As the complexity of pre-clinical and clinical testing has increased over the last decade, labs have been challenged with collecting, processing, and storing more and more samples on a daily basis. To minimize errors and keep lab efficiency strong, labs depend on robust identification solutions, consisting of high-quality barcode labels, tags, and tapes. The laboratory environment has been characterized by ongoing rapid and dramatic innovation, including the implementation of high-throughput techniques that often require the labeling of large amounts of small sample tubes, such as cryo vials, microtubes, and PCR tubes.
In our previous post we introduced the basics of how Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) works. We also briefly touched upon the way it might help researchers in the lab. Here we will go more in depth over the many uses for this novel technology in the research environment.
Previously, we established that thermal printers are ideal for printing barcodes. The use of barcodes has multiple advantages, including improved data management and lower costs. With a wide range of uses, barcodes can be used everywhere from retail stores, to hospitals, and industrial work sites. However, barcode labels are not one size fits all, with different types of 1D and 2D barcodes each having their specific uses. Here we’ll give a brief overview of the different options available, to help you chose the barcode that will best suit your needs.
We’re all familiar with the devastating consequences that can occur when critical information is mishandled in a labor the clinic: the patient or sample ID is incorrect and the wrong lab result is reported in the clinic, resulting in a patient receiving improper healthcare. This can be compounded by the fact that in clinical studies, a patient’s information and samples are often collected, tested, and analyzed off-site, and sometimes pass through the hands of numerous lab personnel in multiple locations, making it even harder to maintain a corroboration between patient and sample. In rare cases, evidence tampering leads to a wrongful conviction, or sample labeling errors lead to a disastrous mix-up at a fertility clinic!
The Design of a Label
While at first choosing the right label might sound simple, the reality is, labels have evolved over the years to become complex in terms of their material, physical properties and applications. As such, what was once a straight-forward exercise has become quite daunting due to the large variety of options available. To ensure you pick the best label for the job, there are few things to consider, including the cost. Before deciding on which type of label is right for your unique needs, let’s review the basic anatomy of a label.