Ziath has posted an easy-to-follow video guide to assist scientists and technicians scanning and decoding sample tube racks direct from low temperature storage, especially when withdrawn from vapour phase liquid nitrogen tanks.
The tracking and tracing of samples can be improved by integrating tube rack scanners which record movements of 2D-barcoded tube racks throughout the laboratory process. This reduces the accidental loss of samples when transferred from rack to rack – a common cause of errors even in modern sample management systems.
However, scanning sample tube racks directly retrieved from low temperature storage, can be problematic. 2D-bar coded tube racks retrieved straight from the freezer can 'fog' the scanner or reader glass as condensation forms on a surface which has been cooled by the application of the cold rack. This can lead to problems in resolving and accurately decoding the 2D barcodes on the underside of the tubes.
Ziath’s proprietary ‘cryoprotection’ coating addresses this problem by preventing the fogging occurring. In addition the coating, which is available as an option on all Ziath tube readers and scanners, will not heat up and potentially degrade thermally sensitive samples – unlike some physical methods, such as blowing heated air over the rack surface.
The company’s range of 2D barcoded tube scanners and rack readers are designed to be easy to use, reliable and robust. The are and widely employed by organisations worldwide for biobanking, compound management, COVID-19 sample testing and many other sample tracking and tracing applications.
To watch the video guide – which demonstrates the remove ice, blotting and scanning protocol to take less than 30 seconds per rack – you can view the video below. For further information on scanning and decoding tube racks direct from low temperature storage please CLICK HERE or contact Ziath on +44-1223-855021 / +1-858-880-6920 / info@ziath.com.
