Cryogenic Labels

• Biobanks and Biorepositories: Cryogenic labels are extensively used in biobanks and biorepositories for the labeling and tracking of biological samples, including DNA, RNA, cell cultures, tissues, and specimens. These labels withstand ultra-low temperatures in liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic storage systems.
• Research Laboratories: Cryogenic labels find application in research laboratories, including molecular biology, genetics, and genomics, where samples and reagents must be stored at cryogenic temperatures. They ensure proper identification and traceability of stored materials.
• Pharmaceutical and Medical Research: Cryogenic labels are used in pharmaceutical and medical research facilities for labeling cryopreserved cells, stem cells, tissue samples, and other biological materials stored in cryogenic freezers. These labels provide critical information for tracking and maintaining sample integrity.
• IVF and Fertility Clinics: Cryogenic labels are essential in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and fertility clinics for labeling cryopreserved embryos, sperm, and eggs stored in liquid nitrogen tanks. These labels ensure the accurate identification and traceability of reproductive materials.
• Tissue Engineering: Cryogenic labels are used in tissue engineering laboratories to label cryopreserved tissue grafts, scaffolds, and biomaterials used in regenerative medicine. These labels help with proper sample identification and tracking.
• Forensic Science: Cryogenic labels find application in forensic laboratories for labeling and tracking biological evidence, such as blood samples, DNA samples, and other biological specimens stored in cryogenic conditions. They assist in maintaining sample integrity and chain of custody.
• Food and Agriculture: Cryogenic labels are used in the food and agriculture industry for labeling cryogenically frozen food products, such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meats. These labels provide information regarding product identification, storage guidelines, and expiration dates.
• Veterinary Medicine: Cryogenic labels are employed in veterinary clinics and research facilities for labeling cryopreserved animal tissues, reproductive materials, and cell lines. These labels ensure the accurate identification and traceability of samples.
• Cryogenic Storage Facilities: Cryogenic labels are essential for correctly identifying and organizing samples and specimens stored in cryogenic storage facilities. These facilities may include cryogenic freezers, dewars, or other specialized cryogenic containers.
• Industrial and Manufacturing: Cryogenic labels find application in industrial and manufacturing environments where cryogenic storage is required for specialized materials, components, or products. These labels assist in proper inventory control and identification.

The challenges of low temperatures and surface condensation can cause application and durability failure modes with your cleanroom cold storage labels. Understanding your unique variable and the possible failure mode is critical for finding a viable cold storage labeling solution. Below we outline a few considerations to help you decide what cryo label solution is right for you.

Selecting the appropriate label for storage temperature

When choosing labels for samples stored in the cold, the most crucial consideration is to assess exposure temperature. Cryogenic labels stick to containers below -196 °C. However, cryogenic labels tend to be susceptible to adhesive cold flow at elevated temperatures, so picking a cryo label for general refrigerated storage applications may have compatibility issues due to adhesive migration.

Container conformation and surface type

There is a multitude of labware and packaging containers that have to conform. As such, the application surface is critical in choosing the appropriate label. Some cryo labels better fit plastic or glass labware, while others apply to metals like stainless steel. Moreover, your container configuration supports the space required to display all the information to identify samples. 

Label re-application

Lastly, consider if your samples require both labeling and relabeling post-cryo storage. Upon removal, considerable amounts of frost cover the vials. As such, they typically must be applied at room temperature before cryogenic storage or have a wraparound feature to compensate for this shortcoming.