Xylene-resistant labels for tissue processing
CASE STUDY 1:
For automated tissue processing
The Cytogenetic department of a large NHS Foundation Trust needed slide labels that would withstand the various demands of tissue processing.
The laboratory required one set of slide labels that could offer maximum durability in freezer storage, water baths up to 120°C, paraffin wax processing and slide staining - with a preference that labels would not change color, to ensure bar codes could be clearly read by automated scanners.
CILS’ 8100SRS material is designed for this solution, as its solvent-resistant properties allow labels to withstand repeated xylene submersion without disintegrating, as well as resisting formalin, ethanol (IMS / IDA) and other chemical fixatives. The label material maintains integrity between -40°C and +150°C, and resists discoloration from slide stains, keeping data clearly legible. Labels are printable using a standard thermal transfer printer and a CILS DRD grade ribbon, which is essential for this process.
Because of the versatile durability of the CIL-8100SRS label, the department takes the same label material for wellplates and high-density tubes, increasing the convenience of printing as ribbons no longer need to be changed for different media.
The 8100SRS material is part of the CILS Laboratory Slide Label range of products
CASE STUDY 2:
For manual tissue processing
CILS have worked with Cancer Research to create a durable, printable label for identifying microslides during manual, xylene-based tissue processing.
The laboratory’s existing labels were inadequate for their standard deparaffinizing protocols; separating from the adhesive, disintegrating and causing vital data to be lost.
While several solvent-resistant label materials exist, most are constructed for automated processes where the xylene, acetone or similar agent will have evaporated before slides are handled by a technician. In the case of the Cancer Research laboratory, manual tissue processing means slides are handled while wet with xylene, causing printed data to smudge on these labels.
To achieve maximum print resistance in this application, the solution was the CILS 8100-USRS label material printed with a CILS RRD grade thermal transfer printing ribbon. It’s compatible with standard thermal transfer printers, and provided the Cancer Research laboratory with permanent slide labels that would keep print clear in aggressive solvents, IMS, IDA and temperatures up to +150°C.
The 8100-USRS material is part of the CILS Laboratory Slide Label range of products.