Taking a systematic approach to laboratory labelling

Liz Gallagher looks at the advantages of opting for a complete laboratory labelling system

Even if you’re convinced of the advantages of using printed labels to ensure the legibility and durability of sample identities, it may be that your lab has a ‘mix and match’ policy, sourcing labelling products from a number of manufacturers on an ad hoc basis. Are there advantages to taking a systematic approach to the issue of laboratory labelling? At Brady we certainly think so!

The most compelling reason for selecting a comprehensive labelling solution is to protect the integrity of your sample identification and enable accurate tracking. To ensure that labels remain readable, it’s vital that your printer ribbon not only fits your printer but is fully compatible with your label material. Otherwise you will very likely find that the sample information quickly becomes smeared or even disappears altogether during processing or storage.

Likewise, if labels are to remain attached to samples you need the correct type for the conditions your samples will encounter. Brady has developed a wide range of label materials each of which, when printed using our specified printer ribbons, provides complete durability in particular environments. By mixing products from different manufacturers or using the incorrect material you risk wasting samples, as labels may become detached or unreadable. This outcome not only compromises research results but, ultimately, the reputation of the lab.

Complete labelling solutions help to increase laboratory efficiency. For example, the Brady IP Series Printer is the first industrial thermal transfer label printer to use Smart Cell technology for automatic calibration. This enables the printer to detect the loaded label and ribbon material and alert the user to any mismatch. Using this system, the intuitive label design software automatically displays the correct size template, simplifying the label creation process. A dedicated barcode scanner accessory also saves valuable time when printing additional ‘children’ sample labels or tracking samples through processing stages.

A wide choice of printers enables any lab to choose a product which matches its requirements. Whether you need a hand-held labelling tool to create small numbers of labels at a time, or a high speed desktop thermal transfer printer capable of producing thousands of labels each day, a comprehensive range of printers will enable you to choose a cost-effective solution.

The versatility of a specialised laboratory labelling system covers not only label formats designed specifically for slides, tubes, plates, vials, flasks and other consumables, but also offers materials capable of withstanding the full range of sample processing and storage temperatures: from autoclaving and water baths, to liquid nitrogen and long-term freezer storage.

In addition, chemical resistance is provided by materials such as Brady’s StainerBondz polyester, which protects sample identities of slides exposed to xylene and other chemicals commonly used in histological techniques. Using the compatible thermal transfer ribbon, StainerBondz labels show no buckling or detaching, and no discoloration or print removal following slide staining.

Brady’s specialist expertise, based on significant investment in researching the science of label materials and adhesives, has led to the development of innovative products which solve tricky problems. For example, Freezerbondz labels are not only durable at very low temperatures but will even stick to tubes which are already frozen, and a range of self-laminating labels provide excellent abrasion and smudge resistance.

Another challenge is protecting sample identities on tissue cassettes used in histology labs. The BSP31 Label Attachment System was developed to provide a highly cost-efficient method of ensuring traceability throughout histological protocols. Special chemical-resistant B-482 tissue cassette labels printed with the R-6400 thermal transfer ribbon retain full legibility during processing, embedding, sectioning and long-term storage – but how do you ensure that the labels remain fixed to your cassettes? The BSP31 Label Attachment System achieves this using four tiny heat probes to pierce the label and cassette, melting the plastic just sufficiently to form indestructible rivets which secure the label permanently.

Any laboratory interested in maximising efficiency, protecting precious samples and ensuring GLP compliance should consider a complete labeling system.