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To Print or
Not to Print: That is the question.
The decision as to whether to print your labels in the lab
or buy them printed from a label printing company is going to be based on label content,
economics, and label durability.
Label Content
The narrow edge of a plate does not allow for a large label. It is also important
to note that placement accuracy affects the size. Scanning devices do not tolerate labels
folded around corners. The label should fit cleanly on the edge of the plate.
| Items
to consider adding to your labels |
| Date |
| Facility Name |
| Storage Location |
| Date |
| Sequencing |
Certain items on the label should be bigger than
others. If you are going to make use of a bar code, it should be tall enough to be scanned
easily. The width of the bar code will be driven by the needs of scanning equipment to be
used as well as the data content, bar code type chosen and the white space that is needed
around the code.
 If you need to quickly locate a plate in storage or processing, then
the key human readable text should be clear and conveniently placed. All other information
might be smaller if it will be referenced infrequently.
The sample labels shown contain information that is
available only at the time of printing. Good printing software like
BarTender will give
you the ability to choose from a variety of sizes and label formats so you can meet your
facility's particular information needs.
Label layout and design can improve organization. The
layout below provides a set of labels that are serialized. You might use this type of
setup to group your work.  If
your labels need to include extensive specific data that you cannot specify when you buy
the labels, you will need to print them yourself.
Economics
Small usage labs processing a few thousand items or less per year should consider buying
printed labels. Ordering labels periodically makes it simple. Larger usage labs have an
easier time justifying printing equipment investment. They save money due to benefits of
patient specific information on the label.
Good Label Performance
Many of the label materials that we offer as printed are available in a format that can be
printed within your facility. Please contact the label experts at EIMINC for more details. |
