📑 Contents

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Why Is Laboratory Labeling Important?

Almost everything in a laboratory involves identification.

A researcher may need to know which sample belongs to which experiment. A technician may need to identify a piece of equipment or determine whether it has been cleaned or sterilized. A laboratory manager may need to locate a particular reagent or storage box.

Without clear labels, laboratories can quickly become difficult to navigate.

A good laboratory labeling system can help with:

• Organization
• Sample identification
• Equipment identification
• Inventory management
• Storage location tracking
• Workflow management
• Safety communication
• Error reduction
• Barcode tracking
• Consistent laboratory procedures

Printed labels also provide a more consistent alternative to handwritten identification when a laboratory needs to create many labels with the same format.

The goal is simple:

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What Should You Label in a Laboratory?

There is no single list that applies to every laboratory.

However, most laboratories can benefit from labeling several major categories:

1. Laboratory equipment
2. Samples and specimens
3. Tubes, vials, and containers
4. Laboratory glassware
5. Well plates and culture containers
6. Chemicals and reagents
7. Shelves, racks, cabinets, and storage locations
8. Freezers and cold-storage areas
9. Cables and laboratory equipment connections
10. Safety equipment and emergency supplies
11. Laboratory waste containers
12. Inventory and asset locations

Let's look at each application in more detail.

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1. Label Laboratory Equipment

One of the most useful applications for lab labels is equipment identification.

A laboratory may contain multiple pieces of equipment that look similar, particularly when several classrooms, departments, or research groups share the same space.

Examples include:

• Microscopes
• Centrifuges
• Balances
• Spectrophotometers
• Incubators
• Autoclaves
• pH meters
• Hot plates
• Water baths
• Freezers
• Refrigerators
• Pipettes
• Computers
• Printers

Instead of relying on appearance, each piece of equipment can have a unique identification label.

For example:

This can make it easier to reference equipment in inventory records, maintenance logs, training documents, or laboratory procedures.

What Should an Equipment Label Include?

A simple equipment label might contain:

• Equipment name
• Asset number
• Department
• Location
• Serial or internal ID
• Maintenance ID
• QR code or barcode, when applicable

For example:

A barcode can also connect the physical equipment to a digital asset or maintenance record.

For schools and teaching laboratories, simple equipment labels can also make it easier for students to identify the correct instrument during laboratory activities.

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2. Label Laboratory Samples and Specimens

Lab sample labels are one of the most important forms of laboratory identification.

Depending on the laboratory, samples may include:

• Research specimens
• Biological samples
• Environmental samples
• Chemical samples
• DNA samples
• RNA samples
• Blood or other clinical specimens
• Experimental samples
• Control samples
• Test samples

A sample label should contain the information required by the laboratory's procedures and applicable regulations.

Depending on the application, this may include:

• Sample ID
• Date
• Time
• Sample type
• Batch or study number
• Patient or subject identifier, where applicable
• Researcher or operator ID
• Storage condition
• Barcode or QR code

For example:

The exact information required depends on the type of laboratory and the applicable workflow.

Why Are Lab Sample Labels Important?

A sample can become difficult or impossible to use if its identity is uncertain.

A clear sample labeling system helps laboratories maintain traceability from collection through storage, testing, analysis, and disposal.

For laboratories that process large numbers of samples, barcodes can make identification and inventory management more efficient.

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3. Label Tubes and Vials

Small containers create a unique labeling challenge.

A laboratory tube or vial may have only a small surface available for identification, yet the information still needs to remain readable.

Common applications include:

• Test tubes
• Microcentrifuge tubes
• Cryovials
• Sample vials
• PCR tubes
• Conical tubes
• Specimen containers

A lab tube label may include a short sample ID, barcode, date, or other information required by the laboratory workflow.

For small containers, label size matters.

A label that is too large may interfere with racks or equipment. A label that is too small may not provide enough space for the required information.

When selecting labels for tubes and vials, consider:

• Available labeling area
• Tube diameter
• Storage temperature
• Moisture exposure
• Chemical exposure
• Centrifugation
• Freezer storage
• Barcode readability

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4. Label Laboratory Glassware

Glassware is another common laboratory labeling application.

