Labels for vials, vial tops, bottles, and tubes2026-09-04T14:22:18+02:00

Labels for vials, vial tops, and tubes

Labels for vials, LC/GC headspace, blood tubes, falcon tubes, EPT tubes, cryovials, and bottles.
Designed to remain adhered in cold conditions, condensation, cleaning, and solvents.

Labels for vials are challenging: curved surfaces, limited space, temperature shocks, and chemical exposure. That is why we only work with specialized lab materials that are tailored to your application. With the right label material, you can avoid labels coming loose, illegible barcodes, and relabeling.

Most commonly used labels for vials

Ultra-thin and self-laminating labels for vials

These are the most commonly used labels for vials in the laboratory world: self-laminating, self-protective, and ultra-thin (so they can be used in trays). The self-laminating feature provides extra protection for the print.

  • Fits snugly around small diameters
  • Ideal for cryogenic storage and freeze/thaw cycles
  • Protects the print from friction, moisture, and contamination

Labels for frozen tubes

If you have frozen material that you cannot or are not allowed to thaw, but still want to identify or re-identify, you can use our polyester labels. These labels remain reliable during storage and handling in cold environments.

  • Adheres to (pre-)frozen glass/plastics and curves
  • Resistant to temperature fluctuations
  • Blijft geschikt voor scanbare barcodes bij koude en condens

Labels for vials and vial tops (cap labels)

When speed and clarity are important, vial-top labels are the perfect solution. You label the top of the vial, allowing you to immediately find the right sample position in racks or cryoboxes.
Can be combined with a self-laminating label for extra security.

  • Quick identification in racks, trays, and cryoboxes
  • Can be combined with side labels for double traceability

Color coding

Color coding is a simple way to work faster and make fewer mistakes. You use a color as an addition to the barcode: for batch, date, project, status, or team.

  • Faster sorting and retrieval of samples
  • Clear visual workflow
  • Useful for multiple studies or departments

Labels for extreme environments

Do you need labels for an autoclave, EO, gamma…? Our labels retain their adhesion and legibility and fit within your procedure.

  • Maintains readability during processing and storage
  • Reduces relabeling
  • Taking into account temperature, duration, and surface area

Sterilization indication labels

These labels provide users with proof of sterilization. They are ideal for a wide range of laboratory processes, including sample tracking, inventory management, and identification of glassware or trays.

  • Color change as a process indicator (autoclave)
  • Useful for status labeling
  • Reduces misunderstandings and duplicate processing

Didn’t find what you were looking for?

Not sure which labels are best suited for vials or tubes? Not everything is listed on our website. Contact us and we will immediately select the right label based on your vial/tubes, diameter, temperature, and process.

Also indispensable when using labels for vials, tubes, vial tops, and bottles

Custom labels

If a standard permanent adhesive is not sufficient, the white polyester EXTRA permanent labels offer the solution. Thanks to their ultra-aggressive adhesive, these labels also adhere to difficult surfaces such as textured, rough, or low-energy substrates.

Tamper-proof labels

Tamper-evident or fraud-proof labels immediately leave traces when someone tries to remove or reapply them: a VOID imprint, a checkerboard pattern, or material that breaks and cannot be removed in one piece. This prevents manipulation, counterfeiting, and unauthorized reuse.

I-Label Vial Label Printer

Our Vial Label Printer is designed to label vials/tubes efficiently and professionally. The semi-automatic system means you don’t have to stick the labels on yourself. This speeds up your production process and saves you time.

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Fill out the form and briefly describe your application

We will discuss the material / printing method and perform a quick feasibility check

We’ll send you all the information about the label samples, including specifications and testing options

You’ll carry out the test in your own environment, after which we’ll help you further with a custom proposal

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As an authorized Brady Partner, we provide you with access to high-quality Brady products and services. You’ll also enjoy additional benefits that are available exclusively through certified partners.

