Selecting the right tubing material provides several advantages that contribute to the overall integrity and reliability of your application. The tubing material you choose can influence performance at every stage, from fluid transfer to long-term cryogenic storage, including the essential function of cryobags in storing valuable samples. Understanding the specific properties and applications of each tubing material enhances confidence in product selection, helping to optimize outcomes and allowing samples to be handled and stored effectively.
This guide provides a technical overview of the three primary tubing materials offered: EVA, PVC, and a PVC/EVA co-extrusion.
Knowing which tubing material you’re working with is an important step in achieving optimal results. Each OriGen Biomedical product line uses specific materials based on its design and application.
For example:
EVA is a copolymer composed of a combination of ethylene and vinyl acetate, recognized for its suitability in applications that require low-temperature performance. It delivers robust physical properties and high durability, making it a common choice for donor tubes that require freezing.
A key characteristic of EVA is its ability to maintain integrity at temperatures as low as -196°C, making it a frequently selected material for cryobag applications and tubing that undergo cryopreservation. While it can be sealed and frozen, EVA is not designed for sterile welding.
PVC is a flexible, medical-grade synthetic polymer formulated with a non-phthalate plasticizer. It provides structural support, durability, and chemical resistance, making it a reliable material for tube sets and accessory sets.
The primary technical advantage of PVC is its suitability for both sealing and sterile welding, which is essential for creating sterile, closed-system connections. However, PVC is intended for room-temperature applications and is not designed to withstand freezing temperatures.
This tubing features a PVC outer layer and an EVA inner layer, co-extruded to form a seamless, flexible tube that can withstand cryopreservation temperatures. It is primarily used for donor tubes intended for freezing and subsequent bonding to a tube set. PVC/EVA tubing is sealable and freeze-compatible, but it is not weldable.
The selection of an appropriate sealing method is dependent on the tubing material in use. Proper sealing techniques offer several critical advantages for maintaining sample integrity:
Our Tube Sealer CR6 can seal OriGen Biomedical tubing, including EVA, EVA/PVC coextrusions, and PVC tubing, offering compatibility across all three materials discussed in this guide.
Careful sealing of the donor tube is an important step in preparing freezing bags for cryogenic storage. Sealing the donor tube close to the stub tube and minimizing trapped air helps reduce stress on the tubing and bag that could lead to bag breaks. This practice of removing air reduces the likelihood of pressure changes during thawing and enhances the overall integrity of the system. Taking a few extra seconds to seal correctly is a simple way to protect both the bag and its attached tubing.
Picking the right tubing matters because it impacts every step of your process:
All three materials—EVA, PVC, and PVC/EVA—can be effectively sealed using the appropriate equipment.
By recognizing these differences, you can approach tubing selection with greater clarity and make choices that fit your workflow. Understanding the role of each material helps support consistent handling and protects the integrity of both the bag and tubing during use.
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