Frequently Asked Questions for Specimen Labeling Solution

Q : How can the Brady Specimen Labeling Solution meet my needs better than a direct marking system or cassette printer?

A: The Brady solution is the most flexible, economical printing system on the market, and it requires minimal training to use. Direct marking systems (e.g. laser, laser ablading, inkjet or thermal cassette printers) are typically used for higher volume applications because they print in batch mode. These cassette labelers print directly on the cassette and typically cost more than five times the price of the Brady solution. (The cost of a direct marking system averages $15,000-$35,000). Brady's solution offers small batch or single station specimen processing to reduce errors.

Direct marking systems require much more operator training; in some cases, they may even require safety precautions, particularly when the system uses lasers. The repair and maintenance of these cassette labelers is also much more intensive.

Additionally, cassettes identified by direct marking systems or cassette printers may not be resistant to all chemicals used in the process. Not all cassette labelers can print 2D or even 1D barcodes and in some cases, they are limited to only specific brand or color of cassette.

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Q: What are the time-saving advantages of lab labeling vs. handwriting?

A: Writing info on a tissue cassette may look less invasive, but it takes a tremendous amount of time throughout the sample management process. In a normal procedure, when a specimen comes in, a lab technician takes a tissue cassette and copies the info from the sheet onto the cassette. She writes the info in a book or types it into a computer. Then she needs to take multiple slides (standard research always requires a minimum of two slides, but this can go up to 20) which all need to be marked with the same slide label identification as the cassette block. As a handwritten cassette works through the process, it needs to be manually read by a technician - which takes time and is error prone! Readability? Scanability? Automation?

With an automated labeling system, the time can be reduced with simple scanning, printing, applying and attaching. The average time to handwrite a cassette is approximately 10 seconds; the Brady Specimen Labeling Solution - with printing and applying - can be completed in 8 seconds. With the tissue cassette lab labels, you can incorporate a barcode and your text will always come out legible. Printed text and barcodes minimize errors, improve data integrity and allow for chain of custody tracking. Brady has an extensive range of lab labels including slide labels, tissue cassette labels and vial labels for a variety of lab labeling applications.

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Q: Do I need to attach the labels using the BSP31 Label Attachment System, or will the labels survive tissue processing without attaching it via the BSP31 system?

A: Even though Brady lab labels can withstand most solvents and chemicals used in the fixation process, Xylene can injure the adhesive. The 4 rivets created by the BSP31 system will ensure the label remains affixed to the cassette throughout the sample management process - through the fixation and embedding process into 20 years of storage.

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Q: What tissue cassettes can the BSP31 system attach?

A: Brady's BSP31 Label Attachment System can attach histology and anatomic pathology cassettes with a 35 or 45 degree front face angle. The cassettes can be in any color. (Typical industry cassettes include Simport, McCormick, Tissue-Tek, Fisher and VWR.)

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Q: If I am able to pull off the label off with my fingernail, how can I be sure this solution will survive 'harsh' processes?

A: Through normal operations and handling, the Brady solution withstands the fixation and embedding process. Scratching off a label is not typically part of tissue processing - it is considered malicious removal. There's nothing in the real life process that matches or simulates this act; therefore, it's not significant to measure the effectiveness in this way. No print method that exists can withstand malicious removal.

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Q: What is the best way to remove wax from the surface of the tissue cassette? 

A: Brady recommends using a Para Trimmer® to melt away excess. Manually scraping paraffin off an embedded cassette is not recommended for any technology or for the safety of the technician; it can lead to removal of the information and cuts or injuries for the technician.

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Q: My filter light is on. What does that mean?

A: Filters need to be changed every 6 months or 5000 cycles. Filters can be purchased from www.bradyid.com/bsp31. Refer to your BSP31 user manual for instructions on how to change the filter.

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Q: How long does it take for the BSP31 Label Attachment System to warm up?

A: It takes approximately 3-5 minutes for the unit to warm up. You will know when the unit is ready because the 3 green lights on the front display will be solid and no longer blinking. We also recommend pressing the front power button when you power down the unit; this will put the unit into a cool down cycle.

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Q: What printers can I use to print the BSP31 Tissue Cassette labels?

