A key aspect of laboratory best practices is to ensure that the labelling processes are up to scratch and that you are using the correct labels for your study or research lab.

This may seem like an obvious point and easy task to get right; however, from our experience, labels are often thought about last, but they can have a dramatic impact on a project if not correctly matched to the end use.

This can jeopardise projects, cost money, and waste time.

1. USING THE WRONG LABEL FOR THE END APPLICATION

Label technology has become very sophisticated, with many adhesive, material and ribbon combinations. This can make it tricky for labs to know exactly what label is right for their requirements.

Selecting a label that isn’t matched correctly to the end application can invalidate a study or project a laboratory is working on. Here is a list of questions to ask yourself when buying or testing your laboratory labels:

• – Do the labels you use or are testing perform as desired and stick to the surface they need to for the time needed? For example, frozen vials need a tube label that can adhere to a frozen surface.
• – Does the label do what it’s intended to do visually? Are the markings clear, if it’s a self-laminating label does the tail wrap around correctly and cover all the print?
• – Is the label durable enough to withstand the processes and environment it’s going to be put through in a lab? Can it resist high temperatures, chemicals, solvents, liquid nitrogen etc?
• – Is the print clear and not fading? This is important to note: the right combination of material, adhesive, ribbon and printer must be used for optimal results.
• – How long does the label need to last? This can vary depending on the laboratory application; it may need to last only a short time or several years.

We have over 30 years of labelling experience: our specialists are very well-equipped to help guide you through the labelling process and ask you the correct qualifying questions to ensure you get the right label the first time. Get in touch!

2. HANDWRITTEN LABELS

Even with all the technological innovations and advancements within the labelling industry, many laboratories still handwrite their data onto labels.

Although there is nothing inherently wrong with this approach, as it is quick and easy to pick up a pen or pencil, and anyone can do it, there are numerous downsides.

Handwritten labels can be difficult to read and, as such tend to become unreliable. Ink or pencil marks can smear, making it easy to misread the information on the label, which can cause repetitive errors.

CILS has many years of experience helping labs upgrade their labels and labelling systems to improve efficiency, save money and reduce errors. Fortunately, there are affordable print systems available that can be set up easily and quickly without a steep learning curve, fulfilling all basic labelling requirements.

CILS’s computer-printable labelling systems start from as little as £520.00, including labelling software, which provides the capabilities to print durable labels most laboratories need and use. We have a dedicated team of labelling specialists who can walk you through the set-up process in person or by video chat.

Computer printable labels provide considerably more benefits than handwritten labels, such as:

• – Quick and easy to print, allowing you to print in large batches or single labels.
• – A more efficient way of inputting data onto labels, rather than manually handwriting on each label, saving time that can be used more productively.
• – The print quality is clear and very legible, meaning it is more reliable for the whole lab team to be able to identify samples, not just the laboratory technician who would normally handwrite the information.
• – The labels and the variable data printed on them are durable and able to resist chemicals, solvents, harsh laboratory environments, and much more.
• – Minimise errors and reduce the time needed to interpret information, making it more accurate and removing the need to rewrite correct information, which is always a risk with handwritten samples.

If you are looking to upgrade your labelling and explore computer-printable labels further, please get in touch. One of our technical labelling specialists will be happy to help.

3. HANDLING OF LABELS

A common issue in laboratory labelling is that labels are not applied correctly to the intended surface. Due to poor handling, the adhesive might become ineffective.

How you handle a label can dramatically impact its effectiveness in sticking to a surface, especially if you are wearing powdered latex gloves.

Therefore, it is highly recommended that the label be handled as little as possible from the moment you peel it off the release liner until it is applied to the desired surface.

Minimising contact between the adhesive side of the label and your skin or gloves will give the adhesive the best chance to bond effectively to the surface, allowing the label to perform its intended purpose.

Improper handling can cause the label to fall off and compromise your project.

HOW CILS CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR LABELLING STRATEGY

Implementing the correct labelling strategy may seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right help and guidance from a team of specialists, we can make it a smooth, effortless process.

Labels are a powerful tool to help provide laboratory identification and tracking solutions. They can help reduce errors and improve data accuracy, making the process more efficient. As labelling solutions get smarter and more advanced, more laboratories will invest in these solutions to meet their sample identification needs.

Now is a great time to implement a comprehensive, future-proof labelling system. This will enable you to effectively manage the integrity of your data and sample tracking, saving you time and money, and reducing errors.

Talk to a specialist today and see how we can help with your laboratory labelling.