RFID Smart Labels
Turning barcode scanning one tube at a time into reading a whole box. Cryogenic RFID labels remain batch-readable at -196 °C and are the entry point to biobank automation.
A whole box of samples, in one read
Conventional barcodes require tube-by-tube scanning, and once a collection passes ten thousand samples, inventory and check-in/check-out become a staffing bottleneck. RFID labels turn identification from aiming at a target into simply passing by it: an entire box of cryovials can be read at once.
Cryogenic conditions are not kind to RFID: inlays and antennas tend to delaminate during freeze-thaw cycling, and adhesives lose tack at liquid nitrogen temperature. The TRF series addresses both problems with a cryogenic facestock and an inlay lamination process.
Labels can carry sample IDs, storage locations and batch information; together with readers and a LIMS interface they close the loop from check-in to inventory to check-out.
- Frequency bandUHFSupports batch reading
- Temperature-196 °C to -80 °CLiquid nitrogen and ultra-low freezers
- ReadingWhole-box batchesEliminates tube-by-tube scanning
- IntegrationLIMS / WMSData field specifications provided
The efficiency gap across three steps
Inventory
Whole-box reading replaces tube-by-tube scanning; counting a collection of ten thousand samples drops from days to hours.
Cryogenic stability
The inlay-to-facestock lamination has been validated through freeze-thaw cycling, avoiding delamination and read failure at low temperature.
System integration
Label encoding rules and reader interface documentation are provided to support implementation with your existing LIMS.
TRF series specifications
| Item | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency band | UHF 860–960 MHz | Complies with EPCglobal Class 1 Gen 2 |
| Chip | Selected per project | Common models support 96–496 bit EPC |
| Temperature range | -196 °C to -80 °C | Liquid nitrogen immersion and long-term ultra-low storage |
| Facestock | Cryogenic polyester / nylon cloth | Same material family as the LAB series |
| Dimensions | Customized to the container | Cryovials, microplates, blood bags, etc. |
| Printing | Thermal transfer (barcodes and text printable) | With BRL ribbons |
| Read distance | Depends on reader and antenna | Desktop or cabinet readers recommended for whole-box reading |
An RFID solution needs on-site validation with the sample container, reader and storage layout; we recommend a small batch test first.
Frequently asked questions
Can RFID labels go into liquid nitrogen?
The TRF series is designed for -196 °C liquid nitrogen and -80 °C ultra-low environments, but different inlays behave differently at extreme temperatures, so we recommend a small batch validation following your actual freeze-thaw workflow.
Do we need to replace our existing readers?
Not necessarily. TRF labels follow the common UHF protocol, so we can run joint tests with your current readers first; if the read rate is unsatisfactory, we then review antenna and power configuration.
Can the labels integrate with our LIMS?
Yes. We provide label data fields and encoding rules, and interface testing is completed together with your system integrator or our technical team.
Not sure which material to use?
Tell us the substrate, service temperature, print method and service life, and a materials engineer will propose a combination, with free samples and print validation.