The motion of sealing a cylindrical glass container utilized in scientific experimentation is important for sustaining the integrity of its contents. This containment prevents contamination, evaporation, or spillage of the substances being studied. A typical instance entails tightly closing a vessel containing a unstable chemical to protect its purity and forestall its escape into the atmosphere.
This course of is of utmost significance in varied scientific disciplines. It permits for managed reactions, secure storage of hazardous supplies, and correct commentary of phenomena with out exterior interference. Traditionally, the strategy of sealing such vessels has developed from easy corks to specialised, hermetic closures that provide superior safety and reliability. This improvement has considerably enhanced the accuracy and security of experimentation.
Understanding the nuances of laboratory methods, together with correct sealing strategies, is prime for any scientist. It immediately impacts the validity of experimental outcomes and the security of the laboratory atmosphere. Subsequent sections will elaborate on associated subjects similar to particular closure varieties, finest practices for materials dealing with, and related security protocols.
1. Safe containment
Safe containment, achieved via efficient use of a closure on a cylindrical glass container, is a cornerstone of laboratory follow. It immediately impacts the accuracy and reliability of scientific endeavors by stopping loss or contamination of supplies.
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Prevention of Evaporation
Sustaining a decent seal minimizes the evaporation of unstable substances. That is essential when coping with liquids which have excessive vapor pressures, as evaporation can alter concentrations and skew experimental outcomes. As an illustration, preserving a inventory answer of ethanol requires a safe closure to stop focus modifications over time.
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Safety from Exterior Contaminants
Hermetic closures defend the contents from atmospheric pollution, mud, or different airborne particles that would introduce undesirable variables into an experiment. In delicate organic assays, stopping bacterial or fungal contamination is paramount, and a strong closure is a main protection in opposition to such intrusions.
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Management of Reactions
Safe containment permits for exact management over chemical reactions. By stopping the ingress of air or moisture, undesired aspect reactions might be minimized, resulting in extra correct and predictable outcomes. Anaerobic reactions, for instance, necessitate hermetic circumstances to stop oxygen interference.
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Secure Storage of Hazardous Supplies
A safe closure is crucial when storing hazardous chemical substances. It prevents leakage, spillage, and publicity to the atmosphere, defending laboratory personnel and minimizing the danger of accidents. The storage of concentrated acids or flammable solvents necessitates closures which are chemically resistant and leak-proof.
The rules of safe containment, achieved by correctly sealing a cylindrical glass vessel, are elementary to dependable scientific inquiry. Every of those aspects immediately contributes to the integrity of experimental knowledge and the security of the laboratory atmosphere. The effectiveness of this closure immediately influences the validity of analysis findings.
2. Stopping Evaporation
The act of successfully sealing a cylindrical glass container, an ordinary laboratory follow, immediately addresses the important want to stop evaporation. Evaporation, the part transition from liquid to fuel, can considerably alter the composition and focus of contained substances. The correct software of a closure minimizes the vapor escape price, thereby preserving the integrity of the pattern.
Take into account, for instance, an answer of a unstable natural solvent inside a glass vessel. With out a correctly fitted closure, the solvent will steadily evaporate, resulting in a rise within the focus of the remaining solutes. This variation in focus can invalidate experimental outcomes and introduce inaccuracies into quantitative analyses. In pharmaceutical analysis, the place exact concentrations of drug compounds are paramount, stopping evaporation isn’t merely a matter of comfort, however a elementary requirement for dependable knowledge.
In conclusion, the deliberate motion of sealing laboratory glassware serves as a main protection in opposition to evaporative losses. This follow is crucial for sustaining pattern integrity, making certain knowledge accuracy, and facilitating reproducible experimental outcomes. The effectiveness of the chosen closure materials, its match, and its resistance to chemical degradation are key elements that decide the diploma to which evaporation is mitigated. The cautious choice and software of an applicable sealing methodology are subsequently indispensable parts of sound laboratory method.