Examples include:

• Beakers
• Flasks
• Bottles
• Graduated cylinders
• Reagent bottles
• Media bottles
• Sample containers
• Glass jars

A laboratory may need to identify the contents of a container, assign an experiment ID, identify a solution, or indicate the intended use of the glassware.

For example:

However, chemical and safety labeling requirements should always be followed for hazardous materials.

For glassware that is frequently exposed to water, solvents, cleaning agents, or heat, choose a label material appropriate for the environment.

This is where the term labware labels becomes important: the right label for a glass bottle sitting on a shelf may not be the right label for glassware that is repeatedly washed or exposed to chemicals.

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5. Label Well Plates and Microplates

Well plates are commonly used in research, biology, chemistry, and medical laboratory workflows.

Examples include:

• 24-well plates
• 48-well plates
• 96-well plates
• 384-well plates
• Microplates
• Assay plates

A well plate label may identify:

• Experiment
• Plate number
• Sample batch
• Date
• Operator
• Study ID
• Barcode

For example:

Because well plates may be exposed to chemicals, moisture, refrigeration, freezing, or laboratory equipment, the label material should match the application.

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6. Label Microscope Slides

Microscope slides can be extremely difficult to identify if labels are unclear or become detached.

A slide label may contain:

• Sample ID
• Patient or specimen identifier
• Date
• Tissue or sample type
• Study number
• Barcode

For research laboratories, a consistent format helps researchers match slides with their corresponding digital records.

For medical laboratories, additional regulatory and privacy requirements may apply.

When labeling slides, consider the environment the slide will experience. Some applications may involve solvents, staining procedures, refrigeration, or other laboratory processes.

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7. Label Chemicals and Laboratory Reagents

Chemical labeling is one of the most important laboratory labeling applications.

Laboratories may contain:

• Acids
• Bases
• Solvents
• Oxidizers
• Reagents
• Buffers
• Cleaning agents
• Stains
• Biological reagents

Examples include:

• Hydrochloric acid
• Sulfuric acid
• Sodium hydroxide
• Acetone
• Ethanol
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Potassium permanganate

Hazardous chemical containers must follow applicable labeling and hazard communication requirements.

Depending on the application, chemical identification may include information such as:

• Chemical name
• Concentration
• Hazard information
• Preparation date
• Expiration or retest information
• Storage requirements
• Responsible department
• Internal inventory ID

For secondary containers, laboratories should follow the applicable requirements for identifying hazardous chemicals.

A laboratory's internal organizational labels can also be used on:

• Chemical cabinets
• Reagent shelves
• Storage bins
• Chemical waste areas
• Acid cabinets
• Base cabinets

For example:

The organizational label should supplement required chemical labeling rather than replace it.

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8. Label Reagents and Prepared Solutions

Not every laboratory chemical comes directly from a manufacturer.

Laboratories frequently prepare their own:

• Buffers
• Solutions
• Media
• Dilutions
• Reagents
• Test solutions

These containers should be identified according to the laboratory's procedures.

A laboratory reagent label may include:

The exact information and expiration period should come from the applicable SOP, formulation, manufacturer guidance, or laboratory procedure.

Recording preparation dates is especially useful when several similar solutions are stored in the same refrigerator or cabinet.

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9. Label Shelves, Racks, Cabinets, and Storage Areas

One of the easiest ways to improve laboratory organization is to label the storage system itself.

Instead of only labeling individual items, label:

• Shelves
• Racks
• Cabinets
• Drawers
• Storage bins
• Refrigerators
• Freezers
• Sample boxes
• Chemical storage areas

For example:

This creates a consistent location system.

A laboratory can then use a location code such as:

This is particularly useful when many people share the same storage system.

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10. Label Freezers and Frozen Samples

Cold storage creates additional labeling challenges.

A label that works perfectly at room temperature may not perform well when exposed to:

• Freezing temperatures
• Condensation
• Frost
• Repeated temperature changes
• Moisture

This is especially important for:

• Frozen samples
• Cryovials
• Sample boxes
• Freezer shelves
• Storage racks
• Freezer bags

For cold applications, choose labels specifically designed for the expected temperature and surface.

Do not assume that every ordinary laboratory sticker is suitable for freezer storage.

A laboratory may also label freezer locations:

This makes it easier to find samples without opening multiple boxes or searching through an entire freezer.

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11. Label Laboratory Cables and Wires

Modern laboratories can contain a surprising number of cables.

