The provided source material focuses on specialised labelling solutions for cryogenic storage, specifically CryoSTUCK and Direct Thermal Cryo-Tags. These products are designed for laboratories, biorepositories, and research facilities that need to label frozen vials without thawing the samples. The primary challenge addressed is the inability to apply standard labels to vials stored at ultra-low temperatures, such as -80°C or in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. Thawing samples to apply labels risks damaging temperature-sensitive biological materials. The available solutions allow labels to be applied directly to frozen surfaces, ensuring sample integrity.
Source [1] describes LabTAG’s CryoSTUCK technology, which is available in three printing formats. These labels are compatible with common thermal printers and do not require ribbons or ink. They offer resistance to laboratory chemicals like alcohols and xylene. The product line includes transparent and blackout formats. Blackout labels are specifically designed for over-labeling legacy vials where existing labels cannot be removed or thawed. These opaque labels obscure obsolete information. Additionally, CryoSTUCK tapes are available in various colours for identification and feature GatorCUT technology for easy hand tearing.
Source [2] details Direct Thermal Cryo-Tags, which work with Dymo desktop printers (specifically US Dymo 450 models) and standard roll printers. These tags are recommended for storage from -196°C to 70°C. Important application notes state that tubes must be dry when applying labels, and adherence may be poor if tubes are not pure polypropylene or contain silicone additives. Prolonged exposure to alcohol may cause material discoloration. The source lists various dimensions and quantities, such as 3/8" diameter (4000 labels) and 1.5" x 0.5" (1000 labels).
Source [3] appears to be a product listing page for Direct Thermal Cryo-Tags, showing 55 products with varying prices and stock levels (e.g., $48.50, $50.00, $72.00). The source repeats the product name and stock status but does not provide specific details regarding the terms of a free sample programme or promotional offer.
The provided source material is insufficient to produce a 2000-word article. Below is a factual summary based on available data.
Product Overview and Application
The source material identifies two primary types of cryogenic labels: CryoSTUCK and Direct Thermal Cryo-Tags. Both are designed to solve the problem of labelling vials that are already frozen. Standard labelling methods are ineffective at ultra-low temperatures because adhesives do not bond properly to frozen surfaces, and warming the vials to room temperature can compromise the biological samples inside.
CryoSTUCK Labels
According to Source [1], CryoSTUCK labels allow for labelling at -80°C and storage at -196°C. Key features include: * Printing Methods: Available in three printing formats, including direct thermal (no ribbon or ink required). * Chemical Resistance: Resistant to alcohols, xylene, and disinfecting solutions. * Application Technologies: * SimPEEL™: Designed to make peeling and applying labels easier. * GatorCUT™: Allows for simple hand-tearing of tapes. * Formats: * Transparent and Coloured Tapes: For general identification and colour coding. * Blackout CryoSTUCK: Opaque labels designed specifically for over-labeling legacy vials. They completely cover existing labels and obsolete information without requiring the vial to be thawed. * Compatibility: DYMO-Compatible CryoSTUCK labels work with DYMO® LabelWriter™ 450-Series (450, 450 Turbo, 4XL) and 5-Series (550, 550 Turbo, 5XL) printers.
Direct Thermal Cryo-Tags
Source [2] provides details on Direct Thermal Cryo-Tags. These are recommended for laboratories needing an alternative to sheet labels. * Compatibility: They work with convenient Dymo® desktop printers (specifically US Dymo 450 models) and standard roll printers. * Temperature Range: Recommended for storage from -196°C to 70°C. * Physical Specifications: Available in 1” diameter core rolls. * Application Requirements: * Tubes must be dry when applying labels. * Labels may not adhere well to tubes that are not pure polypropylene or contain silicone or other additives. * Prolonged exposure to alcohol may cause material discoloration.
Product Variations and Availability
Source [3] lists a product catalogue for Direct Thermal Cryo-Tags, indicating a wide variety of options. There are 55 products found in the listing. The source provides pricing information in US dollars, suggesting the data is derived from a US-based supplier or catalogue. Examples of pricing include: * $44.75 * $48.50 * $50.00 * $52.00 * $72.00
Stock levels are indicated as "In stock" or "Low stock." Specific dimensions and quantities listed in Source [2] include: * 3/8" Diameter: 4000 labels * 1/2" Diameter: 4000 labels * 1.05" x 0.5": 1000 labels * 1.5" x 0.5": 750 labels * 1.5" x 0.5" & 3/8" DIAM: 500 labels * 1.5" x 0.75": 750 labels * 2.0" x 0.25": 1000 labels * 2.0" x 0.075": 500 labels
Limitations of Provided Data
The provided source material is technical and product-focused. It describes the features, specifications, and application requirements for cryogenic labels but does not contain information regarding: * Free sample programmes or promotional offers. * No-cost product trials. * Mail-in sample programmes. * Eligibility rules for obtaining free products. * Pricing in GBP or specific UK availability.
The search query specifically asked for "cryotag free sample," but the provided sources do not mention any free sample initiatives. They primarily focus on product specifications, printer compatibility, and application warnings. Source [3] lists prices, indicating these are paid products.
Conclusion
The source material provides detailed technical information about CryoSTUCK and Direct Thermal Cryo-Tags, which are specialised labelling solutions for frozen vials in laboratory settings. These products allow for the labelling of samples at ultra-low temperatures (-80°C to -196°C) without thawing, preserving the integrity of biological materials. Key features include chemical resistance, compatibility with specific thermal printers (including DYMO), and specific application requirements regarding tube material and dryness. While the sources describe product features and pricing, they do not contain information regarding free samples, trials, or promotional offers. Therefore, based strictly on the provided data, no free sample programme can be detailed.