3. Hermetic Seal
The formation of an hermetic seal, achieved when a closure is correctly utilized to a cylindrical glass container, is a elementary prerequisite for sustaining the integrity of its contents. This seal prevents the alternate of gases between the inner atmosphere of the vessel and the exterior ambiance, thereby safeguarding in opposition to contamination and alteration of the contained substances.
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Prevention of Oxidation
An hermetic seal inhibits the entry of oxygen, stopping oxidative degradation of delicate compounds. That is notably important when working with decreasing brokers or substances inclined to oxidation, similar to sure nutritional vitamins or unsaturated fat. With out an efficient seal, these compounds might degrade, rendering experimental outcomes inaccurate.
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Upkeep of Anaerobic Situations
For experiments requiring anaerobic circumstances, an hermetic seal is crucial to exclude atmospheric oxygen. Microbial cultures, for instance, might require a totally oxygen-free atmosphere to thrive. A compromised seal would enable oxygen to enter, inhibiting progress or altering the metabolic pathways of the anaerobic organisms.
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Prevention of Moisture Absorption
An hermetic seal prevents the absorption of atmospheric moisture by hygroscopic supplies. Sure chemical substances, similar to anhydrous salts, readily take up water from the air, altering their mass and focus. An efficient seal ensures that these supplies stay dry and keep their specified purity.
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Management of Risky Substances
When coping with unstable natural compounds, an hermetic seal prevents their escape into the laboratory atmosphere. This not solely minimizes potential publicity to dangerous vapors but additionally ensures that the focus of the compound throughout the vessel stays fixed. That is essential for correct and reproducible experimental outcomes.
In conclusion, the flexibility to create and keep an hermetic seal, when correctly “stopper the take a look at tube,” is a important ability in laboratory follow. It immediately contributes to the accuracy, reproducibility, and security of scientific experiments. The collection of applicable closure supplies and methods is subsequently paramount for making certain the reliability of analysis outcomes and sustaining a secure working atmosphere.
4. Contamination prevention
The act of sealing a cylindrical glass vessel with a closure is essentially linked to contamination prevention inside a laboratory atmosphere. This follow is a important measure in sustaining the integrity of experimental samples and making certain the validity of analysis findings. Stopping the introduction of undesirable substances is paramount throughout varied scientific disciplines.
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Barrier In opposition to Airborne Particles
A correctly fitted closure serves as a bodily barrier in opposition to airborne particles, together with mud, pollen, and microorganisms. These particles can introduce international components right into a pattern, altering its composition and probably invalidating experimental outcomes. In analytical chemistry, as an example, the presence of even hint contaminants can considerably have an effect on the accuracy of quantitative measurements.
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Inhibition of Microbial Progress
Many scientific purposes require sterile circumstances, notably in microbiology and cell tradition. An efficient closure prevents the entry of micro organism, fungi, and different microorganisms that would proliferate throughout the pattern, resulting in spoilage or interference with experimental outcomes. For instance, in culturing micro organism, a sterile seal is crucial to make sure that solely the meant species grows.
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Prevention of Cross-Contamination
In laboratories the place a number of experiments are performed concurrently, closures forestall cross-contamination between samples. Risky compounds or aerosols from one experiment can probably contaminate one other if not correctly contained. That is notably essential in molecular biology, the place even hint quantities of international DNA can amplify and warp outcomes.
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Safety from Chemical Interference
Closures can defend the contents of a vessel from chemical interference from the encompassing atmosphere. This contains stopping the absorption of moisture, the ingress of atmospheric gases (similar to oxygen or carbon dioxide), and the introduction of chemical vapors. For instance, storing a hygroscopic reagent in an unsealed container can result in the absorption of moisture, altering its focus and reactivity.
