Should your lab use thermal transfer printable labels?

The answer is yes! In the fast-paced, detail-oriented environment of modern laboratories, labels need to be durable and often customizable through on-site printing or handwriting. The identification and tracking of samples, reagents, and equipment, for example, require labels that maintain legibility and adhesion under harsh conditions like chemical exposure, extreme temperatures, and frequent handling and that can be modified to include the most up-to-date, individualized information.  

Thermal transfer printable labels are the ideal solution.

These labels ensure that essential, individualized information can be printed on the label and will remain intact long-term, keeping lab operations moving smoothly.

What are thermal transfer printable labels?

The term thermal transfer refers to a specialized printing process in which heat is used to transfer ink from a ribbon onto a label surface. This method is unique because it produces extremely durable, high-quality text and barcodes that can withstand the harsh environmental conditions of labs and manufacturing facilities. 

Thermal transfer printable labels are especially useful in situations where information needs to be fully or partially customized with on-site printing because they are designed to be used with common lab and manufacturing printers like Zebra and DYMO.

And, they can be customized for handwriting with standard lab markers for situations where immediate, on-the-spot labeling is necessary. This option is ideal for temporary labeling needs, adjustments during experiments, or when precise control over label content is required. 

Why would I want to print thermal transfer labels on site?

Labs are dynamic environments that often need to convey information that was only available a few moments before. That’s not a task that can always be accomplished with fully pre-printed labels. 

Thermal transfer printable labels give you the flexibility to choose which information should be pre-printed during label production (for speed and ease of use) and which information needs to be added in the moment in the lab.

Some of the most common uses of thermal transfer printable labels are to indicate batch numbers, add barcodes, and record dates. You might, for example,  print a custom thermal transfer label to indicate reagent concentration or to identify tissue samples. 

Having the ability to customize label information on the fly and still have confidence that the label will remain legible and adhered as intended minimizes errors and streamlines lab processes. And, it prevents mistakes that could cause a lab to be noncompliant with government or industry regulations.

Printing thermal transfer labels as needed also eliminates the need for large inventories of pre-printed labels, which may become obsolete or irrelevant as protocols evolve, which cuts material and production costs.

Why are thermal transfer printable labels ideal for labs?

The answer lies in a number of durability and environmental factors as well as the ease of partially or fully printing these labels on site. 

Chemical resistance

Thermal transfer labels are designed to resist harsh chemicals commonly used in labs. These chemical resistant labels ensure that labels remain legible and intact even when exposed to solvents, acids, and bases, which is crucial for accurate sample identification and safety compliance.

Temperature tolerance

Laboratory environments often involve extreme temperature variations, from cryogenic storage to autoclave sterilization. Thermal transfer printable labels maintain their integrity and readability across these temperature ranges, making them suitable for labeling samples, reagents, and equipment in these conditions.

Abrasion and wear resistance

Frequent handling and movement of lab materials can lead to wear and tear on labels. Abrasion resistant labels offer high durability, ensuring that critical information remains clear and readable over time. This durability reduces the risk of misidentification and enhances workflow efficiency.

Adhesive reliability

Thermal transfer printable labels can be customized with a variety of label adhesives to suit different lab use cases, including permanent, removable, and repositionable options. For labels that need to stay secure during exposure to harsh conditions, permanent label adhesives provide the necessary durability. If you require labels that can be cleanly removed without leaving residue, removable label adhesives are ideal. For applications that may need repositioning or adjustments, repositionable label adhesives offer flexibility without compromising reliability. This range of adhesive options ensures that you can maintain accurate tracking and inventory management in labs, no matter the condition or requirement.

Tamper-proof labels

For added security, thermal transfer printable labels can be customized with tamper-proof features that provide clear evidence of tampering, ensuring the integrity of your samples and reagents. Once applied, any attempt to remove or alter a tamper-proof label will result in visible damage, making it easy to identify unauthorized access. This feature is particularly important for maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and ensuring the authenticity of critical lab materials.

Cleanroom and aseptic suitability

Thermal transfer printable labels made with synthetic materials are ideal for cleanrooms. These cleanroom labels meet stringent cleanliness standards, minimizing particles and outgassing to ensure they do not contaminate sensitive lab settings. Additionally, these labels can be processed with gamma irradiation to make them sterile labels, perfect for aseptic conditions where maintaining sterility is crucial.

Integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS)

Many modern labels use lab management software to streamline their processes, ensure regulatory compliance, and prevent costly and dangerous mistakes. Thermal transfer printable labels seamlessly integrate into these systems. By linking thermal transfer printers with LIMS, labs can automate the label creation process, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.

With LIMS integration, relevant information such as sample ID numbers, barcodes, batch details, expiration dates, and other variable data can be automatically pulled from the system and printed onto thermal transfer labels in real-time. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, which reduces the risk of human error, a critical factor in maintaining compliance and ensuring sample integrity.

For example, when a sample is logged into the LIMS, the system can automatically generate a corresponding label that contains all necessary details, including barcodes for scanning and tracking. This automated labeling process not only saves time but also ensures that every label is accurate and consistent with the data stored in the system. In highly regulated environments like biotech, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare, this integration is crucial for adhering to strict guidelines and maintaining traceability throughout the entire lifecycle of a sample or product.

The advantages of custom-engineered thermal transfer labels

The tricky thing about labels for lab use is that each lab has very specific needs that range from sizing and adhesive type to cleanroom or sterility requirements. If the label doesn’t meet these exact parameters, it can cause major upsets in lab processes and performance. 

The solution is to choose a truly custom-engineered label that is specifically designed by label and industry experts to meet the unique needs of your use case.

That’s where CleanMark comes in. Our engineers are experienced in their focus industry and are leaders in labeling technology. They work with you to understand every minute detail of your technical requirements then custom design a label that is optimized for your processes and environment. 

Need a label that reliably stays adhered at cryogenic temperatures, indicates successful autoclave sterilization and fits on a test tube? We’ve got you covered. Need a label shows if it’s been tampered with, can be repositioned with no adhesive residue, and is non-contaminating for cleanroom use? We’ve got you covered. Even if you need a kind of label that’s never been conceived of before, our team will work with you to make something completely new that meets your needs. 

Ready to streamline your lab operations with custom thermal transfer printable labels? Schedule a consultation with one of our labeling experts today.