Duke University - Center for Human Genetics (CHG)

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Duke University's Center for Human Genetics DNA Bank
discovers lab labeling solution that can take the cold

The DNA Bank and Tissue Repository at the Center for Human Genetics (CHG) is one of the oldest and largest DNA banks in the United States, processing blood and tissue samples for CHG researchers as well as investigators nationally and worldwide. The DNA Bank recently upgraded their lab labeling system to ensure the long-term integrity of samples and to meet their needs for barcode tracking and laboratory information management.

The DNA Bank currently contains samples for 127,500 individuals, featuring more than 65,000 cell lines. Every day, the Bank extracts and stores DNA from samples that arrive from across the country. Because many samples are delivered and stored frozen, new labels need to adhere to frozen vials and withstand -80º F or even liquid nitrogen storage without peeling, cracking, or falling off. Their lab labeling system must also be flexible and expandable enough to integrate seamlessly with the Bank's existing Laboratory Information Management System(LIMS).

Working with the local Brady distributor and Duke lab staff, Brady was able to provide a total lab labeling solution offering durable labels, more customized labeling options, faster label printing, and software that integrates the label design and database functions. This complete Brady solution is easy for the lab staff to use, speeding the creation and printing of labels and allowing lab staff to customize labels to meet their expanding database management needs.

Brady's FreezerBondz™ Thermal Transfer Printable Labels, when used as specified, help ensure that no valuable DNA data is lost due to missing or damaged labels. According to David Layfield, the Bank Manager at the DNA Bank, Brady FreezerBondz labels are well worth the investment in terms of time and samples saved: "Of all the labeling systems we've tested, only the Brady labels were able to withstand long-term storage at -80º." The lab staff at the DNA bank uses other Brady labels for more standard 4º F sample storage, giving them the performance they need within their budget.

The Bank's labeling needs range from a few hundred samples per study to as many as 5,000. To meet these needs, Duke lab staff tested their current printer against the Brady 300MVP Plus™ Thermal Transfer Printer. The results were enough to convince them to make the switch - the Brady 300MVP Plus printer was faster by far, allowing them to print more labels in less time to better meet their peak time constraints.

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