Brady has launched a complete system of tissue cassette labelling that can withstand histology processing.
Combining a chemical-resistant label and a label attachment method, the specimen labelling solution is said to ensure complete sample security.
'This new solution from Brady solves a major problem for histology and anatomic pathology laboratories: when tissue cassette labels become unreadable or detached during processing, specimens are unusable and both time and money are wasted,' said Richard Kapusniak, manager, materials, new products and technology, Brady.
'In addition, writing labels by hand is time consuming and error prone.
'With our BSP31 label attachment system, users can rely on the information-rich printed labels remaining readable right through histological processing.
'The labels cannot become separated from tissue cassettes and the system is cost effective for small to medium-sized laboratories,' he added.
Designed to be used exclusively with Brady's chemical-resistant labels and the specifically developed thermal transfer printer ribbon, the company said that its BSP31 label attachment system will guarantee labelling integrity throughout processing, embedding, sectioning and storage for up to 20 years.
Brady's tissue cassette labels provide absolute text clarity, incorporating a bar code to maximise information content.
These adhesive labels fit the most commonly used cassettes and, crucially, when printed using the designated ribbon they are resistant to all the chemicals used in the paraffin embedding process.
In addition to remaining readable, it is vital that labels stay attached to the tissue cassette and the BSP31 label attachment system achieves this using mechanical fastening.
When a cassette is inserted into the front of the BSP31 unit, four tiny heat probes pierce the label and cassette, melting the plastic just sufficiently enough to form indestructible rivets that affix the label permanently.
Quick and simple to use within the normal workflow, the BSP31 label attachment system improves efficiency as well as traceability and complies with all European Tissue Directive Regulations regarding labelling.
Compared with an expensive direct marking system, Brady added that its solution is affordable for laboratories handling 50-200 samples per day and is also suitable as a back-up system for larger labs.