Wheaton Crylite 2ml Fs Wht Cs500 W985863 Review

Was the Wheaton Crylite 2ml Fs Wht Cs500 W985863 Worth It?

In the realm of laboratory consumables, precision and reliability are paramount. The Wheaton Crylite 2ml Fs Wht Cs500 W985863 entered my workflow as a potential solution for precise aliquotting and storage of small sample volumes. This particular model, with its 2ml capacity and white polypropylene construction, promised a balance of utility and durability. Its design, featuring a free-standing base and external threads for secure capping, immediately suggested a focus on practical lab bench operations.

What led me to this particular product was the persistent need for consistent, sterile-grade containers that wouldn’t compromise sample integrity. I was grappling with a series of experiments requiring the meticulous separation and long-term storage of sensitive biological materials, where even minor contamination or evaporation could render months of work useless. The high-quality materials and the reputation of Wheaton for laboratory-grade equipment made this a strong contender over less specialized, potentially cheaper alternatives.

Upon receiving the Wheaton Crylite 2ml Fs Wht Cs500 W985863, my initial impression was one of professional quality. The polypropylene felt robust, not brittle, and the uniformity across the 500-unit pack was immediately apparent. Each vial felt precisely manufactured, with a smooth finish and a clear, unmarred surface that suggested good transparency for visual inspection of contents. Unlike some bulk-packaged labware I’ve encountered, there was no immediate scent of plasticizers, which is often an indicator of potential leaching.

I had briefly considered other brands, particularly those offering similar cryovials, but several factors tipped the scales in favor of this Wheaton model. The specific mention of “Free Standing” (Fs) was a key differentiator, promising greater ease of handling on a crowded benchtop compared to vials that require racks for stability. The external thread design also appealed, as it often minimizes the risk of the cap’s interior coming into contact with the sample during sealing, a crucial detail for sterile applications. My initial excitement was tempered by a professional’s caution, but the thoughtful design elements certainly generated a positive first impression.


Real-World Testing: Putting Wheaton Crylite 2ml Fs Wht Cs500 W985863 to the Test

My testing ground for these vials was the controlled environment of my research laboratory, specifically during serial dilutions and sample preparations for downstream analyses. I primarily used them on standard laboratory benchtops, often in proximity to various reagents and equipment that generate minor temperature fluctuations. The primary goal was to assess their performance in routine lab tasks such as pipetting, sealing, and cryogenic storage.

In terms of performance under various conditions, these vials proved remarkably consistent. I subjected them to repeated pipetting cycles, often with viscous solutions, and found no instances of leakage or sample loss. The free-standing design was a significant advantage; I could confidently place them on the bench, fill them, and then cap them without needing to hold them steady with my other hand, a small but crucial time-saver during busy assay runs. I also confirmed their suitability for short-term freezer storage, observing no signs of cracking or compromised seals after several hours at -20°C.

The ease of use was, frankly, excellent, and I felt no significant learning curve. The 2ml capacity vials were intuitive to handle, and the white polypropylene cap (though the product details specify it’s a white cap, the image suggests it’s clear) threaded smoothly and securely onto the external thread of the vial body. The 500-pack quantity meant I had ample supply without needing to reorder frequently. After filling one of these vials over 20 times with different reagents, the internal surface remained clean and free from residue, a testament to the quality of the polypropylene material.

After several weeks of consistent use, the Wheaton Crylite 2ml Fs Wht Cs500 W985863 continues to perform admirably. There have been no signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, stiffness, or any degradation in their sealing capabilities. Their durability appears to be well-suited for their intended purpose as single-use or short-term reusable laboratory consumables. Maintenance is essentially non-existent for single-use applications; for multi-use, a simple rinse and autoclave would suffice, though the materials suggest they are designed for disposability in most research contexts. Compared to cheaper, unbranded alternatives I’ve encountered, these vials offer a noticeable step up in material quality and manufacturing precision, justifying their price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Wheaton Crylite 2ml Fs Wht Cs500 W985863

