Labels & Film

Labels and Sealing Film are critical consumables in any laboratory setting, supporting safe, accurate sample identification and containment. From cryo-resistant tube labels to adhesive sealing films for microplates and culture dishes, these tools ensure traceability, reduce contamination, and improve workflow organization. Designed for durability, sterility, and compatibility with lab environments, labels and film protect sample integrity throughout storage, transport, and analysis.

Why Labels and Film Are Essential

Accurate labeling and effective sealing are non-negotiable in regulated, high-throughput labs. Misidentified samples or compromised containers can lead to invalid results, safety hazards, and regulatory non-compliance. Labels and film provide reliable solutions to prevent such issues—enabling secure sample tracking, preventing evaporation, and maintaining sterile conditions. Whether in cryogenic storage, PCR setup, or chemical transport, these products support precision and peace of mind.

What Are Labels and Film?

Labels are adhesive-backed identification tools used on tubes, vials, bottles, slides, and containers. Lab films are sealing materials—either adhesive or heat-sealed—applied to microplates, petri dishes, or flasks to protect samples. Both are made from specialized materials designed to resist moisture, solvents, extreme temperatures, and abrasion. Labels are available for manual writing, thermal transfer, or laser printing, while films come in perforated, breathable, or optical-clear options for various lab uses.

Types of Labels and Film

Cryogenic Labels

Best for: Labeling tubes and vials for ultra-low temperature storage.
Cryo labels maintain adhesion and legibility even in -196°C environments such as liquid nitrogen or ultra-low freezers.

Key Features:

• Withstand temperatures from -196°C to +100°C.
• Compatible with thermal transfer, laser, or handwritten formats.
• Waterproof, smudge-proof, and chemical-resistant.
• Available in sheets, rolls, or pre-cut formats.
• Writable surfaces with strong adhesion to curved surfaces.

Applications:

• Biobanking and long-term sample storage.
• Clinical and research cryogenic archiving.
• DNA/RNA and cell culture labeling.
• Labeling freezer boxes and cryo vials.

Laboratory Sealing Film

Best for: Protecting microplates, PCR plates, and petri dishes from contamination and evaporation.
Sealing film prevents sample loss while allowing for secure incubation, storage, or transport.

Key Features:

• Adhesive or heat-sealed formats.
• Available in breathable, optically clear, or foil-backed types.
• Compatible with automated plate sealers.
• Easy peel-off design without leaving residue.
• Sterile and non-sterile options available.

Applications:

• PCR and qPCR workflows.
• ELISA plate sealing during incubation.
• Cell culture and microbiology dish sealing.
• Sample shipping and cold storage protection.

General-Purpose Lab Labels

Best for: Everyday labeling of tubes, bottles, slides, and lab containers.
These versatile labels offer durable performance for most lab environments.

Key Features:

• Resistant to moisture, abrasion, and chemicals.
• Available in multiple sizes, shapes, and colors.
• Compatible with printers or handwriting.
• Removable or permanent adhesive options.
• Writable with permanent markers or lab pens.

Applications:

• Routine sample labeling in clinical labs.
• Bottle and container tracking.
• Slide and microscope sample ID.
• Inventory and lab organization systems.

Tamper-Evident & Security Labels

Best for: Ensuring sample integrity and preventing unauthorized access.
These labels change appearance or leave residue when removed, offering visual evidence of tampering.

Key Features:

• Void or checkerboard patterns upon removal.
• Permanent adhesive for high-security needs.
• Resistant to temperature changes and solvents.
• Available for vials, bags, and boxes.
• Custom-print or color-coded options.

Applications:

• Chain-of-custody sample tracking.
• Clinical diagnostics and pharma QA/QC.
• Biobank specimen protection.
• Sensitive or regulated sample sealing.

When to Use Labels & Film

• When identifying samples in tubes, vials, or plates.
• For sealing microplates during incubation or transport.
• To protect reagents, cell cultures, or samples from evaporation.
• In cryogenic storage or ultra-low freezer environments.
• When sample integrity and traceability are mission-critical.

How to Use Labels & Film

1. Select the appropriate label or film type based on container, environment, and handling needs.
2. Apply label to a clean, dry surface—press firmly for adhesion.
3. For sealing film, align over microplate or container and apply pressure or heat seal.
4. Use compatible printers, pens, or markers for labeling.
5. Store unused labels/film in a dry, room-temperature location.

Key Features of Labels & Film

• Extreme temperature resistance from cryogenic to autoclave conditions.
• Moisture, solvent, and abrasion resistance for lab-grade durability.
• Adhesion to curved, smooth, or frosted surfaces ensures flexibility.
• Writable or printable compatibility with common lab systems.
• Sterile or tamper-evident options for regulated lab environments.

Benefits of Labels and Film

Labels and sealing films protect the accuracy, traceability, and sterility of every sample. By enabling clear identification and secure containment, they help labs avoid costly errors, maintain regulatory compliance, and speed up workflows. These small but mighty consumables play a big role in operational success—whether tracking patient samples or preventing evaporation during high-sensitivity assays.

How to Choose the Right Labels and Film

• Match the application environment: Use cryo labels for -80°C to -196°C storage; standard for ambient conditions.
• Choose label size and shape based on container type (tube, plate, bottle).
• Decide between manual and printer compatibility depending on lab throughput.
• Select film type (adhesive, heat-seal, breathable) based on assay or storage needs.
• Look for regulatory features such as tamper-evidence or sterilization certification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will cryogenic labels stay adhered in liquid nitrogen?
A: Yes. Cryo labels are specifically designed to maintain adhesion and legibility at temperatures as low as -196°C.

Q: Can I write on sealing film?
A: Some films are writable with lab pens, though not all. Choose a writable or clear film based on your application.

Q: Are these labels compatible with label printers?
A: Yes. Most come in laser, inkjet, or thermal transfer-compatible formats. Always confirm compatibility with your printer model.

Q: How do I avoid labels peeling off in freezers?
A: Use cryo-rated labels and apply to clean, dry surfaces. Avoid touching the adhesive during application.

Q: What is the best sealing film for PCR?
A: Optically clear adhesive films with high thermal tolerance are ideal for PCR and qPCR applications.

Related Products

• Cryovials & Tubes: Label-ready containers for storage at cryogenic or ambient temperatures.
• Microplates & PCR Plates: For use with adhesive or heat-sealing films.
• Laboratory Markers & Label Printers: For durable, legible sample ID.
• Cold Storage Boxes & Freezers: Used alongside labeled containers for sample tracking.

Secure every sample with confidence using high-performance labels and sealing films from MedicalEx. Built to withstand extreme lab environments and compatible with your workflow, our labeling solutions keep your samples traceable, organized, and protected. Shop now for reliable sample integrity from prep to storage.