Type 305 stainless steel microvial has a capacity of 1.5 ml and is sealed with an polyolefin flange-cap. Applications include PCR methods, cryological storage and cell disruption. It cannot not be breached by the high shaking energies of cell disrupters nor cracked at liquid nitrogen temperatures. In PCR applications, the vials thin metal wall enhances heat transfer, temperature control, and response to cyclic temperature changes.