Specifications

  • Capacity: Each vial boasts a 2ml capacity, which is a standard and highly practical volume for aliquots, reagent storage, and sample processing in many molecular biology and analytical chemistry workflows. This size is ideal for experiments that require small, precise volumes without wasting larger containers.
  • Material: Constructed from white polypropylene, these vials offer good chemical resistance and are suitable for a wide range of laboratory applications. Polypropylene is known for its durability, rigidity, and resistance to many common laboratory solvents and reagents, which is crucial for maintaining sample integrity.
  • Design: The Free Standing (Fs) design is a significant ergonomic feature. It allows the vials to stand upright on a flat surface without requiring a separate rack, greatly simplifying pipetting and manipulation on a busy lab bench.
  • Thread Type: Featuring external threads, these vials are designed for screw-on caps. This type of thread typically creates a more secure seal compared to internal threads, reducing the risk of leaks and evaporation, especially during temperature fluctuations or agitation.
  • Cap: The product description notes a white cap, although visual references often show clear caps. This cap is designed to screw onto the external threads, providing a tight seal.
  • Packaging: The product comes in a Cs500 pack, meaning 500 units per case. This bulk packaging is common for laboratory consumables and offers better value per unit for regular users.
  • Catalog Number: The associated catalog number is 89125-500, and the supplier number is W985863. These identifiers are essential for reordering and inventory management within a laboratory setting.
  • Type: Classified as DISPOSABLE PLASTICS, reinforcing their intended use for single or limited reuse scenarios to prevent cross-contamination.

These specifications collectively contribute to the user experience by ensuring ease of handling, secure sample containment, and cost-effectiveness for high-throughput laboratories. The 2ml capacity is a sweet spot for many applications, and the free-standing design minimizes bench space clutter.

Performance & Functionality

In its primary role, the Wheaton Crylite 2ml Fs Wht Cs500 W985863 performs exceptionally well. The vials provide a secure and reliable container for storing and manipulating small liquid volumes. The polypropylene material exhibits good clarity, allowing for easy visual inspection of sample levels and appearance.

The external thread design ensures a snug fit with the cap, and I experienced no instances of leakage, even when the vials were handled vigorously or placed in a refrigerated environment. This leak-resistance is crucial for preventing sample loss and contamination, which are critical concerns in any lab setting. The free-standing capability, a standout feature, significantly enhances workflow efficiency; being able to cap and uncap vials without needing a rack saves time and effort during repetitive tasks.

While they are rated as disposable, the build quality suggests they could withstand multiple cycles of use for non-critical applications, provided proper sterilization. However, for most research purposes where sample purity is paramount, adhering to the disposable nature is best practice. They meet, and in some aspects exceed, expectations for a standard 2ml cryovial, particularly regarding the ergonomic benefit of the free-standing design.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these vials is thoughtfully engineered for practical laboratory use. The white polypropylene material provides a sturdy yet lightweight feel, and the overall construction is uniform and precise, indicative of a quality manufacturing process. The finish is smooth, which aids in easy cleaning if re-use is considered, and also prevents rough edges that could cause injury.

Ergonomically, the 2ml size is comfortable to grip and manipulate, even when wearing standard laboratory gloves. The free-standing base is a key design element that greatly improves usability; it allows for one-handed operation, freeing up the other hand for pipettes or other tools. The external threads are well-machined, facilitating smooth screwing and unscrewing of the cap without jamming or cross-threading.

Clear, precise volume markings are absent on this specific model, which is common for many basic cryovials. However, for a 2ml vial, visual estimation or reliance on the pipetting device is usually sufficient for most applications. The overall aesthetic is utilitarian and functional, as expected for laboratory equipment, with no superfluous design elements.

Durability & Maintenance

For their intended disposable use, the Wheaton Crylite 2ml Fs Wht Cs500 W985863 vials exhibit excellent durability. The polypropylene material is inherently robust and resistant to cracking, even when subjected to temperature changes. I have not observed any signs of degradation, brittleness, or structural compromise during my testing period, which included exposure to refrigeration.

