Abstract: Method for the preparation and conservation of cellular cultures or parts of cells, whereby the cellular cultures or parts of cells, after having been subjected to a step of starvation (12), undergo a process of conservation (24) without a significant loss of vitality or function and can therefore be supplied in the ready state for biological dosages.

Abstract: A cell culture flask having a hinged closure including a closure top which covers the flask opening and a locking arrangement to hold the closure top in the closed position. A finger tab is provided which extends radially from the closure top for manipulating the hinged closure to engage or release the locking arrangement, which may be snap-type or bayonet-type, and to move the closure top between the closed and fully open positions solely by one finger when the flask is held by the remaining four fingers and within the palm of one hand providing access to inside the flask for a pipette or the like held in the other hand through the flask opening. An elongated portion of the finger tab extends radially when the closure top is in the closed position and presents a radial extension which provides leverage to allow movement by one finger to pivot the hinged closure and to move it axially, to engage or release the locking arrangement, and to move it between the closed and fully open positions.