10 Essential Lab Storage Containers and How to Use Them

Specimen containers are small plastic containers with a snap-on lid. They are used to store biological samples such as blood, urine, or tissue samples. They are often sterile and come in a variety of sizes.

Beakers are glass or plastic containers with a wide mouth and a spout for pouring. They are used for mixing, stirring, and heating liquids. They come in a range of sizes and are often marked with volume measurements.

Erlenmeyer flasks are cone-shaped glass or plastic containers with a narrow neck and a flat bottom. They are used for mixing, heating, and storing liquids. They are often marked with volume measurements and are ideal for titration.

Graduated cylinders are glass or plastic tubes with a flat base and a narrow neck. They are used for accurately measuring the volume of liquids. They come in a range of sizes and are often marked with volume measurements.

Pipettes are glass or plastic tubes with a narrow tip used to transfer small amounts of liquids accurately. They come in different sizes and can be disposable or reusable.

Glass bottles are ideal for storing liquids that are sensitive to light or temperature changes. They are also non-reactive, making them perfect for long-term storage.

Plastic bottles are lightweight, shatterproof, and less expensive than glass. They are also suitable for storing non-reactive liquids but not ideal for long-term storage.

Glass jars are ideal for storing solids such as powders or crystals that need to be protected from moisture or air. They are also non-reactive and transparent, making it easy to see what is inside.

Like plastic bottles, plastic jars are lightweight, shatterproof, and less expensive than glass jars. They are ideal for storing non-reactive solids but not suitable for long-term storage.

Vials are small glass or plastic containers with a narrow neck, making them ideal for storing small amounts of liquids or powders. They are often used for sample storage and analysis.