The problem with manual vial labelling
During upstream processing, daily retains and aliquots are routinely collected from bioreactors for cell counts, pH, osmolality, viability, and other analytical measurements. Further downstream, chromatography workflows generate large numbers of fractions, flowthrough samples, wash fractions, and eluates that must all be tracked accurately.
These samples often need:
- Human-readable identifiers
- Barcodes for LIMS integration
- Experiment, batch, fraction, or timepoint information
- Long-term freezer storage
Unfortunately, traditional labelling methods can struggle in real-world bioprocess environments.
Sharpie markings fade and smudge
Handwritten vial markings can become difficult to read after exposure to IPA sprays, routine cleaning procedures, condensation, or repeated handling. Critical sample information can quickly become illegible.
Adhesive labels don’t always stay attached
Printed labels may peel, wrinkle, or detach during freezing, thawing, transport, or storage. Labels can also alter vial dimensions, causing issues with automated handling systems, racks, and robotic workflows. For smaller vials in particular, labels can wrap around the circumference, making barcodes difficult or impossible to scan reliably. The limited surface area can also cause labels to overlap, obscuring critical information and further compromising barcode readability.
Manual labelling creates opportunities for error
Whether you’re collecting day 10 bioreactor samples, chromatography fractions, formulation study samples, or reference standard aliquots, manually applying labels introduces additional process steps and increases the risk of transcription errors.
Existing alternatives
Many laboratories use dedicated label printers from suppliers such as Brady, Zebra, and DYMO, often integrated with electronic lab notebooks or LIMS systems to generate barcode labels before an experiment begins. While these systems improve consistency, they still rely on adhesive labels that can be damaged, detached, or degraded throughout the sample lifecycle.
A more permanent approach
Imagine every vial being marked directly with a permanent, high-contrast identifier that cannot smudge, wash away, or fall off. Laser marking enables durable human-readable text and machine-readable barcodes to be applied directly to the vial surface, providing robust traceability from upstream sampling through downstream purification, analytical development, formulation studies, and long-term storage.
Introducing the Labman MultiVial®
Labman’s MultiVial system automates the direct laser marking of laboratory vials, creating permanent sample identification without the need for adhesive labels or handwritten markings. The result is a reliable, automation-friendly solution that helps process development teams maintain sample traceability from bioreactor to purified product. The benefits include:
- No tedious consumables to replace
- Laser marking is compatible with GMP environments
- Robust sample tracking throughout the process
- Marking of 1D and 2D codes, human readable text and logos
- Weighing integrated into the system covers other workflow steps
- Permanent and clear markings which do not degrade even in cryogenic environments
Read more about the benefits of MultiVial here: Labman MultiVial®