Storage Supplies

What Are Laboratory Storage Supplies?

Laboratory storage supplies encompass the containers, boxes, racks, and vessels used to organize, hold, protect, and transport specimens, reagents, buffers, and bulk liquids throughout the research and clinical laboratory workflow. The category spans small sample containers (PP specimen cups, 30–120 mL), ambient and cold-storage boxes and racks (polypropylene and cardboard, for microcentrifuge tubes and cryovials), multi-purpose HDPE containers (240 mL–2500 mL for reagent and buffer storage), and jerricans (HDPE, 5–20 L for bulk liquid handling and waste collection). Selecting the correct storage format requires matching material chemistry to the stored substance, temperature range to the storage environment, and container closure type to the handling frequency. HDPE is the go-to material for chemical storage; PP is the correct choice when autoclave sterilization is required; PS is suitable for short-term ambient use only.

What you will find:

• Sample Storage Containers: Tubes, vials, and plates for secure sample handling and storage.
• Storage Bottles: Bottles for safe storage of reagents and chemicals.
• Cold Storage Coolers & Chillers: Equipment for maintaining low temperatures of sensitive samples.
• Storage Boxes & Racks: Organized systems for storing tubes, vials, plates, and accessories.

How to Choose Laboratory Storage Supplies

Material: HDPE vs. PP vs. PS vs. PC

HDPE offers the broadest chemical resistance and very low leachables—correct for bulk reagent storage, waste collection, and jerricans. PP is autoclavable at 121°C and resistant to most organic solvents and reagents—the standard for reusable sample containers and tube racks. PS is optically clear and economical for ambient-temperature, short-term sample storage. PC is transparent, impact-resistant, and autoclavable, making it the standard for cryo box lids and storage boxes requiring direct inventory visibility.

Temperature Range

Ambient and +4°C (refrigerator): all four materials are suitable. −20°C: HDPE, PP, and PC; avoid PS. −80°C: HDPE (rated to −100°C), PP, and PC (confirm product rating). LN2 (−196°C): use only PP or PC cryogenic vials and cryo boxes specifically rated for LN2.

Closure Type

Quarter-turn snap caps provide fast access for high-throughput specimen collection. Full-thread screw caps with integral seal rings are needed for transport and long-term liquid storage. Snap lids on HDPE multi-purpose containers suit bench-accessible storage; sealed screw caps are used when transport or inversion is likely.

Container Size

Match container volume to the sample volume plus a 20% headspace allowance for thermal expansion. Use 30–90 mL specimen cups for clinical specimens; 240–500 mL containers for reagent aliquots; 1–2.5 L for bulk reagent lots; and 5–20 L jerricans for buffer preparation, DI water holding, and waste collection.

Specifications Context

Globe Scientific HDPE jerricans and multi-purpose containers are manufactured from virgin resin materials to ensure uniform wall thickness and low leachables, supporting reagent purity in sensitive workflows. PP storage products are ISO 9001:2015 certified and widely used across clinical and research laboratories. As of 2026, the most commonly used storage formats include 90 mL PP specimen containers, 81-well polypropylene cryovial storage boxes, and 10–20 L HDPE jerricans due to their versatility across routine lab operations. Explore sample storage containers, storage boxes and racks, multi-purpose containers, and jerricans for full category coverage.

Connect with the MBP team today to explore our full catalog of racks, boxes, and vials, and let us help you design a storage system tailored to your specific workflow.