Laboratory labels provide robustness and visibility

Published: 1-Aug-2005


Labelling company Sessions of York has supplied small, white, self-adhesive, UV sensor labels to a leading UK research institute for labelling phials of biological substances, such as blood, hormones and vaccines. Impervious to harsh conditions, the labels provide a high degree of robustness and visibility.

They are made from thermal transfer polyester and are applied to the glass phials by a Sessions labelling unit before the product is filled. They were chosen for their ability to withstand both autoclaving and freeze-drying. After filling, a cold vacuum is applied to the phials, which are then finally exposed to freeze temperatures between -20°C and -30°C.

The surface of the plain label is coated with a fluorescing varnish strip by Sessions, which acts as a trigger in the production line. The polyester film is particularly suitable as it does not have the optical qualities or bleaching agents inherent in paper, meaning that it allows the imbedded UV pigment to be recognised instantly by a labelling machine, eliminating disruptions in the production line.

A Sessions Basic labeller with top attachment is used for this application and is fitted with a special label sensor that rejects any phial without a label. In addition, the labels are compatible with foil as they are coded prior to application via a thermal transfer printer.

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