Cryogenic label. - (Dec/29/2014 )

I have always hand written my vials but this time we need labels that will be able to stick to vials that are very cold (-80 to -196C) without warming the surface. Every label we have tried falls off after a few days in the -80 freezer. Any recommendation will be appreciated.

The Brother printable labels can be autoclaved and work well at -80. I have no experience with the -196 storage. We use the TZe241 labels (18 mm) but they come in many widths and colors. They make extra strength labels, but we never used those, just the normal ones. The computer driven printers are compatible with both Windows and Macs, and will print a variety of bar codes. One very convenient feature we use a lot is the automatic dating of labels. Each person has a "stationary" which has initials and a date box. So, every label identifies who made it and when. Together with a lab notebook, this is often enough to tell you about the sample.

We used these for many years until we switched entirely to Thermo Matrix 2D barcoded tubes and a LIMS system (homegrown).

We use Sigma Cryo-babies. They are just fine, although I have never tried autoclaving. Hmm. A lot of cryolabel supplies here.

Is a cryolabel really able to stick and hold on already deep frozen (i.e. wet..) surface? I always though it withstands cryotemperatures and so on, but only AFTER sticking to a vial in RT.

I don't know of any cryo label that would stick to frozen surface.

I agree. Putting labels on already frozen tubes is essentially impossible. You might be able to laser inscribe them.

That would be this- Engraving tool.