MST™ Recessed-Top Cryogenic Vial Caps — HDPE, Natural, 200/Bag (300-3914-H020)
These Caplugs® Evergreen MST™ recessed-top cryogenic vial caps are molded from cryogenic-grade High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and supplied in natural color, 200 caps per bag. The recessed-top profile positions the cap's top surface below the outer cap rim, shielding it from contact damage inside cryo boxes and during routine vial handling. Engineered for liquid nitrogen vapor phase and immersion storage down to -196°C, these caps are the all-purpose, cost-optimized choice for MST™ recessed-top cryogenic vial programs.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number (MPN) | 300-3914-H020 |
| Sub-brand | MST™ (Caplugs® Evergreen) |
| Cap Profile | Recessed Top — top surface set below outer rim |
| Material | High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Color | Natural |
| Cryogenic Rating | LN₂ vapor phase and immersion (-196°C) |
| Ultra-Low Temperature Storage | -80°C compatible |
| Autoclave Compatibility | 121°C / 15 psi |
| BPA / Phthalates | BPA-free; no phthalate plasticizers |
| Pack Size | 200/Bag |
| Country of Origin | USA (California) |
Applications
- Capping MST™ recessed-top cryogenic vials for liquid nitrogen vapor-phase and immersion biobanking at -196°C
- Ultra-low temperature (-80°C) biorepository archiving of cell lines, tissue specimens, and biological samples
- DMSO-protected cell line cryopreservation — HDPE maintains integrity with standard 5–10% DMSO cryoprotectant media
- Color-coded sample routing in three-color MST™ programs using Natural, Blue, and Yellow cap designations
- Autoclaving cap inventory prior to filling critical biobank collections (121°C / 15 psi compatible)
- Cost-optimized, high-volume cryo vial cap replenishment for institutional and grant-funded laboratories
Compatibility
These caps are designed exclusively for MST™ recessed-top cryogenic vials and are not interchangeable with CryoSure® vials or flat-top MST™ vials. Within the MST™ recessed-top cap family, three color options are available — Natural, Blue, and Yellow — supporting color-coded vial identification workflows. Laboratories comparing MST™ cap profiles should note that the recessed-top cap removes completely from the vial upon opening, distinguishing it from the Tethered Recessed cap (300-3918), where the cap remains attached to the vial body via a flexible tether after opening. Both profiles share the same MST™ vial thread; the choice between them depends on whether cap retention during sample access is required by your workflow.
Chemical Resistance
| Reagent / Condition | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Liquid nitrogen (-196°C, vapor phase and immersion) | Excellent — engineered for LN₂ service |
| Ultra-low temperature storage (-80°C) | Excellent — HDPE cryo-toughened |
| Aqueous cryoprotectants | Excellent |
| DMSO (5–10% cryoprotectant concentration) | Good — compatible at standard cryo media concentrations |
| Autoclave (121°C / 15 psi) | Compatible |
| Concentrated organic solvents | Not recommended |
Quality & Procurement
Made in USA (California), these MST™ caps are produced under ISO 9001 quality management from BPA-free, phthalate-free HDPE resin. The cryogenic-grade formulation is validated for the full thermal range from autoclave sterilization (+121°C) through liquid nitrogen immersion (-196°C). LabSupplies.com is an authorized Caplugs® Evergreen dealer and ships from USA inventory, with volume and institutional pricing available for biobanks, clinical repositories, and research programs with ongoing consumables needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these caps compatible with CryoSure® cryogenic vials?
No — MST™ recessed-top caps, including part number 300-3914-H020, are designed specifically for MST™ recessed-top cryogenic vials and are not interchangeable with CryoSure® vials or other non-MST™ formats.
Can these caps be autoclaved before use?
Yes. HDPE MST™ caps are autoclave-compatible at 121°C / 15 psi, making them suitable for workflows that require sterilization of caps prior to filling or long-term archiving.
What is the difference between the recessed-top cap and the tethered recessed cap?
The recessed-top cap (300-3914-H020) removes completely from the vial when opened. The Tethered Recessed cap (300-3918) stays physically connected to the vial body via a flexible tether after opening, which is useful when cap retention during sample access is a workflow requirement. Both share the same MST™ vial thread.
Is natural the only color available for MST™ recessed-top caps?
No — the MST™ recessed-top format is available in three colors: Natural, Blue, and Yellow. These three options cover the primary color-coding conventions used in MST™ vial programs; other MST™ profiles may offer additional color choices.