Every day, lab managers strive to run productive, efficient labs; after all, important, sometimes life-changing outcomes are on the line. The rising adoption of automation means many processes that were once time-consuming and tedious are now mechanized and reliable, thereby increasing lab productivity.

One area that is easy to overlook is a lab's system for labeling samples. In this age of rapid technological advancement, it's no longer good practice to rely on hand labeling or laser printing to label tubes, vials, plates and slides—it takes up valuable staff time and the risk of error is too high. Exposure to chemicals can cause ink smears or damage to the label surface itself, leading to mistakes in sample tracking, distortion or adhesive failure.

Because of routine exposure, selecting the right labeling system for the lab is as, if not more, important as selecting quality labware itself. When determining the best label for every lab environment, there are three key considerations: materials, imaging and adhesives.

Polymer is often the best label material because it’s resistant to chemicals and performs well in hot, cold and wet environments. Material flexibility and thickness are important for labels applied to irregular surfaces. Thickness is also a key consideration for labware that needs to be placed in holders or racks. For barcode and other high-density data storage images, thermal transfer printing is the optimal choice. It’s the most durable and it won’t smear. Thermal transfer imaging uses a heat-activated ribbon material in the label printer, which allows users to select the image durability most suitable for their application. Laserjet-printed labels often do not offer a high enough image resolution for barcode technology. Furthermore, inkjet direct mark images smear when exposed to chemicals like solvents, and their low resolution and lack of contrast makes them difficult to scan.

Selecting the right adhesive depends on surface finishes, material chemistries and usage environments of labware. Adhesives used for plastics are different than what’s needed for glass. The rough finish often found on molded plastics requires a thicker layer of adhesive to sufficiently penetrate into the surface irregularities. Adhesives used for cryogenic applications can also vary. Cryogenic applications will be exposed to temperatures at or below -20 C, so it’s critical to select labels designed specifically for these conditions.

Once needs have been identified for labels with regard to materials, imaging and adhesives, the right level of customization must be determined. Advances in automation have made it possible for label manufacturers to apply, or print-and-apply, barcode labels to a variety of items. Pre-labeled slides, plates, tubes, vials and containers are sequentially ordered to eliminate tracking errors or duplicates, and the labels can be permanently affixed to surfaces to guarantee performance in harsh environments. From successfully pre-labeling thousands of microwell plates to placing heat-cured ceramic labels on glass slides for lifelong secure identification, label manufacturers have advanced technologically and proven the ease and benefits of pre-labeled labware to lab staff.