Note 1: 'Isotopic labelling' is the incorporation of an isotopic label in a substance. It may be qualified by the manner of introduction of the label, e.g. exchange labelling, conjugation labelling, recoil labelling.

Example: Deuterium ('isotopic label') that is substituted for protium in the illegal drug methylamphetamine, for use in analysis by mass spectrometry. Methylamphetamine incorporating deuterium is the 'isotopic tracer'.

Note 2: In general usage, 'label' and 'tracer' are used synonymously.