In abstract, the deliberate use of a closure to seal laboratory glassware is crucial for stopping contamination. This follow immediately impacts the reliability and reproducibility of scientific experiments by sustaining the purity and integrity of experimental samples. Efficient “stopper the take a look at tube” methodology, together with the collection of applicable closure supplies and methods, is a cornerstone of sound laboratory follow and contributes considerably to the accuracy and validity of scientific analysis.
5. Response management
Efficient regulation of chemical reactions inside a laboratory setting is critically depending on the flexibility to isolate the response atmosphere. The process of securely sealing a cylindrical glass container is a elementary side of reaching this management, immediately influencing the response’s development and end result.
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Regulation of Gaseous Surroundings
Sealing a response vessel permits for exact manipulation of the gaseous atmosphere surrounding the reactants. Inert atmospheres, similar to nitrogen or argon, might be maintained to stop undesirable aspect reactions, notably oxidation. For instance, within the synthesis of air-sensitive organometallic compounds, an hermetic seal is crucial to exclude oxygen and moisture, making certain the specified response proceeds with out degradation of the reactants or merchandise.
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Management of Stress
The power to include a response inside a sealed vessel permits management over stress circumstances. Elevated pressures can speed up response charges or shift equilibrium positions. Excessive-pressure reactors, outfitted with sturdy closures, are employed in industrial processes and analysis to facilitate reactions that may be in any other case unfeasible. Conversely, a sealed system also can keep a vacuum, helpful for eradicating unstable byproducts or conducting reactions underneath decreased stress.
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Exact Temperature Upkeep
Efficient sealing facilitates exact temperature management by minimizing warmth alternate between the response combination and the exterior atmosphere. A well-sealed vessel can keep a steady temperature for prolonged durations, enabling correct kinetic research and making certain constant response circumstances. That is notably essential in reactions with vital enthalpy modifications, the place uncontrolled warmth launch or absorption can result in unpredictable outcomes.
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Prevention of Risky Part Loss
Sealing a cylindrical glass vessel prevents the lack of unstable reactants or merchandise, making certain that the response stoichiometry stays fixed all through the method. That is particularly essential in reactions involving unstable solvents or reactants, the place evaporative losses can considerably alter concentrations and have an effect on the yield of the specified product. The usage of a decent seal ensures that the response proceeds underneath managed circumstances, resulting in extra reproducible outcomes.
In conclusion, the act of securely sealing a cylindrical glass container is inextricably linked to response management. By enabling exact manipulation of the response atmosphere, together with gaseous composition, stress, temperature, and element concentrations, this follow permits for the optimization and reproducible execution of chemical reactions. Subsequently, applicable choice and implementation of sealing strategies are important for reaching desired response outcomes and advancing scientific information.
6. Materials preservation
The follow of sealing a cylindrical glass vessel, a standard laboratory process, immediately influences materials preservation. This motion is essential for safeguarding the integrity of gear contained inside, defending them from degradation, contamination, or alteration over time. The effectiveness of this sealing methodology immediately impacts the longevity and reliability of saved supplies.
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Prevention of Chemical Decomposition
Sealing a container minimizes publicity to environmental elements that promote chemical decomposition. Oxygen, moisture, and light-weight can speed up the breakdown of delicate compounds. An efficient closure creates a barrier in opposition to these components, extending the shelf lifetime of reagents, requirements, and different priceless supplies. As an illustration, storing oxygen-sensitive compounds underneath an inert ambiance inside a sealed container prevents oxidation and maintains their purity.
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Inhibition of Organic Degradation
The introduction of microorganisms can result in the speedy degradation of organic samples. Sealing a vessel prevents the entry of micro organism, fungi, and different microorganisms, inhibiting their progress and stopping spoilage. That is notably important for preserving organic specimens, cell cultures, and different organic supplies utilized in analysis and diagnostics. Sterility is maintained by correct sealing strategies.
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Minimization of Bodily Alteration
Sealing a container prevents bodily alterations to the enclosed supplies. This contains stopping the lack of unstable parts via evaporation, in addition to stopping the absorption of moisture from the ambiance. Sustaining the bodily state of a fabric is crucial for making certain its constant efficiency in experimental procedures. For instance, stopping the evaporation of solvents from an answer ensures that its focus stays fixed over time.
