Every day, lab managers strive to run productive, efficient labs; after all, important, sometimes life-changing outcomes are on the line. The rising adoption of automation means many processes that were once time-consuming and tedious are now mechanized and reliable, thereby increasing lab productivity.
One area that is easy to overlook is a lab’s system for labeling samples. In this age of rapid technological advancement, it’s no longer good practice to rely on hand labeling or laser printing to label tubes, vials, plates and slides—it takes up valuable staff time and the risk of error is too high. Exposure to chemicals can cause ink smears or damage to the label surface itself, leading to mistakes in sample tracking, distortion or adhesive failure.
Because of routine exposure, selecting the right labeling system for the lab is as, if not more, important as selecting quality labware itself. When determining the best label for every lab environment, there are three key considerations: materials, imaging and adhesives.
Polymer is often the best label material because it’s resistant to chemicals and performs well in hot, cold and wet environments. Material flexibility and thickness are important for labels applied to irregular surfaces. Thickness is also a key consideration for labware that needs to be placed in holders or racks. For barcode and other high-density data storage images, thermal transfer printing is the optimal choice. It’s the most durable and it won’t smear. Thermal transfer imaging uses a heat-activated ribbon material in the label printer, which allows users to select the image durability most suitable for their application. Laserjet-printed labels often do not offer a high enough image resolution for barcode technology. Furthermore, inkjet direct mark images smear when exposed to chemicals like solvents, and their low resolution and lack of contrast makes them difficult to scan.
Selecting the right adhesive depends on surface finishes, material chemistries and usage environments of labware. Adhesives used for plastics are different than what’s needed for glass. The rough finish often found on molded plastics requires a thicker layer of adhesive to sufficiently penetrate into the surface irregularities. Adhesives used for cryogenic applications can also vary. Cryogenic applications will be exposed to temperatures at or below -20 C, so it’s critical to select labels designed specifically for these conditions.
Once needs have been identified for labels with regard to materials, imaging and adhesives, the right level of customization must be determined. Advances in automation have made it possible for label manufacturers to apply, or print-and-apply, barcode labels to a variety of items. Pre-labeled slides, plates, tubes, vials and containers are sequentially ordered to eliminate tracking errors or duplicates, and the labels can be permanently affixed to surfaces to guarantee performance in harsh environments. From successfully pre-labeling thousands of microwell plates to placing heat-cured ceramic labels on glass slides for lifelong secure identification, label manufacturers have advanced technologically and proven the ease and benefits of pre-labeled labware to lab staff.
Problems and solutions
Computype has used its products to assist many labs with labeling problems and upgrades. For example, one lab needed to provide an uninterrupted audit trail, from production to cryogenic storage, for blood samples that are used to find underlying genetic causes for various diseases. To do this, Computype devised a cost-effective, expedient solution by employing the use of pre-labeled 2D barcoded storage ampules. Specifications on the ampule were strict, but Computype’s "Label Ease" service bureau allowed the customer to continue to use the ampules that historically provided the best results, but with a 2D barcode symbol permanently etched onto the surface.
While pre-labeled labware is the most sophisticated category of custom label solutions, it is not the only option. Print-on-demand and pre-printed labels are also popular choices. For labs just moving from labeling with permanent marker or a laser printer, print-on-demand labels are a good entry point for a labeling system that can withstand harsh elements and challenging lab conditions.
With hundreds of models of thermal transfer printers available today, from sophisticated high-resolution printers to low-cost desktop models, it can be difficult to know which type is the right choice. Lab managers must work with their label vendor to ensure needs are met.
To further increase lab accuracy and efficiency, many labs opt for print-and-apply systems, which work on flat surfaces such as microwell plates, as well as cylindrical surfaces. Sophisticated printers and applicators can customize a label to match any application needed.
Pre-printed labels offer barcoding for traceability, with the option of adding custom information to the label before it is affixed to the container. Some pre-printed labels arrive as ready-to-use rolls that are made to order in terms of color, custom graphics and any identification information needed, while others arrive fully printed and ready-to-use out of the box. Some pre-printed labels have room for custom information that can be added to the label before, during or after the label is affixed.
When selecting a labeling system for a lab environment, it’s important to consider the benefits in terms of convenience, cost and consistency. Selecting pre-labeled labware will ultimately save more time, reduce labor costs and ensure more accurate sample tracking and management, thereby improving chances for success and positive outcomes.