Cold Resistant Labels: What Purposes Do They Serve?

It is common for a sample or other item to be exposed to extremely cold temperatures in a laboratory. Cold resistant labels are an option to guarantee readability for vials or containers placed in these temperatures. These specially designed labels are frequently used for cryogenic storage and other conditions to ensure the identifying information remains intact during storage or exposure.

Unique materials in the design safeguard the storage vessel in temperatures surpassing below freezing. These materials are able to withstand exposure to items such as organic solvents. Cold resistant labels adhere to multiple surfaces including plastics, glass, and metals. For example, some providers use polypropylene labels, which are a synthetic thermal transfer product with the following traits:

  • High Printing Quality
  • Reduced Degradation (Tearing, Scuffing, etc.)
  • Exceptional Moisture Resistance
  • Withstands Lower Temperatures

This material is designed for use in environments where standard paper materials are unable to withstand the conditions. Adhesives used with polypropylene are permanent and the material may be white or a certain color depending on needs. Sometimes a container will need to be exposed to hot and cold temperatures or stored consistently in a location where the temperatures remain below freezing. Cold resistant labels are a viable option for ensuring the information remains readable throughout the storage process.

What is the Difference Between Standard and Cold Resistant Labels?
Polypropylene is one of many materials used to create cold resistant labels. The materials chosen will have an impact on how effectively the label adheres to certain surfaces in the required conditions. It is important to discuss your specific labeling needs with a professional who can recommend the most optimal label for the job. Special pens may be acquired for writing on the labels to avoid problems such as smudging.

A standard label is not capable of withstanding sudden temperature changes or exposure to prolonged cold. In these conditions, a standard design will rip, tear, smudge, and degrade. This is because the materials used are not able to resist prolonged exposure to moisture or chemicals. Cold resistant labels use specialized materials where solvents, moisture, and below freezing temperatures have no effect on the continued quality of identifying information. If standard labels are used in these conditions within a medical lab or facility, then the chance of a mistake or mislabeled item is higher.

Cold resistant labels are the best option when a vial or container will be exposed to or stored in a low temperature environment including those below freezing. The design resists moisture, solvents, and other conditions common in laboratory environments or other less common storage scenarios. These identifying markers are also a great option for cold storage in pharmacies or other areas of the medical industry where damage might be possible.

At Shamrock Labels, we offer several cold resistant label choices consisting of different materials. Each label is permanent and can be used in conjunction with our CryoPen to ensure complete legibility in below freezing temperatures. If you want to learn more about our high/low temperature options, give us a call today at (800) 323-0249!

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