RFID Ultra Micro Tags in Laboratory Sample Tracking
From basic science research to clinical medical testing, from materials research and development to environmental monitoring, laboratories handle a large number of samples every day. Ensuring accurate sample tracking, safe storage and complete information recording is essential to ensure the reliability of experimental results, improve research efficiency and meet regulatory requirements.
Challenges of Sample Management in the Laboratory
Samples are large and varied
Large research laboratories or testing organisations may store and handle thousands of samples at the same time, covering biological samples, chemical reagents, material samples and many other types.
Sample flow is error-prone
From collection, transport, warehousing, storage, experimental use to the final disposal of samples, through a number of links and different people’s hands. In each link, human negligence, untimely or inaccurate records may lead to errors or loss of sample information, affecting the smooth progress of the experiment.
Lack of real-time monitoring and early warning
Traditional sample tracking methods make it difficult to achieve real-time monitoring of samples, and are unable to detect abnormalities in samples, such as abnormal storage temperatures, lost or stolen samples, etc. By the time a problem is discovered, it may be too late.
RFID Micro tag Features
Ultra-small size and high compatibility: RFID tags are extremely small in size, usually in the millimetre or even micron scale, and can be easily attached to the surface of various types of sample containers, or embedded in some small samples, taking up almost no additional space, and will not affect the nature of the samples and experimental operations.
High-capacity information storage: Despite its tiny size, the chip can store a wealth of information about the sample, including sample name, number, source, collection time, preservation conditions, experimental use, current status, and detailed experimental records.
Fast read-write and long-distance identification: RFID tags can achieve rapid read-write information, in a short period of time can be read at the same time multiple tags of information, greatly improving the efficiency of the sample inventory and access to the warehouse. Moreover, within a certain range (usually up to a few metres), without the need for close scanning like bar codes, read-write equipment can automatically identify the tag information
High Reliability and Stability: Ultra-micro tags use special packaging materials and processes, with good resistance to chemical corrosion, high temperature, abrasion resistance, and can adapt to a variety of complex environmental conditions in the laboratory, to ensure that the label in the sample of the entire life cycle of stable work, information is not lost, not damaged.
Application Scenarios in Laboratory Sample Tracking
Sample collection and transport
At the sample collection site, the staff will be with a unique identification code RFID ultra-micro tag paste or embedded in the sample container, and use handheld read-write equipment will be related to the sample information, such as the collection site, time, sample type, collector, etc., real-time written into the tag chip. During the sample transport process, RFID reading and writing devices and environmental monitoring sensors are installed in the transport vehicles or containers, which can read the sample tag information in real time and record the temperature, humidity, vibration and other environmental parameters during the transport process. Once the environmental parameters exceed the appropriate range of the sample, the system immediately sends out an alarm to notify the relevant personnel to take measures to ensure the quality and safety of the samples in the transport process.
Sample warehousing and storage management
After the samples arrive at the laboratory, in the storage section, the warehouse management personnel use fixed RFID reading and writing devices to scan the samples in bulk, and the system automatically compares and updates the sample information with the laboratory inventory management system to complete the registration of the samples in the warehouse. In the storage process, the laboratory shelves, refrigerators, cold storage and other storage equipment installed with read-write base station, can real-time monitoring of the sample storage location and status. When the location of the samples changes, the system automatically updates the location information, so that it is convenient for the staff to find the samples at any time.
Sample tracking during the experiment
During the experiment, the experimental personnel use the read-write equipment equipped in the laboratory to scan the samples in each experimental operation node, and record the information of the sample’s use time, use personnel, experimental operation steps and experimental results. This information is uploaded to the laboratory management system in real time, forming a complete record of the sample experiment.
Sample Disposal and Destruction Management
When the samples have completed all experimental purposes or reached the preservation period and need to be disposed of or destroyed, the staff scans the sample ultramicro tags again, and the system records the disposal time, disposal method and operator information to ensure that the sample disposal process is in line with relevant regulations and laboratory regulations. At the same time, for some dangerous or sensitive samples, the system can also be linked with the security monitoring system to monitor the whole process of sample disposal to prevent safety accidents or information leakage.