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Automated Tube Sorting in Laboratories with Barcodes
Every day, laboratories around the world receive hundreds or even thousands of samples which demand sophisticated solutions that go beyond simple identification. Imagine the logistical challenge of accurately sorting these huge volume of sample tubes based on various criteria – test type, department, destination, or priority. Manual sorting is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also prone to errors that can have serious consequences. In these scenarios, automated tube sorting driven by precise barcode scanning emerges as a critical advancement.
Intelligent Tube Sorting in Modern Laboratories
Consider a laboratory receiving a constant influx of diverse sample tubes, each tube needs to be directed to the correct processing station, analytical instrument, or storage location. Automated systems leveraging barcode scanning streamline this complex workflow, often categorized into:
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Bulk Sorters: Upon arrival, sample tubes are automatically fed into the bulk sorter. A laboratory barcode scanner instantly reads the unique identifier on each tube. Based on the encoded information, the system then sorts and deposits the vials into designated collection boxes, often organized by department or test type.
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Track Sorters: Representing a higher level of automation, track sorters provide continuous, automated routing. After a laboratory barcode scanner reads a sample’s barcode, the system intelligently routes the tube along the track or conveyor directly to its respective department, analyzer or workstation without requiring manual intervention.
Whether employing a bulk or track sorters, the integration of precise barcode scanning is revolutionizing how laboratories manage their vast array of samples, ensuring efficiency and accuracy for the moment tube arrives.
Challenge in Implementing Automated Barcode-Driven Tube Sorting
Implementing automated barcode-driven tube sorting systems present several challenges:
- Reading Barcodes on Cylindrical Surfaces: Reading barcodes accurately on curved tube surfaces, especially at high speed, requires sophisticated scanning technology. Issues like glare, distortion, and partial obstruction can hinder performance.
- Variation in Tube Size and Shape: There are a wide variety of tubes used in laboratories. The sorting system must be adaptable enough to handle these variations without causing any errors. The barcode scanner should be able to read barcodes consistently regardless of tube dimensions.
- High-Speed Sorting: For laboratories, processing large number of samples requires high-speed sorting system without compromising accuracy. The laboratory barcode scanner needs to keep with the mechanical sorting process.
How Dynamsoft Barcode Reader Powers Intelligent Tube Sorting
Dynamsoft Barcode Reader (DBR) provides the core technology for enabling accurate barcode-driven sample sorting in the laboratory environments:
- Advanced Decoding of Curved Surfaces: DBR’s robust algorithms are specifically designed to handle the challenges of reading barcodes on cylindrical objects. It ensures high reading rate even with distortion and glare.
- Mass Barcode Reading Capabilities: DBR offers batch barcode scanning which can read multiple barcodes at once while constantly achieving close to 100% accuracy. It is 50 times faster than manual barcode scanning.
- Flexibility to Integrate with Diverse Hardware: It can be integrated with a wide range of scanning hardware commonly used in automated sorting systems including fixed-mount scanners and cameras.
- Customizable parameters: DBR offers a wide range of parameters to customize scan settings which can be used to optimize barcode reading performance in specific scenarios. This includes parameters to read barcodes under different lighting conditions, with poor contrast or even distorted barcodes, ensuring accurate and fast reading.
Getting Started with Dynamsoft Barcode Reader for Your Laboratory
By leveraging the powerful barcode reading capabilities of Dynamsoft Barcode Reader, laboratories can overcome the challenges of automated tube sorting and unlock significant gains in efficiency, accuracy and overall productivity. Book a meeting with our technical experts to get first-hand experience of Dynamsoft Barcode Reader.