Examples include:

• Power cables
• USB cables
• Ethernet cables
• Instrument cables
• Monitor cables
• Sensor cables
• Data cables

When multiple instruments are located next to each other, unlabeled cables can become difficult to trace.

Flexible labels can be particularly useful for cable identification.

For example:

For schools and laboratories using DYMO Rhino label makers, Colorty's compatible Rhino flexible nylon labels can be used for cable and wire identification.

The 12mm and 19mm flexible nylon options can accommodate different cable sizes and labeling requirements.

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12. Label Laboratory Equipment Accessories

Equipment itself is not the only thing that gets misplaced.

Laboratories also have:

• Power supplies
• Adapters
• Probes
• Sensors
• Cables
• Chargers
• Replacement parts
• Instrument accessories
• Storage cases

A simple label such as:

can help prevent equipment accessories from becoming separated from the instrument they belong to.

This is particularly useful in shared teaching laboratories where many pieces of equipment are moved between workstations.

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13. Label Sterilized and Processed Equipment

Laboratories that use autoclaves or other sterilization processes may need to distinguish between equipment that has been processed and equipment that has not.

Examples include:

• Surgical instruments
• Laboratory tools
• Containers
• Equipment trays
• Reusable instruments

A status label might indicate:

However, any sterilization indicator or status system should follow the laboratory's established procedures and should not be treated as a substitute for required sterilization verification.

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14. Label Laboratory Waste Containers

Laboratory waste should also be clearly identified.

Depending on the laboratory, waste categories may include:

• Chemical waste
• Sharps
• Biohazardous waste
• Broken glass
• Solvent waste
• Contaminated materials

Labels can help distinguish waste containers and reduce the risk of incorrect disposal.

For example:

Specific waste labeling requirements vary by material and jurisdiction, so laboratories should follow their waste-management procedures and applicable regulations.

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15. Label Safety Equipment and Emergency Supplies

Laboratory labeling is not limited to laboratory samples.

Safety equipment should also be easy to locate.

Examples include:

• First aid kits
• Eyewash stations
• Safety showers
• Fire extinguishers
• Spill kits
• PPE storage
• Chemical spill supplies
• Emergency cabinets

Clear identification can help people locate important safety equipment more quickly.

For example:

Safety signage and required emergency markings should follow the applicable standards and institutional safety procedures.

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What Information Should a Laboratory Label Include?

There is no universal laboratory label template that works for every application.

The information should depend on what is being labeled.

A useful way to think about it is:

What You're Labeling	Information You May Need
Equipment	Equipment name, asset ID, location
Sample	Sample ID, date, batch, barcode
Tube / vial	Sample ID, date, barcode
Reagent	Name, concentration, preparation date
Chemical	Chemical identity, hazard information, required dates
Storage box	Contents, box ID, location
Shelf	Storage category, location code
Freezer	Freezer ID, temperature, department
Cable	Equipment ID, connection type
Waste container	Waste type, required safety information
Safety equipment	Equipment name, location

The most effective labels are usually clear and concise.

A small sample tube may only have room for a short ID.

A chemical storage cabinet may have enough space for a larger category label.

A piece of laboratory equipment may benefit from an asset number and barcode.

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Laboratory Label Templates: What Should They Look Like?

A laboratory label template should be designed around the object being labeled.

For example, a simple equipment template could look like:

A sample label might use:

A reagent label might use:

A storage label might simply say:

There is no need to place every possible piece of information on every label.

Instead, create standardized templates for different applications.

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What Makes a Good Laboratory Label?

When choosing labels for laboratory use, consider five factors.

1. Readability

Text should remain easy to read.

Avoid unnecessary abbreviations and overly complicated layouts.

2. Adhesion

The label needs to stay attached to the intended surface.

Glass, plastic, metal, freezer surfaces, and curved tubes may require different adhesive or material characteristics.

3. Durability

Consider whether the label will encounter:

• Water
• Moisture
• Solvents
• Chemicals
• Abrasion
• Heat
• Freezing temperatures
• Cleaning agents

4. Size

The label should fit the available surface without interfering with the equipment or container.

5. Information Density

Include the information that users actually need.

A tiny tube does not need the same amount of information as a chemical storage cabinet.

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Laboratory Labels for Different Environments

Not every lab label needs the same material.

