Lab Leader's Edge

How to Digitize Biobank Operations with Barcode Technology (Part 2) | Special Guest: John Wagner

Welcome to Episode 3 of Lab Leader’s Edge, the podcast for lab professionals who want to take their lab leadership and operations to the next level.In this continuation of our barcode series, Dr. George Ambartsoumian and sample management expert John Wagner move beyond the “why” and dive into the how of barcode implementation in biobanks.If Episode 2 explored the benefits of barcoding, this episode walks you through the practical decisions every biobank must make when implementing a barcode system, including choosing the right barcode type, selecting labels, printers, software, and scanners.💡 What You’ll Learn• The difference between 1D and 2D barcodes — and why 2D codes like Data Matrix are often ideal for biobanking• How container size and surface type affect barcode selection• How SnapPEEL® technology allows labeling both the cap and side of a vial in one step• Step-by-step guidance on mapping workflows before implementing barcoding• How barcodes improve sample collection, processing, storage, and retrieval• What to consider when selecting cryogenic labels for different temperature ranges• Thermal transfer vs direct thermal vs laser vs inkjet printing — and when each makes sense• When to use preprinted labels vs on-demand printing• How to choose the right barcode software and integrate it with your LIMS• The difference between label printing software and full LIMS platforms• How to select the right barcode scanner — laser vs imaging, wired vs wireless, real-time vs batchThis episode gives you a complete foundation for building a durable, scalable barcode system in demanding biobank environments — including cryogenic storage.📌 If you missed Part 1 (Episode 2), where we covered the fundamentals and benefits of barcoding in biobanks, be sure to watch that episode first. The link is below.https://youtu.be/8xuYBxluof8Have questions or want to be a guest?Connect with George on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeambartsoumian/For more information, visithttps://www.labtag.com/Labels for frozen samples:https://www.labtag.com/solutions/cryostuck/

How to Digitize Biobank Operations with Barcode Technology | Special Guest: John Wagner (Episode 2)

Welcome to Episode 2 of Lab Leader’s Edge, the podcast for lab professionals who want to take their lab leadership and operations to the next level. In this episode, LabTAG founder Dr. George Ambartsoumian and sample management expert John Wagner explore how biobanks can use barcode technology to boost accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in their daily operations. George and John unpack the real-world benefits of adopting barcode systems in biobanking and how innovations like CryoSTUCK® labels and LIMS integration are making it easier than ever to track and manage biospecimens across their entire lifecycle. 💡 What You’ll Learn * The biggest labeling and tracking challenges biobanks face, and how barcoding solves them * How barcode technology reduces sample mix-ups and saves time in large collections * How to label cryogenically frozen vials without thawing your samples * The real cost of implementing barcode systems, and why it’s more affordable than you think * How LIMS software connects barcodes to every stage of sample management for complete traceability Have questions or want to be a guest? Connect with George on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeambartsoumian/ For more information, visit www.labtag.com Learn more about labels for frozen samples: https://www.labtag.com/solutions/cryostuck/

Strategies to Become a Better Lab Leader (Episode 1)

Welcome to the first episode of Lab Leader’s Edge, the podcast for lab professionals who want to take their lab leadership to the next level. In this kickoff episode, host Dr. George Ambartsoumian, a scientist and founder of LabTAG [http://www.labtag.com], shares three foundational strategies to help you run a more efficient, organized, and empowered lab. What You’ll Learn: * Why are clear, written SOPs essential for reducing errors and maintaining consistency across the lab * How to standardize sample labeling using unique identifiers and barcode technology * How color-coding can speed up sample retrieval and prevent mix-ups * Why regular inventory checks are essential, and how barcoding and LIMS can simplify the process * The importance of team training and development, and where to find helpful courses, communities, and learning resources * Recommended conferences, podcasts, and learning platforms for lab leaders in biobanking, clinical, and research labs Resources mentioned in the episode Associations ISBER – International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories [https://www.isber.org/] ASCP-American Society of Clinical Pathology [http://ascp.org/] NSH – National Society for Histotechnology [https://www.nsh.org/] CAP – College of American Pathologists [https://www.cap.org/] BBMRI ERIC – Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure – European Research Infrastructure Consortium [https://www.bbmri-eric.eu/] Courses Essentials of Biobanking by ISBER [https://www.isber.org/page/EssentialsBiobanking] Lab Management University (Fundamentals) [https://www.ascp.org/education/learning-format/certificate-programs/lmu] Lab Management University (Advanced) [https://www.ascp.org/education/learning-format/certificate-programs/lmu/lmu-advanced] University of Pathology Informatics [https://www.ascp.org/education/learning-format/certificate-programs/upi] Leadership Institute [https://www.ascp.org/education/learning-format/certificate-programs/li] LabVine Learning [https://www.labvinelearning.com/] Lab Manager Academy [https://labmanageracademy.com/] Podcasts Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/7kvy5NL9nRfddtgR2023Fy]– [https://www.isber.org/] Inside the Lab [https://open.spotify.com/show/7kvy5NL9nRfddtgR2023Fy] Podcast – Lab Medicine Rounds [https://open.spotify.com/show/2947L6zN9sOVlBAZa8HGGu] Podcast – eLABorate Topics [https://open.spotify.com/show/6bHc3HZmCtBcYfqH00Is6J] Podcast – Wizards of Biobanking [https://www.openspecimen.org/biobanking/] Podcast – BBMRI-ERIC Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/4sWPil2wRoCDFzWUY8N9Rr] Communities Labrats [https://www.reddit.com/r/labrats/] Medlabprofessionals [https://www.reddit.com/r/medlabprofessionals/]  Medical Laboratory Scientists - MLS/MLT(ASCP), AMT, AAB [https://www.facebook.com/groups/medical.laboratory.professionals/] Medical Laboratory Professionals [https://www.facebook.com/groups/631676110517519/] DLT/DMLT/BMLT/PGMLT [https://www.facebook.com/groups/307256626615158/] Laboratory Professionals International [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/37961/] Laboratory Management Professionals - Hospital & Independent Laboratories [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1826389/] Have questions or want to be a guest? Connect with George on LinkedIn: George Ambartsoumian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeambartsoumian/]