A: The recommended printers are the Brady IP Printer series, Brady BBP11 Label Printer, and the Brady LabXpert Label Printer. Unlike cassette labelers, these printers can print onto a specific type of label material that is designed to withstand tissue processing protocols. These printers work great with any of Brady's lab labels.

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Q: I have other material that looks the same and is designed for tissue cassettes. Can I use this material with the BSP31?

A: No. The ONLY recommended materials for use with the BSP31 system is the B482 material with the Brady R6400 series ribbon. No other materials or ribbons are tested or validated.
I have a unique process.

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Q: Will the Brady Specimen Labeling Solution survive all processing used in a lab better than a cassette printer?

A: Brady has successfully tested this solution in many different environments. It is highly recommended that you test the solution in your own processes by requesting a free sample pack of labeled/staked cassettes. This will provide more assurance that the system will work in your process. Samples are available from Brady at www.bradyid.com/specimenlabeling.

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Q: How can I re-label a tissue block (already wax embedded cassette)?

A: Unfortunately, a cassette that already has the wax embedded block will not work in the BSP31 Label Attachment System. Only unused, un-staked cassettes will work properly in the BSP31 system. To re-label an already staked cassette post-process, it is recommended that the customer purchase Brady B498 material in the proper size and use it for re-labeling (also referred to as de-identifying or re-identifying) the cassettes/blocks.

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Q:How often do I need to clean the probes in the BSP31 Label Attachment System?

A: During normal usage, the probes can accumulate residue, which may build up over time and cause the rivet appearance to change. There are many types of cassettes with different levels of quality plastics, so there is not an exact recommendation of how often the BSP31 system should be cleaned. Even if the rivet appearance changes, that does not necessarily mean the label will not withstand the process.

The recommendation to save probe life is to clean every 2000 cassettes if needed. Refer to the BSP31 operator manual for instructions to properly clean the probes with the Brady provided brushes.

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Q:The BSP31 System is in an auto-cleaning mode. What is this?

A: If BSP31 system sits idle for 2 hours, the unit will automatically run a cleaning process to help the unit maintain it. Also, each time the POWER switch on the front panel is turned off, the BSP31 system will automatically go into this cleaning process as well. Simply allow the unit to go through the steps before turning off the power switch in the back.

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Q: How many lines of text can I print on the Label?

A: Up to 3 lines of 21 characters of text can be printed and read by the human eye, in addition to a 2D barcode, however a customer can print more lines of text if desired, depending on which printer you are using. Brady recommends 2 lines of printing on a label with a 2D barcode, and 5 lines of text on a slide label with a 2D barcode.

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Q: Can the Brady Specimen Labeling Solution connect to my network or LIS?

A: The label design software and printers are able to connect to a network and to an LIS. There are multiple configuration options depending upon your specific needs. Please contact a Brady territory manager to discuss your specific needs.

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Q: How do you scan the information into the system?

A: Brady Codereader scanners can interface with your computer system. These scanners have the ability to read a 2D barcode, which is a common barcode type in laboratories. Brady's Codereader data collection devices such as the CR2500, CR3500 and CR1200 offer the next generation in dual-field optics and are the only barcode readers that can read both wide linear and the smallest of 2D barcodes. The optimal focus and field of view indicator of these readers make barcode reading even easier than before. Brady's scanners can be easily set up to work with a variety of applications and with a number of printers.

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Q: What is the warranty and extended care maintenance program for the BSP31 System and Label Printers?

A: Brady offers a 1-year warranty standard with any purchase of the BSP31 system. In addition, Brady offers a three year extended Brady 360™ Product Protection and Care plan. The benefit of having an extended service agreement is that Brady extends the standard 12 month warranty for an additional two years, for a total coverage of 3 years. Another benefit Brady offers in the 3 year program is access to a loaner unit, so customers can be assured they will have minimal downtime. Our extended warranty is part of the entire Brady value.

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Q: Does Brady have the ability to identify and label my slides?

A: Yes, Brady sells an entire solution around identification of slides. We have a slide label called Stainerbondz™ and you can use any number of Brady thermal printers to print on the slide labels. If you are already using a Brady tissue cassette system, the slide labeler solution is a natural extension. You can use the slider labeler solution independent of the tissue cassette system as well. Please see the Brady website to find out more info on the slide labeler solution or any of Brady's lab labels.

Para Trimmer is a registered trademark of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

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