The labelling of frozen vials is a significant challenge for many pharmaceutical companies, bio-pharma research labs, cell banks, biorepositories and other laboratories when they’re choosing the correct cryogenic labels that will ensure the appropriate biopreservation of samples in liquid nitrogen and ultra-low temperature freezers.

The problem is that the vast majority of labels cannot stick to already frozen containers due to the solidification of their adhesive upon contact with a cryogenically frozen surface. Simultaneously, vials containing biological materials cannot be warmed up due to temperature sensitivity of their content. In most cases, the re-labelling of these vials has to be done below -70°C or -80°C temperatures so as not to compromise the viability of the frozen cells.

Solution – Low Temperature Cryogenic Labels

ADC Barcode has developed a new and unique cryogenic label that can withstand temperatures from 0°C all the way down to -196°C. Our unique adhesive is specifically formulated to withstand extremely cold storage conditions with long term reliability. It has also been proven to tolerate up to 10 freezing and thawing cycles. This adhesive can stick to already frozen vials that have been submerged in liquid nitrogen tanks. Our custom made adhesive does not solidify upon contact with a frozen substrate, and once applied it can last decades on a frozen vial or container.

Material

The label substrate or face stock is the base material upon which the information will be a printer. Cryogenic labelling is typically considered ‘wet labelling’. This means that the substrate we would recommend would be a synthetic material (polyester/vinyl) that would hold up well against exposure to frost or condensation.

The labels can be supplied in any colour, and we can offer anything from opaque cover up labels to transparent labels. We would recommend the opaque cover up labels to block out any previous labels that have obsolete information on them. They are designed to completely obscure existing labels meaning you can re-use test tubes without having to worry about previous text showing through.

Application and Size

Our adhesive is designed for storage in temperatures as low as -196°C. This adhesive performs equally well on glass, cardboard, PP and steel substrates. The labels are manufactured with a clear overlap that ensures they are waterproof and are able to withstand the multiple freeze-thaw cycles. They can also be used for dry-ice storage and transportation.

These labels can be supplied in any and all sizes and they have an excellent small-diameter performance to cover a wide range of labelling needs – from vials, test tubes, and microwell plates to steel cabinets and storage boxes.

Printing

Our cryogenic labels are thermal transfer so they can be used in conjunction with standard thermal transfer barcode printers from various brands such as Zebra, Intermec and Datamax O’Neill.

We would also recommend using a high-grade resin ribbon especially if working with chemicals or if the label needs to withstand multiple freeze-thaw cycles.

Recommended Industries

These unique labels can provide an ideal solution to many laboratories involved in long-term biopreservation of samples such as cord blood banks, cell banks, tissue banks, seed banks, sperm banks and other cryogenic storage facilities in biomedical and veterinary fields.

At ADC Barcode, we’re on hand to help your business manage your unique mix of labelling requirements. Please contact us if you would like to discuss the benefits cryogenic labels can bring to your business.

ADC Barcode is involved in the supply of barcode scanners, barcode label printers, barcode verifiers and label applicators. We also provide custom software, EPOS systems & hardware, RFID and wireless networking technology amongst other professional services. Get in touch now and obtain more information.