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Automated Bar Code Systems Increase Lab Efficiency
by Bruce R. Wray, Marketing Manager, Computype, Inc.
Bar codes are critical to any lab's automation efforts. While bar codes have greatly improved the process of data collection for years, some laboratories view them as a necessary evil. However, the truly successful labs have found ways to integrate bar code scanning and printing productively and profitably. Following are some "bar code basics" that will help you make use of this powerful technology in your own facility.
What is Barcoding?
A typical linear bar code featuring
a series of black bars and light spaces which are used to represent letters
and/or numerals. |
Bar coding is a method of automated data collection. It is a way to rapidly, accurately,
and efficiently gather information and transmit it to a computer. The vehicle
that actually contains the data to be collected is the bar code symbol itself.
A linear bar code is a series of black bars and intervening white spaces which
are used to represent letters and/or numerals. The specific arrangement of these
bars and spaces follows strict rules which are defined by the specific bar code
language (known as a "symbology") being used. A typical linear bar code is shown
below.
The Anatomy of a Bar Code
While bar codes have been a part of our lives for years, few people actually understand the technology. Bar code scanning is based on a simple principle. Light is reflected in different amounts by different colored surfaces. To decode the information in a bar code, a small spot of light is passed over the bars and spaces via a scanning device. This bar code scanner can be hand-held or a device mounted in a lab instrument. The bar code symbol will reflect the spot of light back into the scanner in varying amounts. That is, the dark bars of the bar code will absorb light, while the white spaces will reflect light. These differences in reflectivity are translated into electrical signals by a light detector inside the scanner. The signals are converted into binary ones and zeros; these are used in various combinations to stand for specific numbers and letters.
How Bar Codes Are Being Used in Today's Lab
Bar codes are increasingly being used to help laboratories automate the identification of slides, microwell plates, tubes and other containers.
Pre-labeled labware comes affixed with
a pressure sensitive or ceramic labels ease the process of identifying and
tracking samples |
• Customized barcoding systems can help laboratories track samples across
multiple locations while nearly eliminating the risk of error. One leading bar
code company, for example, provided a custom software application and relational
database to track samples in an adolescent AIDS research study. Collection sites
were given high-quality barcode labels to apply to the samples before they were
sent to a laboratory for testing. This allowed the primary sample to be labeled
at collection with the same label necessary for tracking through long-term storage.
The samples were then sent to the testing facility where the software assigned
and managed sample storage locations based on sample collection criteria. Samples
were removed for testing and/or aliquoting and for referral to other testing facilities.
The software enabled the researcher to search the database for a specific sample
based on unique number or sample characteristics. Once located, the researcher
then removed and scanned the samples. The software recorded the date, time, and
the reason the samples were removed. If an aliquot of the sample was required,
the software also produced additional bar code labels to apply to the new sample
containers. Upon return of the samples to their storage locations, the bar-coded
samples were scanned and the software registered them back into the system. Additional
information about sample condition, volume, status, and test results were maintained
in the database.
An automatic label applicator and robotic
arm used for microwell plate labeling. |
Microwell plate labeling can now be automated using automatic print-and-apply
devices in conjunction with various robotic devices in the lab. Three options
are available for this task: 1) The operator inserts a plate in to the nest, and
the printer-applicator prints and applies the bar code label to the plate; 2)
A robotic device (shown below) can be integrated for presenting and removing the
plate from the nest. This allows walk-away automation, but not necessarily high-speed;
and 3) For high throughput screening applications, a conveyor replaces the robot
to rapidly move the plates. Numerous size label/ribbon combinations are available
that survive freeze/thaw cycles down to minus 80 C, and are resistant to chemicals
and organic solvents.
Some bar code firms provide a service bureau for labeling labware where labs simply
send them the plates, tubes, vials, or glass slides. The service bureau labels
the labware according to specification, guaranteeing no duplicate numbers and
sequence integrity.
Tubes ready to be scanned.
|
Bar code automation in the laboratory does not need to be difficult or expensive,
and the results may well be profound—fast and accurate data collection. With
bar codes, there's no trade-off between speed and accuracy—you get it fast
AND you get it right. The technology is proven, the costs are low, and if you
do your homework automating the lab can offer quick payback in productivity increases.
Bruce Wray, marketing manager of Computype, may be contacted by phone at 800-328-0852.
AT A GLANCE
• Bar codes are used to help labs automate the identification of slides, microwell plates, tubes and other containers
• Customized barcoding systems track samples across multiple locations while reducing error
• Microwell plate labeling can be automated using print-and-apply devices in conjunction with robotic devices
• Bar code automation in the lab can offer payback in productivity increases
ONLINE
For additional information on the companies discussed in this article, see Laboratory
Equipment magazine online at www.LaboratoryEquipment.com
or the following Web sites:
• www.computype.com
Laboratory Equipment
Advantage Business Media
Rockaway, NJ, 07866
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