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Upkeep of Pattern Integrity
Preserving the unique traits of a fabric is significant for correct scientific investigations. Sealing a container helps keep pattern integrity by stopping any undesirable interactions with the atmosphere. This ensures that the fabric stays consultant of its authentic composition and properties, permitting for dependable and reproducible experimental outcomes. The reliability of any downstream evaluation is dependent upon this integrity.
In abstract, materials preservation is immediately facilitated by the efficient software of a closure to a cylindrical glass vessel. By stopping chemical decomposition, inhibiting organic degradation, minimizing bodily alteration, and sustaining pattern integrity, this follow ensures the long-term usability and reliability of priceless supplies in scientific analysis and different purposes. The diploma of preservation achieved is immediately proportional to the effectiveness of the “stopper the take a look at tube” methodology employed.
7. Security protocol
Adherence to security protocol inside a laboratory atmosphere is inextricably linked to the proper execution of frequent procedures, together with the act of sealing a cylindrical glass container. This motion isn’t merely a matter of experimental method however is a elementary element of sustaining a secure working atmosphere and minimizing the danger of accidents or publicity to hazardous supplies.
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Prevention of Spills and Leaks
A main security concern is the prevention of spills or leaks of doubtless hazardous substances. An improperly sealed cylindrical glass vessel may end up in the unintended launch of unstable, corrosive, or poisonous supplies into the laboratory. Correct sealing methods, together with using appropriately sized and chemically resistant closures, are important for mitigating this danger. For instance, the storage of concentrated acids requires closures designed to face up to chemical assault and forestall the escape of corrosive vapors, minimizing the danger of pores and skin or respiratory publicity.
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Containment of Hazardous Reactions
Many chemical reactions contain the era of hazardous byproducts or using inherently harmful reagents. Efficient sealing of the response vessel is important for holding these hazards and stopping their launch into the laboratory atmosphere. Reactions involving flammable solvents, as an example, require closures that aren’t solely hermetic but additionally able to withstanding stress will increase ensuing from unstable vapors or exothermic reactions. Improper sealing can result in explosions or the discharge of poisonous gases, posing a big risk to laboratory personnel.
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Minimization of Publicity to Risky Substances
Publicity to unstable chemical substances, even at low concentrations, can pose a well being danger via inhalation, pores and skin absorption, or ingestion. Sealing cylindrical glass containers helps to attenuate the discharge of unstable compounds into the air, decreasing the potential for publicity. That is notably essential when working with recognized carcinogens, mutagens, or teratogens, the place even transient exposures can have long-term well being penalties. Correct air flow together with sealed containers is crucial.
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Secure Disposal of Chemical Waste
The secure disposal of chemical waste is a important side of laboratory security. Sealed containers are used to gather and transport chemical waste to designated disposal areas. Correctly labeled and sealed containers forestall unintentional spills or mixing of incompatible waste streams, decreasing the danger of chemical reactions or environmental contamination. Adhering to waste disposal protocols, together with applicable container choice and sealing, is crucial for shielding laboratory personnel and the atmosphere.
In conclusion, the proper process of sealing laboratory glassware is an integral element of complete security protocols. By stopping spills and leaks, containing hazardous reactions, minimizing publicity to unstable substances, and facilitating secure waste disposal, correct sealing methods contribute considerably to making a safer laboratory atmosphere. Neglecting the right methodology when to “stopper the take a look at tube” can compromise the effectiveness of security measures.
