How to Choose the Right Limited-Volume Vial
Fused Insert vs. MRQ™ vs. Max Recovery
By Bill Ciccone – Updated for 2026
Selecting the proper limited-volume 12x32 mm autosampler vial can make a significant difference in sample integrity and analytical accuracy. Customers often ask: “When should I use MRQ™ autosampler vials versus other options like Fused Insert vials or Max Recovery vials?”
The short answer: it depends on your application and sample characteristics. Below are practical guidelines and key differences to help you choose the best vial for your needs.
Available Options
Fused Insert Vials
- Design: A precision glass insert fused to the vial’s inner ring at the mouth.
- Volume: ~300 µL total capacity.
- Benefit: Consistent bottom well minimizes sample loss and ensures uniform specifications across batches.
- Ideal For: Applications requiring very small sample volumes and maximum consistency.
- The insert is designed to sit slightly above the vial lip, creating a secure seal against the septa—unlike competitor designs where the insert does not seal properly, increasing the risk of leakage into the vial.
MRQ™ Vials
- Design: One-piece glass construction with a 30 µL bottom well for near-complete sample uptake.
- Volume: 1.2 mL total capacity.
- Advantage: Eliminates interior ledges found in competitor products, reducing residual volume loss (up to 40 µL in other designs).
- Ideal For: Autosampler workflows where minimizing residual volume is critical.
- Optimized for use with bottom-port needles to ensure maximum sample recovery.
Max Recovery Vials
- Design: Similar to MRQ™, but with a concave bottom instead of a well.
- Volume: 1.2 mL total capacity.
- Ideal For: General applications where recovery is important but not as critical as in MRQ™ use cases.
- Designed to be center draining for maximum recover when using a bottom port needle.
Key Considerations
- Sample Volatility: Highly volatile samples or those stored for extended periods (>24 hours) are prone to evaporation, which can alter concentration and compromise results.
- Analytical Precision: For sensitive analyses, minimizing evaporation and residual volume is essential.
- Autosampler Compatibility: Only AQ™ and RSA™ brands guarantee bottom-height consistency required for autosamplers. Competitor “look-alike” products may not meet these standards.
- Precise volume injection is a key consideration for any of these products.
Think of it like cooking: If you leave soup uncovered, water evaporates, and the salt concentration rises—changing the flavor. Similarly, evaporation in vials can skew your sample concentration and affect your data.
Bottom Line
- Use Fused Insert Vials for ultra-low volumes and maximum consistency.
- Choose MRQ™ Vials when minimizing residual volume is critical.
- Opt for Max Recovery Vials for general recovery needs.