How To Label PCR Tubes and qPCR Plates

July 14, 2021
Posted by admin

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is widely used in the fields of molecular biology, biomedicine, forensics, and general laboratory research. It can be used for multiple research purposes including genotyping, cloning, mutation identification and detection, and gene expression analysis. While PCR is so widely used everywhere around the world, a very common problem that is faced by users is labeling PCR tubes and quantitative PCR (qPCR) plates, due to their relatively small size. The problem faced with qPCR plates is that they can only be labeled on their side.

Solution

PCR Tubes, Strips, and qPCR plates often contain high-value and high-profile samples, which need to be labeled properly so that results don’t get hindered. The solution to the labeling issue of these plates is the PCR-TagTrax. This product can be used to tag and label 0.2ml PCR tubes, high-profile 8-tube PCR strips, and non-skirted qPCR plates in multiple ways. The PCR-TagTrax provides an ample amount of space required for either printing the label details or writing by hand. These tags can also be numbered according to a serial number index, and have a 1D or 2D barcode with the help of a thermal-transfer printer. The PCR-TagTrax is able to endure extreme temperatures, as low as -196C and as high as +150C. This quality enables these tags to be used for experimenting or storage in thermocyclers. (Goldberg, 2019)

The PCR-TagTrax has everything that is needed when labeling a PCR tube. The tags can be used when wearing a glove, they can be read from the top before usage, they are available in a range of colours which makes it easier to code them according to colour. The tags are designed in such a smart way that you may not even need a PCR tube holder, the tag can act as a stand for your PCR tube.

0.2ml PCR Tubes

PCR tubes can be labeled in two spots; the cap or the side of the tube. These tags can be printed with the help of both laser and thermal printers. The advantage of using printers is that more information can be fitted into a smaller space, rather than when writing with hand, which takes more space and cramps less information. Another advantage of using a thermal or laser printer to make the tags is that you can add barcodes to the label. Barcodes are much easier and convenient when tracking hundreds of samples and their details. Another ease of access with barcodes is that you don’t have to necessarily add all the information on the tag. The corresponding information can be added to the system where the barcode information is shown.

Before PCR-TagTrax

Before the development of the PCR-TagTrax, PCR tubes were labeled with the help of handwriting. It is a well-known fact that writing properly on such small tags, with handwriting, is a difficult task in itself. The writing isn’t precise or accurate. Labeling by handwriting has another disadvantage. Unlike barcodes, now you would have to manually code and give serial numbers to each sample. This process could be a problem for yourself in the long run, when tracking a particular sample with a specific serial number becomes a tough job in the midst of hundreds of samples.

Cryo Markers

However, for researchers and laboratories who have handwriting as the only option for labeling or tagging samples, we suggest you use fine-tip cryo markers. These markers are built and developed to resist fading off in extremely low temperatures. The small tip size of the markers also makes it easier to use handwriting but in a very small font.

If you’re on the lookout for medical equipment used for microbiological experiments, then MBP Inc. is the answer. You can find all kinds of equipment such as filter tips, centrifuge tubes, Petri dishes, sealing films, and lab reagents. We provide all equipment of the highest quality, ensuring each item is standard operational before sending them.