8. Experimental validity
The integrity of scientific analysis hinges upon experimental validity, the diploma to which an experiment precisely measures what it intends to measure. One essential factor influencing this validity is the process of securely sealing a cylindrical glass vessel. This motion, typically ignored, immediately impacts the accuracy and reliability of experimental outcomes by stopping varied types of contamination and alteration of the experimental setup. As an illustration, in quantitative chemistry, an unsealed vessel containing a unstable analyte will expertise evaporative losses, artificially skewing the measured focus. Equally, in microbiology, a poorly sealed container might be infiltrated by environmental microorganisms, compromising the purity of a tradition and invalidating subsequent analyses. Subsequently, the seemingly easy act of successfully “stopper the take a look at tube” is, in actuality, a important step in the direction of making certain experimental validity.
The sensible significance of understanding this connection extends throughout various scientific disciplines. In pharmaceutical analysis, the place drug efficacy and security are paramount, experimental validity is non-negotiable. Take into account the event of a brand new drug formulation. If the container used to retailer the drug answer isn’t correctly sealed, the lively pharmaceutical ingredient might degrade or react with atmospheric parts, resulting in inaccurate assessments of its stability and efficiency. Equally, in environmental science, the measurement of hint pollution requires meticulous pattern dealing with to keep away from contamination from exterior sources. A poorly sealed pattern container might result in falsely elevated pollutant ranges, leading to misguided coverage selections and dear remediation efforts. These examples underscore the very important function of sealing in upholding the integrity of analysis knowledge.
In conclusion, the deliberate and efficient sealing of cylindrical glass containers isn’t merely a routine laboratory job, however an integral element of making certain experimental validity. Whereas varied challenges, similar to choosing applicable closure supplies and making certain constant sealing methods, might exist, the implications of neglecting this step are vital. The diploma of experimental validity achieved is immediately proportional to how efficient it’s to “stopper the take a look at tube” – with a higher affect within the general integrity of analysis knowledge and high quality management within the science. Understanding this connection is essential for researchers throughout disciplines, because it immediately impacts the reliability of scientific conclusions and the development of information.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries and misconceptions concerning the right strategies and significance of sealing cylindrical glass containers in a laboratory setting. The data offered goals to make clear finest practices and underscore the importance of this seemingly easy process.
Query 1: Why is correct sealing of a cylindrical glass vessel so important in a laboratory?
Efficient closure prevents contamination, evaporation, and spillage, all of which may compromise the integrity of experimental outcomes. Sealing ensures correct knowledge, maintains pattern purity, and promotes a secure working atmosphere. Moreover, particular procedures similar to anaerobic reactions completely depend upon air-tight strategies.
Query 2: What are the first kinds of closures accessible for cylindrical glass containers?
Closure varieties fluctuate relying on the applying and embrace stoppers, screw caps, septa, and specialised hermetic seals. Stopper supplies can vary from cork to glass, whereas screw caps sometimes make use of inert plastic polymers. Choice is dependent upon the chemical compatibility with the container contents and the required degree of airtightness.
Query 3: How does the fabric of the closure have an effect on its effectiveness?
Closure materials performs a important function in figuring out the integrity of the seal. Improper materials choice can result in chemical degradation, permeability to gases or vapors, or leaching of contaminants into the pattern. Subsequently, supplies have to be chemically proof against the substances being saved and inert to the response circumstances.
Query 4: What elements contribute to a failed seal in a cylindrical glass container?
A number of elements can compromise the seal, together with improper match, chemical degradation of the closure materials, bodily harm to the container or closure, and temperature fluctuations. Routine inspection and upkeep are important to determine and tackle potential seal failures earlier than they compromise experimental outcomes or security.
Query 5: How does sealing contribute to security when working with hazardous supplies?
Securely sealing hazardous supplies prevents leaks, spills, and the discharge of poisonous vapors. This containment minimizes publicity dangers to laboratory personnel and prevents environmental contamination. Correct sealing is an integral element of secure laboratory practices and hazard management.
Query 6: What are some finest practices for making certain an efficient seal on a cylindrical glass container?
Greatest practices embrace choosing the suitable closure kind and materials for the particular software, making certain a correct match between the closure and the container, commonly inspecting closures for harm or put on, and following beneficial sealing procedures. Coaching and adherence to established laboratory protocols are additionally essential.
