Imagine: a laboratory sample is accidentally opened or switched. Or a medical package turns out to have been opened after all. Or a test result is no longer reliable because no one can prove whether the content was manipulated along the way....
These situations can result in misdiagnoses, delays in treatments or even legal consequences.
In all these cases, tamper detection plays a crucial role. And that is exactly where tamper-evident labels and safety labels come in - often invisible heroes within the pharmaceutical, medical and biotechnology sectors.
Why security labels?
Many organizations use standard labels for identification or tracking, but underestimate the risk of tampering or forgery. When products are in transit - for example, from the lab to the hospital, or from the manufacturer to the patient - they can be exposed to:
- Unconscious error (e.g., improperly opening a sample)
- Intentional tampering (such as falsification of test results)
- Environmental influences (e.g., temperature, moisture or time lapse)
Without proper security, you often don't notice it until after the damage has happened.
What exactly do tamper-evident labels do?
Tamper-evident labels leave visible traces when someone tries to remove or move them. So they show whether a package or item has been opened - without the need for complicated technology. Some examples:
- A label leaves a permanent "VOID" pattern when it is pulled off
- A specially designed hologram label can tear into tiny pieces when removed, so it cannot be reused
- A label running over a closure breaks irreparably when opened
Such signals give users immediate feedback: "This product may no longer be safe or reliable."
Types of security labels - which one suits you?
- VOID labels leave a permanent pattern on the surface when removed. This makes it immediately apparent that a package has been opened or tampered with. These labels are particularly suitable for securing sample tubes, medical kits and sealed packages.
- Destructive labels are designed to break or tear irreparably when someone tries to remove them. As a result, they cannot be reapplied. They are often used on pharmaceutical packaging and medical devices, where integrity is essential.
- Holographic labels contain reflective visual security that is difficult to copy. These labels are ideal for brand protection and high-quality products, where authenticity must be visually confirmed.
- Thermally sensitive labels respond to changes in temperature, such as color change. They are often used for cold chain monitoring and cryogenic oplsag, where it is necessary to quickly detect deviations in temperature history.
Depending on the risk level, labels can also be provided with QR verification, anti-play corners or multi-layer security.
It is not only about safety, but also about regulation and quality control:
Avoid cross-contamination in laboratories, ensure traceability in clinical trials, protect against counterfeit medication or ensure compliance with international standards (such as FDA or ISO).
Is this relevant to you?
These labels are particularly useful if you work with:
- Medical samples or biobanks
- Pharmaceutical R&D or manufacturing
- Clinical studies
- High-value products (such as reagents or diagnostic kits)
- Temperature-sensitive goods
Even if you're not sure if your security is sufficient, it's smart to evaluate whether a basic form of tamper-evident label can already eliminate many risks.
Wondering if your labeling is safe enough?
Request a free label analysis via the contact form
... or view here a selection from our range
Disclaimer: The images used are AI-generated and illustrate general applications. They do not replace pictures of actual situations, products or employees.