Room Temperature

For general equipment, shelves, drawers, and storage boxes, standard durable labels may be sufficient.

Freezer Storage

Choose labels designed to remain attached and readable at the expected temperature.

Chemical Exposure

For glassware, equipment, or storage areas that are frequently exposed to chemicals, choose a material with appropriate chemical resistance.

Heat and Autoclave Applications

Labels used around high temperatures should be specifically designed for the expected conditions.

Cables and Wires

Flexible materials are generally more practical for curved cable surfaces.

Frequently Cleaned Areas

If a surface is regularly disinfected or wiped with cleaning products, choose a label material that can withstand the expected cleaning process.

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Should You Use Handwritten or Printed Laboratory Labels?

Handwritten labels can be useful for certain temporary applications.

However, printed labels offer several advantages when a laboratory needs a consistent labeling system.

Handwritten	Printed
Depends on handwriting	Consistent typography
May be difficult to read	Easier to read
Easy to create individually	Easy to reproduce
Formatting can vary	Standardized templates
More difficult to create barcodes	Barcodes can be integrated
Less consistent across staff	Consistent across departments

For laboratories that repeatedly create the same types of labels, a label printer can save time and make the overall system more consistent.

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How to Create a Laboratory Labeling System

Instead of creating labels randomly, establish a simple system.

Step 1: Identify What Needs to Be Labeled

Walk through the laboratory and create categories:

• Equipment
• Samples
• Chemicals
• Reagents
• Storage
• Cables
• Waste
• Safety equipment

Step 2: Define Naming Conventions

Decide how objects will be named.

For example:

Using a consistent format makes labels easier to understand.

Step 3: Create Label Templates

Create different templates for:

• Equipment
• Samples
• Reagents
• Storage
• Cables

Step 4: Choose the Right Material

Match the label to its environment.

Do not use the same label material for every application simply because it is convenient.

Step 5: Add Barcodes When Useful

For larger inventories, a barcode can connect a physical object to a digital record.

Step 6: Standardize Across the Laboratory

Once the system works, use the same conventions across rooms and departments where practical.

This is what turns individual lab labels into a true laboratory labeling system.

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Choosing Labels for Laboratory Equipment and Storage

For general laboratory organization, durable vinyl labels can be useful for equipment, cabinets, shelves, storage boxes, and other frequently handled surfaces.

For schools and laboratories using compatible DYMO Rhino label makers, Colorty offers several Rhino-compatible options that can be matched to different applications.

Rhino 18443 — 9mm Permanent Vinyl

A narrower label can be useful when space is limited.

Good applications include:

• Small equipment IDs
• Drawers
• Storage boxes
• Shelf sections
• Instrument accessories

Rhino 18444 — 12mm Permanent Vinyl

A versatile size for general laboratory organization.

Potential applications include:

• Laboratory equipment
• Cabinets
• Shelves
• Storage areas
• Workstations
• Equipment identification

Rhino 18445 — 19mm Permanent Vinyl

The wider format can make labels easier to read when more visible identification is needed.

Potential applications include:

• Cabinet doors
• Large equipment
• Laboratory zones
• Storage areas
• Larger organizational labels

Rhino 18488 — 12mm Flexible Nylon

Flexible nylon is useful for cable and wire identification.

Potential applications include:

• USB cables
• Power cables
• Network cables
• Instrument cables
• Smaller wires

Rhino 18489 — 19mm Flexible Nylon

The wider flexible format can be useful for larger cables or applications where additional text is needed.

When selecting a Rhino-compatible label, always verify the specific label-maker compatibility and choose the material based on the actual environment.

Explore the Colorty Rhino Label Collection →

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Laboratory Labeling Checklist

Use this checklist when creating or reviewing a laboratory labeling system:

Equipment

Samples

Chemicals and Reagents

Storage

Durability

Consistency

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Common Laboratory Labeling Mistakes

Even a laboratory with many labels can have a poor labeling system.

Here are some common problems to avoid.

Using Inconsistent Names

One cabinet says:

Choose a consistent naming convention.

Relying Entirely on Handwriting

Handwriting can vary considerably between people and may become difficult to read.

Using the Wrong Label Material

A paper label may not be suitable for a freezer, chemical exposure, or repeated cleaning.

