SureSTART Vial Quick Select Guide

Significance of the topic

In chromatographic workflows, sample containers and closures play a pivotal role in preserving analyte integrity, ensuring reproducible injections, and minimizing sample loss or contamination. Optimal vial and septa selection improves method robustness, data quality, and instrument uptime across routine QA/QC assays and trace-level analyses.

Objectives and study overview

This guide categorizes Thermo Scientific™ SureSTART™ vials, inserts, caps, and septa into three performance tiers. It aims to help laboratories match vial materials, volumes, and closure systems to application requirements ranging from everyday UV/Vis or ELSD detection to demanding MS-based quantitation at the detection limit.

Methodology and instrumentation

The selection framework is based on:

• Performance levels 1–3: from general-purpose to high-performance trace analysis.
• Vial materials: polypropylene, clear glass, amber glass, silanized glass, GOLD-grade glass.
• Insert types: polyspring, pulled, fused, microinserts.
• Closure formats: screw, crimp, snap, with SureSTOP™ AVCS technology for consistent compression.
• Septa materials: PTFE, silicone/PTFE, rubber/PTFE blends, specialized low-extractables.
• Neck and bottom profiles: DIN crimp, snap ring, fire-polished, flat, conical, rounded.

Recommended instrumentation compatibility includes LC and GC autosamplers, UV/Vis, PDA, RI, ELSD, FLD, FID, NPD, ECD, TCD, and FPD detectors, as well as headspace and SPME modules.

Main results and discussion

Performance level 1 vials deliver cost-effective solutions for non-MS assays at moderate compound levels. Level 2 vials offer robust, high-throughput performance for low-level MS detection with enhanced spectral cleanliness. Level 3 vials and inserts provide highest chemical inertness and recovery for compounds at or near detection limits. The patented SureSTOP closure eliminates variability in septum compression, reducing leaks and septum coring. Septa selection aligns chemical compatibility and resealability with temperature demands. Neck and bottom geometries further optimize sample recovery and reduce carryover.

Benefits and practical applications

• Standardized stockrooms with clear performance tiers.
• Improved reproducibility across instruments and methods.
• Reduced maintenance and downtime from reliable closure seals.
• Enhanced data quality through cleaner spectra and minimized analyte loss.

Future trends and opportunities

Emerging directions include further miniaturization for micro- and nano-LC/GC, advanced inert coatings for ultra-trace PFAS and biopharma analyses, integration of RFID/barcoding for sample tracking, sustainability through recyclable plastics, and smart vial technologies for automated labs.

Conclusion

A structured, three-level performance model simplifies vial and closure selection for diverse chromatographic applications. By aligning material properties, closure technologies, and geometry with analytical needs, laboratories can achieve consistent, high-quality data while optimizing operational efficiency.

References

• Thermo Fisher Scientific. SureSTART Vial Quick Select Guide. 2025.