apply – the proof is provided product- and application-specifically:
- Steam sterilisation per EN 285 / moist-heat sterilisation per EN ISO 17665 for PP vessels, typically 121 °C
- ADR and IATA for transporting biological substances of category B (UN 3373)
- EU Regulation 10/2011 where food or pharmaceutical contact applies – declaration of conformity on request
Selection and advice
For special requirements – such as cryo-capable long-term archiving, sterile single-use articles or assembled and labelled sample sets – our specialists advise and verify suitability against your concrete sample protocol.
Frequently asked questions about Laboratory sample handling and sample storage
Which plastic is suitable for sample storage in the freezer?
Polypropylene (PP) stays tough down into the freezer range (guide value to around −80 °C) and is therefore the standard for freezer and cryo-storage. Polystyrene (PS) becomes brittle at very low temperatures and is more suitable for room temperature and the refrigerator range. The concrete cold resistance must be verified product- and batch-specifically.
Are plastic sample vessels sterilisable?
PP sample vessels are generally steam-sterilisable up to 121 °C (standard per EN 285). Single-use PS articles are usually supplied already sterile-packed and not re-autoclaved. Which method is permissible depends on the vessel and the manufacturer.
How do I label samples tamper-evidently?
For continuous identification, matt writing surfaces and customer-specific labelling are suitable. Semadeni handles labelling and assembly, so vessels can be supplied already labelled or as ready sample sets.
Which vessels do I need for sample transport?
For internal and external transport, leak-tight, spill-proof vessels in shock-protected racks or boxes are sensible. For biological substances of category B (UN 3373) the transport regulations under ADR and IATA additionally apply; which packaging meets them must be verified per transported goods and shipment.
Does Semadeni also supply assembled sample sets?
Yes – beyond over 8,000 stock articles, we assemble customer-specific sample sets, for example from vessel, closure, label and rack. We supply the components from stock; marking and labelling we handle in Ostermundigen.
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Plastic articles for measuring, dosing, transferring and storing liquids in the lab – measuring and dosing aids, dropper and wash bottles, funnels and bottles in PP, PE-LD and PMMA, chemically resistant and easy to read.
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Laboratory bottles and containers
PP, PE-HD, PE-LD and PFA laboratory bottles, canisters and containers for chemicals, buffers and reagents – autoclavable, chemically resistant, UN type approval on request.
Unsure which sample vessel suits your sample?
Tell us the sample type, storage temperature, sterilisation method and quantity – we recommend material, vessel shape and closure, verify conformity and assemble labelled sets on request. Personal advice from Ostermundigen and Vienna.
