Customer Background

The Chronic Viral Illness Service (CVIS) is an essential component of the Research Institute of
the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC). It hosts a dedicated research team focused on
patient-centric, multidisciplinary studies aimed at improving care for individuals living with chronic
viral infections such as HIV, hepatitis C, and human papillomavirus (HPV). In addition to its broad
translational research initiatives, CVIS also operates as a biobank, collecting patient samples,
including plasma, serum, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), from patients across
Canada to further understand viral diseases and to develop more precise, effective treatments.

The Challenge

CVIS’ biobanking activities presented a significant challenge; sourcing labels that can withstand
ultra-low temperatures and direct exposure to liquid nitrogen, while maintaining strong adhesion
to vials and tubes. To address this, the team initially sourced barcode labels from a supplier that
offered compatibility with their existing Zebra direct thermal printer.
According to Reynan, the Research Lab Coordinator, the primary challenge was maintaining
label durability under extreme cold storage conditions. Reynan explains: “Some labels tend to
become brittle after prolonged storage in a -80°C freezer or liquid nitrogen; others may detach
from the vial when frozen, making it difficult to reattach them or apply a new label. This can
result in missing or wasted samples, especially when several vials have lost their labels and can
no longer be accurately identified.”

Faced with these issues, CVIS turned to GA International for a more reliable solution. GA
International’s expert team recommended options from LabTAG’s cryogenic labeling line,
designed specifically to withstand ultra-low temperatures, while enhancing the accuracy and
reliability of sample identification.

Tailoring a Solution

LabTAG recommended two different types of labels: for the lab’s direct thermal printer, cryogenic
direct thermal label rolls, and for their laser printer, Cryo-LazrTAG™ labels.
Since integrating these labels into their workflow, CVIS reported no issues with brittleness or
label failure. The labels consistently maintained strong adhesion to tubes throughout long-term
cryogenic storage.
Reynan highlights the practical benefits, explaining: “It does save a lot of time when you already
have a formatted label than writing the information manually, which is also prone to labeling
errors. It is difficult to read most handwriting on tubes, which is one factor that makes it difficult
to prepare samples for analysis and for regular inventory. The situation is much worse if labels
are missing because they were no longer attached to the vials, and your storage box contains
different types of samples (e.g., serum, plasma, and swab aliquots).”

Conclusion

This case demonstrates a straightforward yet essential need; a high-volume lab requiring
dependable labeling to ensure every sample is accurately and consistently identified. The label
selection was tailored to their existing system, which includes previously purchased direct
thermal and laser printers. Additionally, some CVIS containers labeled with older products from
other suppliers may require re-labeling to address issues with label durability and adhesion.
CVIS might consider patented direct thermal CryoSTUCK® labels, which can adhere to tubes
and vials at temperatures as low as -80°C, with subsequent storage at -80°C or -196°C. These
labels also permit re-labeling without thawing samples, helping to preserve their integrity. This
further attests to GA International’s commitment to providing innovative labeling solutions for
the lab’s ongoing research needs.