Function: Human and machine-readable barcodes visually represent unique identifiers for manual data entry and cross-referencing, enhancing sample/compound identification and facilitating correct sample detection in biotech workflows.
Use Case Example: In a research laboratory, human-readable and machine-readable barcodes are affixed to sample tubes containing different biological samples and compounds. Researchers manually input the human-readable ID and can easily filter or search their samples. They can also scan the barcode from the labels attached, to track, process, and register samples within the system. This ensures accurate sample identification and traceability, allowing researchers to easily cross-reference the physical samples with the corresponding records in the database, minimizing errors and enhancing data integrity.
How to create printable barcodes from Labsheets?
Use Case: In a genomics lab, researchers need to label hundreds of DNA samples efficiently. Using Scispot, they generate barcodes directly from Labsheets, enabling both manual and automated systems to accurately track the samples through various workflow stages, such as DNA extraction and sequencing. By creating these barcode labels in Scispot, the lab reduces errors, improves sample traceability, and enhances efficiency in high-throughput projects.
Create human and machine-readable barcodes for your samples, compounds, cell lines, antibodies, etc.
Go to Labsheets
Open your Labsheet
Select the entries (eg. samples, compounds, etc) for which you want to print labels
Go to the floating toolbar and select the 'Print' option
A Print Labels modal will appear displaying the barcodes.
Customize your file by setting your Barcode Type (1D or 2D), Barcode Format (PDF, ZPL, CSV), and Metadata Fields to include in your print.
Hit the Print button when you are ready to print all the selected labels
These files can be sent to printers for chemical and temperature-resistant barcode labels including:
Zebra ZD411
Zebra ZT410
Brother TD-4550DNWB
TSC TTP-2410MT
SATO CL4NX
The CSV file format can also be used to print barcodes in external platforms like Brady Workstation.
How to register external barcodes with existing samples?
Use Case: A biotech lab receives prelabeled samples from a collaborator, each with external barcodes already attached. Using Scispot, the team quickly scans the external barcodes and associates them with existing records in their system. This allows the lab to seamlessly integrate the new samples into their workflow without the need for relabeling. As a result, sample tracking and identification are streamlined, ensuring consistency and accuracy across both internal and external projects.
Scan your external barcode (ie. a barcode that was not generated by Scispot)
Click "Associate to Existing Item" to connect your barcode with an existing sample.
Search for the sample to which you wish to assign the barcode. Your external barcode has now been registered with a sample in Scispot!
How to find your samples using barcodes?
Use Case: A researcher needs to locate an RNA sample. They scan its' barcode using Scispot, and the system instantly shows the sample’s details and storage location. This saves time and ensures accurate retrieval for further analysis.
Scanning a barcode off of your samples, compounds, cell lines, antibodies, etc. in Scispot to easily access its associated Labsheet.
Open Seach by selecting the search icon button in the left navigation bar or using the 'ctrl + /' command
Click the Scan Barcode button in the top right corner of the search modal window
Select your medium of scanning, either via device camera or your own scanner
Supported scanners include:
Tera Barcode Scanner
NETUM Bluetooth Barcode Scanner
Eyoyo Wired USB Barcode Scanner
Symcode MJ-6708
TaoTronics TT-BS030
Scan your barcode
Track your samples/inventory easily, with the sample details page displayed
From here, you can check out the sample to a Labspace or Manifest
How to print barcodes through Brady Workstation
Open your labsheet and select the entries that you want to create barcodes for
Click Print in the floating toolbar
Set CSV as the file type and click Print as CSV to download the file to your device.
Note: Barcode type will be determined in Brady Workstation
Open Brady Workstation
From Home, navigate to Custom Designer and create a new label here based on your requirements (eg. Printer, Label format, File type)
Click Create
Select the Advanced Import button
Choose the option that supports our file type, being CSV
Select and upload your file. In the bottom panel, you should see the content of your CSV file.
Click Next to select entries you want to print barcodes with, and click Finish once done.
In the dropdown menu, decide the format of the data to add to your Brady label.
To print barcodes, we will select barcode and then select our barcode format.For standard 2D barcodes, choose QR
For standard 1D barcodes, choose Code 128
Click and drag your barcode column onto the label canvas to add your barcode to your label. Each barcode in the column will be added to a new page.
From here, you can:
Adjust the barcode format
Arrange the barcode position and size on the label canvas
Add the alphanumeric barcode to the label
Click Print in the top toolbar to print from Brady Workspace.
Ensure accurate sample identification, traceability, and data integrity with Scispot's barcode creation and scanning feature.
Scispot has made it easy to create, print, and scan barcodes, simplifying the management of lab inventories and enhancing workflow efficiency. By using both human-readable and machine-readable barcodes, researchers can streamline manual data entry and minimize errors in tracking samples and compounds. Labs can now ensure seamless tracking of samples, maintaining high standards of data integrity and operational accuracy.