Putting Too Much Information on Small Labels

Small tubes and vials have limited space.

Prioritize the information users actually need.

Labeling Samples but Not Their Storage Locations

A perfectly labeled sample is less useful if nobody knows which freezer, rack, or box contains it.

Replacing Required Safety Labels with Organizational Labels

Organizational labels should supplement required safety and hazard information, not replace it.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Laboratory Labels

What should be labeled in a laboratory?

Common laboratory labeling applications include equipment, samples, specimens, test tubes, vials, glassware, reagents, chemicals, well plates, microscope slides, storage boxes, shelves, racks, freezers, cables, waste containers, and safety equipment.

What information should be on a lab label?

It depends on what is being labeled. Common information includes an item name, unique ID, date, concentration, location, batch number, preparation date, hazard information, or barcode.

What are laboratory labels used for?

Laboratory labels are used for identification, organization, sample tracking, inventory management, equipment identification, storage management, workflow status, and safety communication.

How do you label lab equipment?

A simple equipment label can include the equipment name, asset or internal ID, and location. A barcode can be added when the equipment is connected to a digital inventory or maintenance system.

How do you label lab samples?

Use a unique sample identifier and add other information required by the laboratory workflow, such as date, batch, study ID, or barcode. The label material should match the sample's storage and handling conditions.

What are labware labels?

Labware labels are labels used on laboratory containers and equipment such as bottles, flasks, beakers, tubes, vials, plates, and other laboratory vessels.

What are the best labels for laboratory glassware?

The best label depends on the glassware's environment. Consider whether the surface will encounter water, solvents, chemicals, heat, refrigeration, or repeated cleaning before selecting a label material.

Can I use ordinary stickers in a laboratory?

Ordinary stickers may work for simple room-temperature organizational applications, but they may not be suitable for chemicals, freezers, heat, solvents, or repeated cleaning. Choose a label material based on the environment.

What is a laboratory label template?

A laboratory label template is a standardized layout for repeatedly creating labels for a specific application, such as equipment, samples, reagents, storage boxes, or cables.

Should lab labels include barcodes?

Barcodes can be useful when a laboratory manages many samples, equipment items, or inventory records. They can connect a physical label with a digital record and reduce manual data entry.

What labels are best for laboratory equipment?

For general equipment identification, choose a durable label that remains readable on the equipment surface and can withstand the expected handling and cleaning conditions. For curved cables and wires, flexible labels may be more appropriate.

What are the best labels for lab tubes?

Choose a label based on tube size, surface, storage temperature, moisture exposure, chemicals, and whether the tube will be centrifuged or frozen. Small containers may require thinner or specially designed labels.

How should laboratory shelves and racks be labeled?

Use a consistent location system such as:

A standardized location code can make inventory management much easier.

Can laboratory labels be used on chemicals?

Labels can be used to identify chemicals and laboratory reagents, but hazardous chemical containers must follow applicable hazard communication requirements. Organizational labels should not cover or replace required manufacturer or safety labels.

For a detailed guide to chemical labeling and organization in schools, see: How to Label and Organize Chemicals in a School Laboratory.

What makes a laboratory label durable?

Durability depends on the label material, adhesive, printing method, and environmental conditions. Consider water, chemicals, solvents, heat, freezing temperatures, abrasion, and cleaning agents when selecting a label.

How can a school improve laboratory organization with labels?

Schools can label equipment, storage cabinets, shelves, drawers, chemical storage areas, sample boxes, cables, and safety equipment. A standardized naming system can make shared teaching laboratories easier for teachers, technicians, and students to navigate.

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Build a More Organized Laboratory with the Right Labels

A good laboratory labeling system does more than make containers look neat.

It creates a visual system that helps people identify equipment, track samples, locate materials, maintain inventory, and understand where laboratory items belong.

The key is to match the label content, label size, and label material to the application.

For small sample tubes, you may need a compact identification label.

For laboratory equipment, an asset ID may be more useful.

For chemical storage cabinets, a large organizational label may provide better visibility.

For cables and wires, a flexible label can make identification much easier.

And for laboratories with large inventories, barcodes can connect physical labels with digital records.

Whether you are organizing a school science classroom, university laboratory, research facility, or medical lab, a consistent labeling system can make everyday laboratory work more organized, traceable, and efficient.