In abstract, understanding the nuances of closure choice, upkeep, and finest practices is essential for making certain the validity of scientific experiments and selling a secure laboratory atmosphere. Correct consideration to those particulars contributes on to the reliability of analysis findings.
The subsequent part will concentrate on particular methods for sealing cylindrical glass vessels and troubleshooting frequent issues.
Important Strategies for Securing Cylindrical Glass Vessels
The next tips define essential methods for making certain efficient closure of cylindrical glass containers, a elementary follow for sustaining experimental integrity and selling laboratory security. Adherence to those strategies is crucial for researchers and laboratory personnel.
Tip 1: Choose the Applicable Closure Sort.
The selection of closure should align with the particular software. Take into account elements such because the chemical compatibility with the contents, the required degree of airtightness, and the anticipated temperature vary. For instance, unstable solvents necessitate using hermetic, chemically resistant closures, whereas organic samples might require sterile seals to stop contamination.
Tip 2: Guarantee Correct Match.
A safe match between the closure and the container is paramount. Closures have to be appropriately sized and correctly aligned to stop leaks or contamination. Broken or ill-fitting closures ought to be changed instantly. Inspecting the threads of screw-cap closures or the floor of floor glass joints is crucial earlier than use.
Tip 3: Recurrently Examine Closures.
Routine inspection of closures is important for figuring out indicators of damage, chemical degradation, or bodily harm. Cracks, discoloration, or deformation can compromise the seal’s integrity. Substitute any questionable closures to keep up the effectiveness of the seal.
Tip 4: Apply Correct Sealing Strategies.
Make use of the beneficial sealing methods for every kind of closure. Screw caps ought to be tightened adequately however not over-tightened, which may harm the closure or container. Floor glass joints ought to be evenly greased to make sure an hermetic seal. Think about using sealing movie or tape for extra safety in sure purposes.
Tip 5: Keep Cleanliness.
Contaminants on the closure or the rim of the container can compromise the seal. Be sure that each surfaces are clear and dry earlier than sealing. Keep away from touching the sealing surfaces with naked palms to stop the introduction of oils or particles.
Tip 6: Take into account Temperature Results.
Temperature fluctuations can have an effect on the integrity of the seal. Excessive temperature modifications could cause enlargement or contraction of the closure or container, resulting in leaks or cracks. When storing supplies at low temperatures, be certain that the closure is designed to face up to cryogenic circumstances.
Tip 7: Implement a Sealing Verification Protocol.
In important purposes, contemplate implementing a protocol to confirm the effectiveness of the seal. This will contain testing the container for leaks utilizing stress or vacuum methods, or visually inspecting the seal for any indicators of compromise.
Adherence to those important methods will considerably improve the reliability of experimental outcomes, promote a safer laboratory atmosphere, and decrease the danger of accidents or contamination. The diligent software of those strategies is a trademark of sound laboratory follow.
The concluding part will summarize the important thing takeaways and supply last suggestions for efficient closure of cylindrical glass containers.
Concluding Remarks
This exploration has underscored the important operate of successfully sealing cylindrical glass vessels throughout the scientific area. The act, typically distilled to the phrase “stopper the take a look at tube,” extends past mere containment. It immediately influences experimental validity, materials preservation, security protocols, and finally, the reliability of analysis outcomes. An intensive understanding of closure varieties, materials properties, and correct sealing methods is paramount for all practitioners.
The pursuit of scientific development hinges upon meticulous consideration to element. As analysis endeavors change into more and more complicated, the basic practices, similar to making certain a safe seal, stay indispensable. Constant software of those rules serves as a cornerstone for rigorous scientific inquiry, safeguarding the integrity of outcomes and paving the way in which for significant discoveries. Subsequently, correct dealing with and closure of such containers have to be thought to be a elementary element of scientific rigor, not merely a procedural step.