Frequently asked questions about laboratory labels

What is the most common reason why a freezer label comes off?2026-07-14T11:16:06+02:00

The most common reason a freezer label comes loose is usually condensation or ice between the label and the surface during application, or an application temperature that is too low for proper adhesion. Even a label that can withstand -196°C in storage often needs to be applied at a higher temperature to develop its full adhesive strength. Of course, we also have labels that can be applied to already frozen materials. To determine which label is best suited for your application, we always recommend testing a few materials beforehand.

Do laboratory labels remain legible when chemicals are used?2026-09-01T13:35:14+02:00

Yes. Our laboratory labels are resistant to solvents, alcohol, and other chemicals. This ensures reliable identification, even after heavy use.

Why choose I-Label for my laboratory identification?2026-08-27T15:33:35+02:00

I-Label specialises in laboratory identification: from cryogenic storage to autoclave sterilisation and chemically aggressive environments. Unlike a general label supplier, I-Label offers a comprehensive range tailored to specific applications, always using the right materials. What’s more, you always receive the combination of label, ink ribbon, printer and software as a single, coordinated package, complete with personalised advice and free samples to test in your own environment before you place your order. What’s more, you can also make use of the I-Label Test Centre.

Can labels be applied to small surfaces?2026-09-03T13:54:39+02:00

Yes, I-Label supplies labels specifically tailored for small surfaces, ranging from cryo straws with a diameter of 0.25 mm to component labels and cable IDs. For these applications, we select thin, flexible materials that wrap neatly around a small surface without coming loose, and we print using 600 dpi printers to ensure that microtext and small barcodes remain sharp and scannable. Both the dimensions and the roll configuration can be fully customised, right down to the smallest laboratory or product identification.

What types of barcode label printers do you offer?2026-08-27T15:58:16+02:00

I-Label offers five main categories of label printers. The Brady label printers form the core of the range, with separate sub-categories for industrial, portable, safety signage and automatic labelling. In addition, we also supply our own I-Label label printers, Epson colour printers for full-colour labels, and semi– and fully-automatic systems for those who wish to eliminate manual application. Which type is best suited depends on your volume, mobility and application.

Are labels available in different colors?2026-04-01T14:11:15+02:00

Yes, for clear color-coding, we offer labels in clear, white, and yellow. This makes it easier to organize and identify samples.

What are the advantages of lab labels on a roll?2026-02-26T13:26:23+01:00

Lab labels on rolls are ideal for use in label printers because they can produce large quantities of labels efficiently. We offer thermal labels for fast printing and white labels for a professional look.

Does a barcode remain scannable after several freeze-thaw cycles?2026-07-14T12:29:59+02:00

When the correct material is used, the text remains legible and the barcode remains scannable. It is not only the adhesive that is important, but also the combination with the correct ink ribbon, so that the print itself remains resistant to friction, condensation and repeated temperature changes.

Why should I use a barcode label printer for my laboratory processes?2026-09-01T13:13:21+02:00

A barcode label printer makes every sample, tube or protocol uniquely and accurately traceable; something that is not achievable with handwritten labels or a standard office printer. You can link barcodes (1D or 2D/DataMatrix) to your LIMS or ERP system, so that a single scan retrieves the complete sample history: who took the sample, what treatment it underwent and where it is located. This eliminates manual transcription errors, speeds up batch processing and supports compliance requirements such as ISO or GLP, where full traceability is mandatory. I-Label printers also print these barcodes onto laboratory-specific materials that are resistant to freezing, autoclaving and chemical conditions, ensuring the code remains legible throughout the entire process.

Are your labels suitable for different laboratory applications?2026-03-06T10:26:59+01:00

Yes, our labels are specifically designed for a variety of applications such as labeling lab tubes, circuit boards, components and warehouse storage. With color coding and size labels, you can improve your laboratory organization.

Can labels withstand freezing and refrigeration conditions?2026-04-01T14:10:45+02:00

Our medical labels remain adhered and legible, even at sub-zero temperatures or in refrigeration systems. Ideal for samples that need to be stored for long periods.

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