Labeling in the lab

Efficient and Traceable Labeling According to GLP

In laboratories, labeling is no longer just a means to identify containers — and hasn’t been for a long time. Samples, reagents, and preparations are used in patient diagnostics and in clinical, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, and academic research worldwide. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requires that labeling can be processed automatically.

For fast and reliable analysis and for traceability purposes, identities and data related to production and expiration dates must be clearly visible. Specific codes and numbers must remain readable during processing and long-term storage. For chemicals, two-color pictograms and unique IDs for medical devices are required. Personal data must remain private. Thermal transfer printing and laser marking provide the high quality demanded by laboratories.

Advantages of CAB Label Printers

Cab label printers ensure a permanent print. Thermal transfer printers achieve print resolutions of up to 600 dpi. These provide high contrast, allowing for crisp prints even in small areas. Even small fonts can be visually verified, and tiny barcodes can be read by scanners.

Extensive research in terms of time and cost, limitations in patient care, or delays in medical development and production are minimized. Thermal printing also means there’s no need to wait for ink to dry. Any number of roll-wrapped labels can be printed non-stop. The imprints remain clearly legible even when exposed to mechanical stress, water, or solvents.

Durable Labels and Ribbons for Laboratory Conditions

Laboratories generally increase productivity and make identification more reliable by using consumables that are matched to the printer. Steam sterilization, sample material at temperatures as low as −200 °C in liquid nitrogen, and staining processes can damage a label, reduce legibility, or cause it to peel off the packaging.

Labels and ribbons (similar to the colored tapes used in standard printers) recommended by CAB for laboratory processes are tested for all common resistances. Label surfaces are optimized for thermal transfer, roll diameters and cores fit CAB printers, as well as the winding direction.

CAB AXON label printer

View the AXON product page here.