Containment system for the preparation of vitrified-hydrated virus specimens.

A guillotine-type quick freezing device and a bio-hazard containment box have been designed, constructed, and used to prepare vitrified-hydrated specimens of viruses in their native environment. Special design considerations include the preservation of the specimen in its natural state in vitrified ice, prevention of virus aerosols escape, and control of the potentially explosive air-coolant vapor mixtures.