[NHCOLL-L:1789] Liquid nitrogen field collections and materials used

[Alexandra M. Snyder]

I am trying to come up with materials that can be used in the field to 
collect whole fishes (small) for tissue subsampling.  These materials must 
hold up in liquid nitrogen.

Currently, I am testing the Tyvek 1422A, the light weight variety, for bags 
and the Uniball Deluxe pen or Sanford "Sharpie Industrial" inks for the 
outside info.  The idea is to write the info on the Tyvek bag (the sides 
sealed with a heat sealer we use for 4 mil bags), place the whole fish in 
the bag and secure the top (some how).  Then it all goes into the liquid 
nitrogen bath.

Normally, I receive these collections in tinfoil packets.   The researcher 
attempts to write the field number on the outside of the tinfoil packet 
using a pen.  This is not always successful and, since I cannot convince 
anyone to use internal labels, I need to come up with something that will 
be "permanent" or at least permanent enough for me to retrieve the 
information (field number) when pulling the fishes from the liquid 
nitrogen.

I am looking for more ideas or advice on materials for whole specimen field 
collections that are put into liquid nitrogen and how to secure field data 
to these collections.  I could also use some advice on a good pen that will 
write on the plastic nunc tubes and hold up in the liquid nitrogen.  The 
thicker nibs are problematic and the Sharpie Industrial has not passed my 
tests.  Again, the researchers will not put a backup label inside the nunc 
tube with the tissue leaving me to second guess the handwriting or the 
faded pen ink.

Thank you for your attention to this question.

Lex
================================
Alexandra M. Snyder, Collection Manager
Division of Fishes
Museum of Southwestern Biology
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131 USA
Ph 505.277.6005  Fax 505.277.3218
amsnyder at unm.edu