Diagnostic clinics depend on accurate sample identification and tracking; without an accurate system, critical errors can be made, resulting in the loss of irreplaceable patient samples. In many instances, samples must be stored at differing temperatures, from room temperature to cold storage at -80°C or in liquid nitrogen. Lab requisition forms help ensure patient samples are properly tracked during testing by combining patient registration information, billing information, specimen information, barcoded specimen labels, and a provider order for confirmation of testing.

Lab requisition forms

Lab requisition forms can include a variety of information pertaining to the patient; including specimen and patient information, along with a unique identifier or barcode and the tests to be conducted. Requisition forms are mostly provided as a document with integrated barcode-printable labels. Typically, forms incorporating barcode labels are preferred for tracking and filling purposes. Though many solutions are available in combination with a variety of printer types, cryo requisition forms tailored for desktop laser printers are particularly popular as they provide a versatile solution for various testing labs.

Laser cryogenic requisition forms can be printed using sheets of laser labels that are selectively partitioned to provide space for multiple barcode labels. Each custom-sized label can be used throughout the workflow, from when the sample is received to its processing and storage. For cryogenic sample storage, cryo sheet labels that withstand freezing or even cryogenic temperatures are required. Ultimately, the goal of requisition forms such as these is to provide a robust and personalized measure to track multiple samples, where not only can the size of the label be customized but the orientation, layout, and type of label as well.

Providing a custom solution for every type of diagnostic sample

Customization is what makes specialty requisition forms an optimal solution for diagnostic sample tracking. With so much potential variability in processing protocols, including multiple storage temperatures and exposure to chemicals, it’s crucial to select an appropriate type of laser label for each form. Several types of specialty laser labels are available, including:

• Cryo-LazrTAG™: LabTAG’s patented Cryo-LazrTAG labels are used for samples stored in liquid nitrogen (-196°C), freezers (-80°C), and dry ice. Provided with a strong permanent, these labels will remain firmly adhered to vials, tubes, and boxes during prolonged cryo storage and will not peel, smudge, or fade, over time.
• Laser CryoSTUCK®: Laser printable CryoSTUCK labels are unique in that they can be used to identify tubes or vials that are already frozen under deep-freeze conditions (-80°C). These laser labels are ideal for containers that require re-labeling or where the label has fallen off, as they eliminate the need to thaw valuable samples in order to identify them. They can also be provided in a clear format that allows the contents of labeled containers to remain fully visible.

Partnering with an experienced label manufacturer

When designing a tailored identification solution, it’s helpful to partner with a label manufacturer rather than a supplier. Working with a manufacturer has several advantages:

• Customer support: With the right R&D team and knowledgeable support staff, it’s possible to devise an optimal solution that meets all identification needs by providing candidate label materials that allow the client to evaluate their suitability for every step of their workflow.
• Customizable Layout: Every requisition form is unique and requires its own specialized layout. This means that a unique die line tailored to the request’s exact specifications needs to be designed to ensure all the necessary information and barcodes can be printed without issue.
• Expert design: Once a candidate material is selected and the layout designed, a dedicated graphics team evaluates the initial label sheet renditions, ensuring they conform to the needs and workflow of the clients. A close collaboration ensures the designs are just right before acquiring the necessary tooling needed to produce the prototypes.
• Follow-up: Once the solution has been fully implemented, minor issues may creep up as staff are trained and begin to use the system daily. Partnering with a label manufacturer means retaining contact in the long term so that any bumps can be quickly smoothed over, preventing errors from accumulating.

LabTAG by GA International is a leading manufacturer of high-performance specialty labels and a supplier of identification solutions used in research and medical labs as well as healthcare institutions.