In routine laboratory work, reliable documentation of vial contents is essential. However, smaller vials offer hardly any space for a wide range of information. With the barcode reader developed by Axel Semrau, labels can even be read on 2-mL vials.
1D barcodes vs. 2D barcodes
Barcodes known from the consumer goods sector can only store a few characters. For laboratory routines, these 1D barcodes are usually not sufficient. 2D barcodes, such as QR codes, however, can easily encode up to ten items with high recognition accuracy. Marking with this amount of information is possible even with small labels and thus even with 2-mL vessels.
Continuous documentation and time savings
Coding sample information as a barcode is a standard tool in laboratory automation. Almost every laboratory information management system (LIMS) offers the possibility to generate barcode labels, so that information can be easily and reliably exchanged between the LIMS and other data systems.
The barcode reader from Axel Semrau allows the user to transfer this information to the sample list. With this 2D barcode, up to ten different parameters can be stored, e.g. sample name, weight, comment or even the method.
The EDP or LIM system of the laboratory manages the sample-specific information and prints the 2D barcode labels. When read out, this information is transferred to the sample list of the CHRONOS software platform and thus to GC-MS evaluation software. They are therefore available for processing the sample list and for evaluation in Xcalibur, ChemStation or Analyst.
The information scanned via the 2D barcode no longer needs to be entered manually. In this way, the barcode reader saves a lot of working time. Errors due to incorrect entries can be avoided.
Application example: automated dilution and standard production
The modular system of the CHRONECT Robotic Autosampler and the CHRONOS software platform enable the barcode reader to be integrated into application solutions for the automation of complex processes.
With CHRONECT Robotic, even highly viscous liquids can be diluted fully automatically. The barcode helps with the clear identification and composition of the contents.
In the production of standards, traceability is ensured by the use of 2D barcodes and a software package consisting of CHRONOS and substance management software. The software creates suitable labels for the stock solutions, which are printed on solvent-resistant foil using a barcode printer. Before each dosing, the barcode is used to check the correctness of the stock solution. The CHRONECT Workstation MultiMix handles this automatic production of calibration standards.
Barcode reader - all functions at a glance
Supports all common 1D and 2D barcodes
Simple rotation technique for reliable identification of the barcode on the vial
Vial holder for 20 mL, 10 mL or 2 mL vials
Labels with barcode and plain text can be used
Retrieval of information from SQL databases for sample verification via barcode
Activation of CHRONECT Robotic Autosampler e.g. different sample preparation steps depending on sample type
Sophisticated error handling for not identified barcodes
Special solvent resistant labels
