Labels

Labels are an essential component for laboratory safety and compliance.   Is your lab audit ready?  Let’s consider how barcodes and labels can improve your audit readiness:

• Generate labels directly from your inventory to eliminate transcription errors.
• Define the content of your labels based on your SOP requirements to assure every material in your lab is properly labeled.
• Save time using Barcode scanners, which are fast and reliable, rather than manual data entry.
• Labels for any laboratory item may be customized with necessary details and may be printed on a variety of label stocks (sizes/shapes).
• Unique identifiers for each material accurately link material usage with inventory improving control of your inventory.
• Tracking inventory is automatic, whether it is equipment, chemicals, or samples.
• Print regulatory inventory reports detailing chemical location and amounts.

Barcoded labels are widely utilized in industries where avoiding mistakes is critical, such as hospitals, and are an inexpensive tool to improve data quality and lab efficiency.

The ELN labeling process starts with recording identifying information.  Labels may be defined for Resources such as Reagents, Samples, Standards, Solutions, and virtually any other Laboratory object. The identifying information is recorded only once in ELN and a unique identifier is defined.  Labels are then printed directly from the information source, including the unique identifier and barcode.

Labeled lab resources (Reagents, Samples …) are associated with notebook documentation by scanning the Resource label or recording the unique identifier.  A link is established between the notebook documentation and the documented Resource.  The link supports automated inventory, tracking, and usage reports.

Barcoded labels are an important technique for increasing data quality and reducing laboratory costs. Laboratories looking to improve efficiency and reduce their overhead costs should consider implementing ELN labels.