> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://khalil-lab.gitbook.io/evolver/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://khalil-lab.gitbook.io/evolver/hardware/vial-caps.md).

# Vial Caps

## Overview

An essential component that screws on top of the glass eVOLVER vial. Connects to eVOLVER fluidics via luer lock.

## Versions

### 4 Port Universal \[Needle or Luer Lock]

<figure><img src="/files/zvGpBNwvdyzfaGe29grq" alt="" width="188"><figcaption><p>4-port universal cap with nylon efflux straw on bottom.</p></figcaption></figure>

#### Overview

Option 1: \[Recommended] Can be easily constructed with luer locks

Option 2: \[Not Recommended] Can be used with needles like old caps, however this opens you up to preventable overflows as the old caps did

#### Advantages

1. \[[Emergency efflux](/evolver/guides/emergency-efflux.md) enabled] - prevent vial overflows via air tight seal to vial
2. Reusable connectors (no need to use needles) - connect tubing directly to luer lock on cap
3. Easy assembly with few additional parts&#x20;
4. Ports work with old needle setup if needed

#### Assembly

GitHub [link](https://github.com/FYNCH-BIO/hardware/tree/master/Smart%20Sleeve/vial_cap/4port_needle_or_luer)

[Construction guide](/evolver/hardware/vial-caps/universal-vial-cap-construction-guide-luer-connectors-only.md)

### 5 and 7 Port \[Nylon Tube Only]

<figure><img src="/files/F1wt0wUeikeQZ9qm2tG0" alt=""><figcaption><p>5-port cap assembled</p></figcaption></figure>

#### Overview

Use a honeycomb pattern for the ports to cram more ports onto the cap.

#### Advantages

1. \[[Emergency efflux](/evolver/guides/emergency-efflux.md) enabled] - prevent vial overflows via air tight seal to vial
2. Reusable connectors (no need to use needles) - connect tubing directly to luer lock on cap
3. Up to 5 or 7 ports per cap (plus sampling port) - other caps only have 4 ports
4. Allows color coding of cap tubing to aid correct setup (see image above)

#### Assembly

GitHub [link](https://github.com/FYNCH-BIO/hardware/tree/master/Smart%20Sleeve/vial_cap/5_and_7_port_nylon_tube)

[Construction guide](/evolver/hardware/vial-caps/5-and-7-port-nylon-tubing-caps-construction-protocol.md)

### \[Old] Needle-Only

GitHub [link](https://github.com/FYNCH-BIO/hardware/tree/master/Smart%20Sleeve/vial_cap/old_needle_only)

#### Overview

This is the cap that is currently given by default from FynchBio as of 25/01/15.

Requires needles, so cannot have a full seal on the vial. Therefore, should be used with caution because of overflow risk.

#### Assembly

Must be assembled with needles at correct heights before each run.