Labels ensure accuracy in collecting, processing, and storing specimens for diagnosis, clinical trials, and research. Printed barcodes identify and track samples and must withstand harsh conditions, including stain protocol, solvents, autoclave sterilization, and cryogenic freezing. With its ability to print single labels, Thermal Transfer printing offers the flexibility required for marking, identification, and traceability data on products used in laboratories.

Thermal Transfer ribbons offer precise printing of barcodes and identification data on even the smallest of labels which are frequently used for test tubes, microscope slides, and flasks. Labels are critical in processing and storing tubes, vials, and slides. Printed barcodes must withstand harsh conditions, including stain protocol, solvents, autoclave sterilization, and cryogenic freezing. Labels are generally small scale and can be 2-part. Sometimes, clear over-lamination tape is built-in to the label.

Proper labeling contributes to increasing lab safety. An unlabeled or mislabeled tube or specimen could contain something dangerous to your health. For example, some samples can include poisonous substances, radioactive material, or infectious agents. Use labels of different colors to identify different categories of hazards.

Thermal transfer printing is also ideal for long-term applications. The samples will be conserved for extended periods of time or exposed to harsh conditions such as chemicals, light, high temperatures, or water. For this reason, thermal transfer printing is the technology of choice for asset tracking, laboratory specimens, and cold and freezer storage.

The wide variety of thermal transfer inks enables each laboratory to find a tailor-made solution in print quality and durability. Thermal transfer offers a large variety of printing material compatibility, including paper, plastic, and polyester. These materials have varying levels of longevity, with polyester being the most durable with the most extended lifetime. Label materials can be carefully matched with different ribbons for maximum durability. In addition, thermal transfer printers provide the option of using colored ribbons and colored materials to improve label appearance or streamline operation with color-coded labels.

Where:

• Diagnostic Clinical Labs
• Biomedical Research Labs
• University Labs
• Pathology Labs
• Veterinary Clinics
• Hospitals

Why using thermal transfer technology for this application ?

Laboratory labels help medical professionals and scientists track and trace samples and specimens on flasks, seals, tubes and more. Printed labels need to withstand repeated handling and temperature extremes due to the variety of harsh conditions that such samples are exposed to. Don’t take chances, use thermal transfer printing for all your laboratory labeling needs.

For this application, we recommend the following products:

• APR 1
• Prime Mark
• AXR 1
• AXR 7+
• AXR 8
• AXR 100
• AXR 600
• AXR 800

BarTender is the heart of your compliance labeling solution

When you’ve got challenges like DSCSA, FMD, traceability, counterfeiting and tampering and 21 CFR Part 11, you need a trustworthy labeling software like BarTender (Professional, Automation and Enterprise). We support pharmaceutical companies from global, Fortune 500 manufacturers to small nutraceutical packagers, managing critical regulatory compliance.

SIMPLE AND ACCESSIBLE USER EXPERIENCE

BarTender barcode software is familiar, even from the first time you open it. Our easy to learn, easy to use platform makes training your workforce simple.

POWERFUL LABELING TOOLS FOR THE MOST COMPLEX LABELS

BarTender is a powerful tool for even the most complex labels, in the most demanding regulatory environments.

BUILT-IN COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS

Add accurate DSCSA, falsified medical directives and compliant GS1 barcodes with a simple drag and drop. The standards are built-in with each BarTender edition including over 95 different symbologies, including GS1’s linear and Data Matrix pharma barcodes and traditional linear, two-track, 2D and color Pharmacodes.

DIFFERENT ROLES, DIFFERENT ACCESS FOR TOTAL CONTROL

BarTender’s layered security features that range from basic print-only settings, to complex role-based permissions with label format encryption, give you configurable control over who can open, edit or print a label.

TOTAL VISIBILITY INTO THE LABELING PROCESS

BarTender labeling software gives complete visibility into the labeling process — who accessed a label, what edits they made, where and when a label was printed. Capture e-signatures and complete audit trail for compliance with global regulations, including 21 CFR Part 11.

GLOBAL CHANGE MANAGEMENT IN AN INSTANT

Be agile to meet changes in regulation, pricing or process with BarTender’s Intelligent Templates™. Edit a label’s data, format or design and updates will occur immediately throughout your organization. Your label is ready to print in real time, anywhere in the world it’s needed.

EASILY SETUP AND MANAGE SERIALIZATION ACROSS YOUR NETWORK

BarTender continually manages and monitors the serialization — unique, random or sequential — that drives your regulatory compliance, such as GS1 barcodes. Increment serial numbers at a single printer or at printers across your network.

ONE FILE – EVERY PACKAGING LEVEL

BarTender labeling software aggregates identical data to pallet-level, case-level and unit-level formats to increase accuracy from pallet to product.

REDUCE HUMAN ERROR BY CONNECTING IFUS TO PACKAGING AND LABELING

BarTender barcode software’s new, exclusive tables feature allows you to group a product’s IFU with its shipping and packaging labeling into one BarTender file to populate data from a single source.

The Broadest Barcode Label and Tag Offering, Rigorously Quality Tested, Ready for Your Application

Zebra Has the Right Label!

Not every barcode label is created equal. There are thousands of different label and tag materials available – each with their own set of features that affect durability and printer performance. To ensure your labels match your needs, our material sciences experts have pre-tested, selected and certified the highest-performing label and tag materials to assure durable print and minimal printer wear and tear, while also considering your budget and application.

Extensive Pre-Testing

When we say we test our labels, we mean it. Our supplies go through rigorous testing across a wide range of printers, print speeds and darkness settings to ensure print quality and durability. We also test them in harsh conditions using specialized equipment to rate durability to outdoor elements, abrasion, harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures to provide only the toughest labels guaranteed to fit your purpose—and go the distance.

Every Type of Label

With more than 400 stocked ZipShip paper and synthetic labels and tags – all ready to ship within 24 hours – Zebra has the right label and tag on hand for your application. From synthetic materials to basic paper solutions, custom to compliance requirements, hard-to-label surfaces to easy-to-remove labels, or tamper-evident to tear-proof, we have more than 90 material options to meet your unique needs.

Unmatched Quality

Other manufacturers swap out materials to increase their profits – leaving you high and dry when your labels don’t perform like they used to. Instead of substituting materials, Zebra utilizes an ISO 9001 certified, 23-point quality inspection to ensure consistent quality. And, we only use thermal-compatible inks and varnishes to safeguard printer performance.