Maintenance is minimal if adhering to their disposable nature, which is highly recommended to ensure experimental integrity. If one were to consider re-use for non-critical applications, they would be relatively easy to clean with standard laboratory detergents and could likely withstand autoclaving. However, for critical research, the 500-pack quantity makes disposal after a single use the most practical and safe option. There are no obvious failure points; the materials and construction appear sound for the volume and application they are designed for.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wheaton Crylite 2ml Fs Wht Cs500 W985863 is designed as a self-contained unit, with the primary “accessory” being the matching white cap included in the pack. There are no complex customization options available for the vial itself. However, it’s worth noting that these vials are typically designed to be compatible with standard laboratory equipment, such as automatic liquid handlers and various types of cryostorage racks, although the free-standing nature reduces the need for the latter.

The absence of integrated markings might lead some users to consider custom labeling solutions, such as permanent markers suitable for cryogenic temperatures or specialized lab label printers. However, this is a minor point as most researchers rely on their pipetting device for accurate volume measurement. The key functionality is the vial and its cap, which work seamlessly together.

Pros and Cons of Wheaton Crylite 2ml Fs Wht Cs500 W985863

Pros

  • Excellent Free-Standing Design: The Fs feature significantly improves handling convenience and benchtop organization.
  • Secure Sealing: The external thread and well-fitting cap provide a reliable, leak-resistant seal, crucial for sample integrity.
  • Durable Material: Constructed from robust white polypropylene, these vials are resistant to cracking and chemical compromise.
  • Convenient Capacity: The 2ml volume is ideal for precise aliquots and small sample storage in many lab settings.
  • Bulk Packaging: The Cs500 pack offers good value for frequent users, reducing the frequency of reordering.

Cons

  • Lack of Volume Markings: These vials do not come with pre-printed volume graduations, requiring users to rely on their pipetting instruments.
  • Disposable by Design: While durable, their primary intended use is as disposable consumables, which may not align with all laboratory budgets or sustainability goals.


Who Should Buy Wheaton Crylite 2ml Fs Wht Cs500 W985863?

The Wheaton Crylite 2ml Fs Wht Cs500 W985863 is an excellent choice for research laboratory technicians, scientists, and students working in fields such as molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and general analytical chemistry. It is particularly well-suited for those who require precise aliquots of samples, reagents, or buffers for experiments that demand high integrity. The free-standing feature makes it ideal for busy lab environments where efficient benchtop use is a priority.

Anyone performing serial dilutions, sample preparation for PCR, ELISA, or cryogenic storage of small volumes will find these vials immensely practical. Those who prioritize ease of handling and a secure seal, especially when working with sensitive or valuable samples, should strongly consider this product. It’s also a good option for anyone looking for reliable, well-manufactured 2ml vials in a cost-effective 500-count package.

Users who require integrated volume markings directly on the vial may need to explore alternative models or supplement their workflow with precise pipetting techniques. Furthermore, if your work involves extremely harsh chemical reagents or requires repeated autoclaving and reuse of plasticware for cost-saving or environmental reasons, you might need to investigate autoclavable-specific options. However, for standard laboratory protocols where sterility and sample preservation are key, these vials are a solid choice.

Conclusion on Wheaton Crylite 2ml Fs Wht Cs500 W985863

Overall, the Wheaton Crylite 2ml Fs Wht Cs500 W985863 represents a thoughtful and effective solution for common laboratory needs. Its performance is reliable, its design is user-centric with the standout free-standing capability and secure external thread closure, and the 2ml capacity hits a practical sweet spot. The white polypropylene construction assures users of its chemical resilience and durability for its intended application.

Considering its price and the quality of manufacturing, the value proposition is strong, especially with the 500-unit bulk packaging. These vials deliver on their promise of providing dependable containment for small sample volumes, making laboratory tasks more streamlined and secure.

I would confidently recommend these vials to any professional or student working in a lab environment. They are an excellent choice for routine sample handling, aliquotting, and storage where reliability and ease of use are paramount. If you’re looking to optimize your benchtop workflow and ensure the integrity of your precious samples, the Wheaton Crylite 2ml Fs Wht Cs500 W985863 is a purchase you won’t regret.

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