Importance of Lab Labels in the Laboratory

If we don’t consider the situation we all have been through in the past couple of years, laboratories must be able to test samples and work around the lab without any hassle. Proper labeling and the ability to trace materials every step of the way plays a crucial role in the lab and medical industry. Laboratories deal with sample testing, specimen collection and storage, medications, and things that can be a biohazard. So, it is essential to label the jars and containers accurately. This helps them confirm a diagnosis, plan a treatment journey and manage & monitor a patient’s condition.

Most healthcare facilities demand a quality label on the container used for specimens and other contents. A lab label offers positive patient identification and other essential details that allow smooth analysis. But ever wonder what happens without a lab label? Well, patient safety gets compromised and specimens get rejected, thereby increasing the work for the team.

What is a laboratory label?

Lab labels are specialized labels that demand specific requirements, especially in the biotechnology, agriculture, medical, forensic and environmental industries. It could be pathogens, blood, viruses or tissue samples, and these labels must be of the best quality to ensure communication from start to end. This will help ensure no mistakes or errors during analysis or testing. Laboratory labels come equipped with solid adhesives and abilities to withstand harsh testing and storage conditions, not to mention cleaning.

What should lab labels entail?

To protect the patients from adverse mistakes or situations made due to improper labeling of ‘specimens’ and ‘samples’- a laboratory label should have the following information:

-          Patient name

-          Patient’s medical record

-          Patient’s location

-          Specimen type/source

-          EST required

A specimen container is not labeled correctly if the information above needs to be included or corrected. While the specimen container is sent in a transport bag, the actual specimen should be labeled appropriately. It will be rejected if the label isn’t acceptable.

What if specimens need to be labeled correctly?

Specimens with no label contain a requisition with a name or medical record details different from what is pinned to the specimen, or if the specimen is double-labeled, in any such case, it will not be tested or even accepted. Improper or inaccurate labeling causes the specimen to be rejected and redrawing of the sample.

5 Labels that help facilitate lab workflow

Following are five of the many labels that play a crucial role in clear communication and safety, ensuring proper specimen labeling within the laboratory:

Biohazard Label: Primary and most popular label helps eliminate or reduce occupational exposure to any blood-borne pathogens. This helps identify the container, room, equipment, material or anything potentially carrying hazardous elements. It plays a vital role within the laboratory.

Consecutive Number Label: Along with patient specimens and samples, these labels are used for tracking a myriad of lab assets. The numbering allows the specimen to be delivered to the professionals working in the lab while maintaining a patient’s anonymity during the analysis.

Cryogenic Lab Label: Cryogenic laboratory labels are used in hospital labs to freeze biological samples like plasma, strains, stem cells or cells. Cryogenic labels are designed to withstand extreme cryogenic refrigeration and liquid nitrogen for an extended period and remain intact during harsh conditions.

Colored Lab Tape: This tape simplifies the color coding of instruments, equipment, charts, and more. When a specimen requires special handling, adding colored lab tape will improve the efficiency and workflow of the process within the laboratory.

LIS Label: Laboratory Information Systems is designed to simplify the process of distinguishing lab samples, plates, or reagents. LIS labels with a unique barcode are the most effective way to monitor and keep those separate.

Conclusion

Hope this post has helped you understand the importance of labeling within a lab environment. Labeling the chemicals, specimens and containers helps preserve the experimental materials as well as keeps the cost down. If you need custom laboratory or thermal transfer labels that can withstand laboratory conditions, find and contact the best and most trusted label manufacturer with a track record proving they can meet your specific requirements.