Containers, sample containers and associated methods

A method of storing a sample, the method comprising:

• enclosing the sample in a volume defined by a container comprising a base comprising at least one base seal and a shell configured to be disposed at least partially over the base and interface with the at least one base seal;
• removing atmospheric gases from the volume through an outlet port extending through the shell;
• inputting a non-reactive gas into the volume through an inlet port extending through the shell, the non-reactive gas substantially replacing the atmospheric gases in the volume and maintaining a pressure of the volume;
• and
• sealing the container with a flexible seal extending across the inlet port and the outlet port by axially compressing the flexible seal to close the inlet port and the outlet port, the flexible seal configured to close the inlet port and the outlet port when axially compressed along an axis of the flexible seal.

A sample container comprising:

• a base comprising at least one base seal and a post configured to secure a sample to the base;
• a shell configured to be disposed at least partially over the base and interface with the at least one base seal, the shell comprising:
• an inlet extending through an upper surface of the shell, the inlet configured to create a first fluid connection to a cavity defined within the shell;
• and
• an outlet extending through the upper surface of the shell, the outlet configured to create a second fluid connection to the cavity defined within the shell;
• and
• a shell seal structure comprising a flexible seal, wherein the inlet and the outlet extend through the shell seal structure.